Why Buying A House in Winter is A Great Idea!

Many people refrain from buying a house in Winter for various reasons. Here are a few:

1) People are typically busy with the holidays
2) They are tight for money. 
3) It's cold and most don't like moving in the cold or bad weather.
4) They don't want to move their children out of their school mid school-year.

So, Spring is the time-frame where Buyers start coming out of "hibernation". Consequently, real estate picks up. One of the reasons is that Spring brings "new beginnings" and psychologically it marks a time for change. It's also warming up and easier to rent the U-Haul for a do-it-yourself move. But a big one is the tax return check that can be used for a down payment or as part of the closing costs.

Despite some of the reasons given above as to why real estate sales tend to slack in Winter, I say it's the best time to buy.

Why?

Because there are still houses in the market that are under listing contracts, until their expiration date or until sold. Because the market slows down so much, these homes may show weeks or months in the market, and the Seller's may be a bit angsty about not being able to sell their home and moving on with their lives elsewhere. Do you think they may be motivated if someone would make them an offer in the dead of Winter?

You bet they would!

They may consider a nice reduction in price, paying Buyer's closing costs -- or a portion of them -- paying for a home warranty, throwing in furniture and other personal items, and allowing for an extended closing date so that the Buyer can sell their own property. 

In short, as a Buyer, you'll tend to come out winning at the negotiation table in Winter than in any other time of the year because of Supply and Demand.

When real estate sales slow down in Winter, there may still be an adequate supply of homes in the market, yet the demand would have dwindled. Winter, therefore, creates a seasonal "Buyer's Market". 

So, if you're in the market to buy a home, think about starting your search in November and putting in a contract in December or January, when everyone else isn't looking for homes. You may come out ahead -- way ahead!

Call me when you're ready!

I'll put on my boots, mittens, scarf and ski jacket, to help you find that ideal home in the dead of Winter! 

- Ari Kopel
Broker, REALTOR®
Hodges and Fooshee Realty
Cell: 615-336-5451
Email: kopelrealestate@outlook.com
TheNashvilleRealEstateVibe.com