Waiting for perfect market conditions often means missing out. Because what you may not realize is, if you are ready and able to buy, this time of year could actually give you an edge. Here’s why. As the weather cools down, the housing market can too. That works in your favor.
You likely won’t feel as rushed
Homes tend to take a little longer to sell during this time of year. Data from the National Association of Realtors shows the average time a house sits on the market jumps up during the winter months.
This is partly because fewer buyers are active at this time of year. That decrease in buyer competition means the houses that are on the market aren’t going to be snatched up as quickly. So, if you decide to buy a home in the next couple of months, you will likely have more time to consider your options and negotiate a deal without feeling as pressured.
Sellers may be more willing to negotiate
Since homes generally take longer to sell during the winter, sellers are often more motivated to close a deal. That can work in your favor, too.
Whether it’s compromising on price, covering closing costs or repairs, or including extras like appliances, you have more room to ask for what you need.
Homes are less expensive in the winter
With less competition from other buyers and sellers who are more willing to negotiate, you may see slightly lower prices too. In fact, according to NAR, homes are typically about 5% less expensive now compared to when prices normally peak in the summer.
That might not seem like a huge difference, but on a $400,000 home, it could mean savings of $30,000 on the purchase price.
You can see the expected seasonal shift in home prices taking place this year. Take a look at the graph below showing the median sales price of existing homes over the past 12 months. You’ll notice in the green bars that prices were lower in the winter months last year. Looks like that might happen again this year. That gives you the chance to make your budget go further.
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