4 Reasons Why Winter is a Perfect Time to Buy a New Home

Winter is a wonderful time of year for many great activities.  Skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling are just a few. Traditionally, purchasing a new home has not been included in the list of activities to do in the winter.  Here are a few reasons why you may want to reconsider:  

1. Less Competition – The same issues that make holiday moving a hassle tend to keep people from shopping for homes at that time.  While there may be fewer homes available, there are also fewer homebuyers – and that should equal less competition for any home that fits your needs.  
2. Faster Closings – As a general rule, everyone involved in a holiday real estate transaction wants to complete the transaction before the year ends.  Buyers want to settle in their new homes (and if sellers are relocating, they want to settle in before the holidays as well). Lenders often want to include the loan on the current year’s books.  Real estate agents and brokers want to include their commission on the current year’s income. Motivated parties should make the closing process go as smoothly as possible – but do your part by having all the required paperwork in order.  
3. Better Interest Rates –  Interest rates are still near historical lows.  Traditionally, interest rates slowly sink as we enter the holiday season.  The average rate on a 30 year fixed mortgage in 2019 has been under 5% for well qualified buyers.  Online calculators are available to show you how much you can save over the life of a mortgage with even a slight decrease in interest rates.  You may be surprised at the savings.  
4. Related Seasonal Sales – New home means new furniture!  Seasonal clearance sales can usually be found in abundance at local furniture retailers during this time of year.  Furniture retailers are looking to make room for new inventory coming in the spring and will typically have close-outs on the current year models.  

These tips don’t always apply to every year or every market, but the holidays usually provide advantages to potential homebuyers.  And don’t worry, even if you move, Santa will still find you!