0 Benefits of Buying a Home in the Winter

Most people think the combination of moving and winter is pretty miserable. Between dealing with the busy holiday season, a dwindling bank account, and inclement weather, winter isn’t usually the most ideal time to pack up and relocate.

However, if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, now might be the perfect time to do it. Here are six reasons why buying a home in the winter is a good idea.

1. Studies show the most popular time to buy or sell a home falls between April and July. Very few people choose to move during the winter. Therefore, it is pretty safe to assume those who do so aren’t doing it by choice. Many people sell their home during the winter out of necessity – job transfers, school enrollment and financial issues are the leading causes of sudden relocation. As a result, a homebuyer can usually find a pretty good deal and definitely has the upper hand when it comes time to negotiate price.

Homebuyers should note this information is region specific. Residents in warm locations – especially those in common retirement areas like Florida – don’t tend to follow the home buying/selling yearly cycle of other, cooler locations. Also, the complete opposite information tends to hold true for popular ski and winter sport regions

2. Just like no one wants to sell during the winter unless forced, few people are shopping for a new home. This means each homebuyer has less competition.

3. Lenders usually have fewer loans to process and less paperwork to deal with during the winter. In fact, some lenders are willing to offer extra perks or forego certain fees just so they can stay busy during the slower months.

4. Real estate agents have fewer clients this time of year. As a result, they are more attentive to a homebuyer’s search.

5. Shopping in the winter means you can gather more valuable information about each home you view. Hunting for the perfect home during inclement weather may seem less than ideal; however, it really does have its advantages. Check how the home survives heavy rains, winds, and other major winter storms. Note how energy efficient the home is. Are there drafts? Check the last electric and gas bill. Also check how bad weather would affect the daily commute.

6. Take the time to meet the neighbors. During the summer, most families tend to scatter in every direction at the first sign of nice weather, making it difficult to get to know those around you. However, during the colder months, people tend to be home more often. Remember, you aren’t just shopping for a home; you are also shopping for a neighborhood.

Have you been waiting for the perfect time to buy a new home? Well, bundle up and get shopping! Buck the popular relocating trends and find you dream home at a bargain price. It may seem unconventional to move during the winter, but you will probably be glad you did.

Author's Bio:

 Denis writes on behalf of http://www.pallspera.com, a real estate company with property listing for many cities in Vermont. Here you can browse cambridge vt real estate listings.