The Challenges If Buying A Home During The Winter
Posted on: 29 December 2018
Does your current lease end during the winter, and now you are trying to time it with the purchase of your first home? If so, you may run into some challenges by trying to buy at this time of the year. Here are a few things to look out for that you may not be thinking about.
Inability To See Landscaping
When the yard is covered with snow, it will be difficult to get an accurate idea of what kind of landscaping the home currently has. While this shouldn't be a deal breaker by any means, it could give you an idea about how the current owners take care of their home. Seeing the landscaping may also prepare you for what kind of work you'll have to do in the spring, and let you know how much money that you should budget to make changes. Try to view pictures online that may showcase the yard in a different season if you are viewing the home while there is still snow on the ground.
Fewer Homes On The Market
You may not realize that there are fewer homes on the market during the winter. That's because the holidays fall in the middle of winter, and people don't want to worry about showing their home during a time when they could be out of the house or have family visiting. Families also look to sell their home during the summer than during the winter, which in when their kids are transitioning between grade levels or different schools. A summer sale may make the transition easier, so they'll delay the sale of their home. You could end up with more buying options if you can delay your purchase until the late spring or early summer.
Inability To Test HVAC Equipment
Part of buying a home involves having a home inspection, where a professional will look for potential problems and test various appliances. Unfortunately, an air conditioner cannot be run in the middle of winter when the temperature is in the freezing range. This means that you may not be able to find out how well the air conditioner works until well after you've purchased the home. You may be able to request a home warranty to cover the air conditioner to give you some peace of mind.
Speak with your real estate agent about the challenges of buying during the winter, and see how they can make things easier as you seek out houses for sale.
Share