6 Reasons Why Winter Is Actually the Most Chill Time to Buy a Home

When the weather outside is frightful, trudging door to door to look at houses might seem like a fool’s errand. Everybody knows spring and summer are the home-buying seasons, and winter is the time when you—and sellers—cool it for a bit and take a break, right?

While it’s true that things do slow down in the winter, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Yes, it’s cold. Yes, fewer homes are for sale. Yes, moving in a snowstorm is a pain no one should experience. But there are quite a few darned smart reasons to buy a home in the winter. In fact, we’d argue that this might even be the best time to buy a home—if you can. Here’s why.

1. There’s less competition

Not everyone’s willing to look at homes in single-digit temperatures. The months of May, June, July, and August make up 40% of existing-home sales, while January and February account for less than 6%.

For sellers, that’s not-so-hot news. But buyers should rejoice.

“Buying in the winter knocks out a large chunk of the buyer competition, allowing you to be a bit more selective with your home purchase,” says Cincinnati real estate agent Eric Sztanyo.

Sure, more summer inventory means there’s a better chance of finding your dream home. But your chances of successfully buying any home are higher when it’s chilly. Fewer buyers mean fewer all-cash, over-asking offers—making your traditionally financed offer more appealing.

2. Sellers are motivated—and willing to make a deal

Most likely, sellers listing their home in the depths of winter seriously want to sell. That gives buyers the upper hand.

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