So real estate wisdom tells us that spring and summer are the prime seasons for house hunting and moving. People are more likely to get out and shop when the weather is nice. It is a more pleasant time of year, and sellers know their gardens and yards look better when bright and green. Yet there are some very logical and compelling reasons for shopping for a home and moving in the winter as well.
As we know, moving and real estate often go hand in hand, and though we’d like to dictate when we move and when we buy a house, very often other circumstances can emerge and force us to sell, buy and move anytime of year. But having to buy a house in the winter is not the worst thing that can happen. In fact, here are some advantages that show how you could benefit from house hunting in the winter.
Fewer Buyers to Compete With
The most obvious plus of buying and moving in winter is exactly because real estate wisdom says to shop spring and summer. As a result of this popular piece of real estate advice, there will be fewer buyers in competition during the winter months. It’s simple economics – the low demand will work in your favor. So for the investor looking to find a good deal in the housing market, the winter can be prime time.
Higher Inventory But Less Competition
Currently, in the Fraser Valley real estate market, inventory is higher than usual at this time of year. For this reason, you can take more time finding the right home and when you do, have fewer buyers to compete with.
Prices Are Lower
When you have fewer buyers in the market, supply exceeds demand. This usually results in prices being lower than during the hot or peak season.
Sellers are Motivated
All the low activity in the winter will result in sellers being far more motivated to sell. Real estate agents know that the slow winter months are when sellers are more willing to negotiate, whether it is on selling price, closing costs, closing date or even terms of the sale, including what household appliances and items are included in the sale. And these are all the very reasons that many real estate agents recommend that their clients delay listing their homes till at least the spring. The winter is not a great time for sellers, in general.
What Are the Seller’s Circumstances?
Furthermore, there are the circumstances hinted at above when sellers are forced to sell during the winter. Perhaps a job offer has dictated a winter move, or the seller may have personal issues that are dictating his/her actions – financial issues, divorce, etc. Again, this may work to the buyer’s advantage as the seller will be very motivated.
Fewer Chances That There Will Be Multiple Offers on the House You Want
Another reason that winter can be such a buyer’s market for real estate is that the fewer number of buyers competing for homes means that the chances of there being multiple offers on a single property are greatly reduced. This again translates to buyers having the upper hand over sellers in the negotiations.
Your Real Estate Agent Will Work Harder For You
Low activity during the winter months also means you will have the undivided attention of your realtor, and he or she will be working harder for you. These lean months of low sales volume encourage realtors to try just that little bit harder to negotiate a sale.
So brave the cold, wet weather, and get out there and house hunt. Remember that in Canada, it is still a great time to invest in real estate. Prices are down and interest rates are great.