History shows us that winter is a slower time in real estate—and not just by a little bit. Research from the National Association of Realtors shows that sales activity between February and March, as we approach spring, typically increases by more than 30 percent. While this may sound like bad news, it’s not—especially if you’re buying. Here are four great reasons to continue your search for a new home in the DMV this winter.
1. Winter is great for bargains
Many homeowners take their homes off the market over the holidays, only to relist as the market begins to thaw after January. Pair this with fewer people shopping for homes in the cold—aka, your competition—and you have two important factors working in your favor.
Less competition means you’re not as likely to encounter a bidding war. With fewer buyers (and fewer offers) you have a better chance of getting the home you want at the price you’re hoping for.
2. The process moves more quickly
With fewer houses moving, you’re less likely to encounter backlogs throughout the process, as closing companies, realtors, and inspectors are all more available than they are during peak periods—not to mention, extra motivated.
Additionally, many companies tend to complete relocations in Q1, which brings inventory along with motivation to sell. More inventory means more for you to choose from, while motivation to sell means the seller (in this case, usually the relocating company’s agent) is more likely to negotiate with the buyer on things like sale price, closing costs, concessions, etc.
3. You’ll get to see the house working its hardest
While we do get some days with warm(ish) weather over the winter months, more often than not, it’s fairly chilly. Extreme temperatures give you a real-life view of the homes you’re considering in one of their hardest-working times.
While your home inspector should look at the HVAC during the process, you get to see it yourself when you do your walkthrough. Check for consistent temperatures throughout the home’s rooms, listen for any odd noises, and check the vents for airflow. Look for separations in molding or wall and floor joints, as these are most likely to appear during the winter months.
4. You have a blanker slate
When nature is at its peak—think beautiful cherry blossoms in bloom, sun shining, green grass—it’s easy to miss some potentially negative details. In the winter, you’ll get a glimpse of something more “raw.” You don’t have to push behind flourishing bushes to check a foundation or wonder how close you’ll be to looking in a neighbor’s windows when the leaves fall—everything is in plain sight.
