There’s no doubt the most popular time to buy a new home is in the spring and summer months, when it’s easy to get from house to house and you can see exactly what you’re buying. Even though the temperatures have dipped, you don’t have to cool off the hunt for your next home! Here are some of the reasons to consider shopping now, and a few reasons to wait until the snow melts.
Pros
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Winter is generally a buyer’s market with less competition. This means you’re less likely to experience a multiple-offer situation when you find the right house.
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Sellers in the winter are motivated, so you may be able to negotiate a lower price than other times of the year. Motivated sellers are also more likely to agree to terms such as a home inspection.
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You’ll know how the house performs during cold weather, and can easily see how weatherproof the house is.
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Because it’s a slow season, you’re likely to get more time with your realtor, and find it easier to hire movers.
Cons
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Generally, there are fewer homes for sale in the winter, so it may take a bit more time to find the perfect house.
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It can be difficult to see outdoor details, such as the condition of the roof, deck, and landscaping, particularly since you’ll lose daylight quickly in the evening and the yard is typically snow-covered.
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Moving in snowy climates can be very difficult, with unpredictable weather.
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Moving in the winter with a family means children will have to switch schools mid-year.
Top tips
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Ask for photos of the home in other seasons so you can get a sense of how the yard and exterior have been maintained.
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Be more diligent about asking questions, such as when the roof was last replaced.
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Ask for proof of maintenance, since it can be more difficult to see all the nooks and crannies.
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Don’t be afraid to wait until you find the right house, even if that means waiting until the spring or summer.
Take the next step
Whether to shop now or wait is a personal choice with no wrong answer. If you’d like to get ahead of the spring home-buying market, it might be a great time to book a pre-approval meeting with a lending specialist. Getting pre-approved now means that you’ll enjoy a 90-day rate guarantee so you can house hunt at your own pace and be sure to get the best rates available, even if you wait until it thaws.
When you’re ready to start the conversation with a lending specialist, click the button below to fill out our form, and we’ll reach out to you to explore your options.
