Nobody buys or sells a home in the winter. Right? Wrong! In fact, if you checked the numbers, you’d find that a good chunk of home purchases are done during the coldest months of the year.

Even in Wisconsin, homes are still getting bought and sold despite icy roads and snow-covered roofs.

So, if you’re wondering if you should put off buying or selling a home until spring, why wait? You may be surprised to learn that there are actually advantages to buying or selling while Jack Frost is nipping at your nose. 

Selling a Home in Winter

Okay, huddle up home sellers! Let’s unpack the perks of selling when the air gets chilly. 

The Internet Has No Seasons

You probably already know that most buyers go online to search for homes, no matter what the temperature is outside. In fact, nearly all buyers (93%) used the internet during their home search last year. This instant access to property listings has had an impact on the typical seasons buyers look for homes. While spring is still the hottest home-buying season, serious home buyers are always on the lookout—checking the latest listings on their tablet before bed or while waiting for their kid’s hockey game to end. So even though the weather may be changing, it won’t stop home buyers from shopping.

Less Sellers

Come spring, other sellers will flood the market and your home will be just another fish in a great, big pond. But right now, you’ve got a limited number of sellers on the market. Buyers have fewer homes to choose from, which means you could sell your house faster.

Buyers Mean Business

Most folks want to curl up under a blanket next to a warm fire on a cold winter day. If a buyer is trudging around in freezing weather or breaking away from their holiday schedule to look at your home, they must be serious. That’s because many winter buyers are working against a deadline, whether it’s an expiring lease, relocation, or a contract on their current home.

Tips for Selling in the Winter

Nothing says welcome home quite like walking out of the cold into a nice, warm house. It’s easier to make a house feel like home in the wintertime. Here are a few tips to help you set the buying mood:

• Keep it simple. If you’re selling around a holiday and have decorations up, make sure they accent—not overpower—a room. Less is more.

  
  

• Crank up the cozy. Light a fire in the hearth, play soft holiday music in the background, and prepare fresh-baked goods or mulled cider for guests.

  
  

• Shine a light outside. Winter days get dark early. Brighten your home’s exterior with outdoor spotlights.

• Avoid a winter wonderland. Snow is great, unless we’re talking about outside shots of your home. Buyers want to see details of the house, not a blanket of snow. Make sure you have clear-weather photos of your home.

Remember, the nicer your home looks, the more likely it is to sell—and for more money.

Buying a Home in Winter

Alright, home buyers. Now it’s your turn. Below are the benefits of buying a house when the weather outside is frightful.

Less Buyers

Okay, we already established that home sales take a plunge during the winter. So, typically, you won’t have to deal with as many competing buyers as you would if you waited to buy in spring. Which probably means you don’t have to worry as much about someone else snagging your dream home before you can submit an offer, or about getting caught in a bidding war.

Mortgage Rate Fluctuations

If you’re getting a mortgage, you might be able to lock in a good interest rate before the new year hits. Having a lower interest rate would save you money as you work to pay off your new home. But keep in mind, interest rates don’t always go up.

Witness the Home’s Durability

House hunting in winter gives you a chance to see how your potential new home handles harsh weather. Sure, moving to a new home during the spring and summer is probably a lot easier than when you have to bundle up and deal with icy roads. But suppose you fall in love with a house even with the weather at its worst. Then you can be confident that living there will only get better from here on out!

Ready to Buy or Sell Your Home in Winter?

With all these advantages on your side, hopefully buying or selling your home in the winter won’t feel so daunting. We know you’ve probably got a lot on your plate this time of year though. So, if you’re ready to get the job done, your next step is to find a real estate agent.

We are here to help you through the home buying or selling process, and to answer any questions you have.