Skip To Content

3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring

3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring

Let’s face it — buying a home can feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might even be thinking, “Should I just wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”

But here’s the thing, no one knows for sure where mortgage rates will go from here, and waiting could mean facing more competition, higher prices, and a lot more stress.

What if buying now — before the spring rush — might actually give you the upper hand? Here are three reasons why that just might be the case.

1. Less Competition from Other Buyers

The winter months tend to be quieter in the real estate market. Fewer people are actively looking for homes, which means you’ll likely face less competition when you make an offer. This makes the process feel less rushed and less stressful.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph below):

Fewer buyers in the market means you’ll likely have more time to make thoughtful decisions. It also means you may have more negotiating power. According to the Alabama Association of Realtors:

A significant benefit of buying a home in winter is the reduced competition. Because of the perceived benefits of spring, many buyers delay the start of their house hunt. As a result, you will find fewer people competing for the same properties during winter. Less demand can translate into more negotiating power as sellers may be more willing to entertain offers or agree to concessions to get a deal closed quickly.”

2. More Negotiating Power

With homes staying on the market longer, sellers may be more willing to negotiate. This can lead to better deals for you as a buyer, whether that means a lower price or added incentives, like sellers covering closing costs or making repairs. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfinpoints out:

“. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.

Plus, when demand is lower, sellers often feel more pressure to work with serious buyers. This could give you an edge to negotiate terms that work best for your situation.

3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise

Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months, too. According to data from NAR, home prices last year were at their lowest in January, February, and March — right before the spring buying season kicked in (see graph below):

This trend isn’t new — Bright MLS shows between 2010 and 2024, home prices in January and February were, on average, 15% lower than during the month of peak home prices (typically June). Buying in the off-season means you’re more likely to avoid paying the premium prices that come with the high demand of spring.

On top of that, home prices generally appreciate over time, meaning they tend to go up year after year. That means if you’re ready to buy and you can make it happen, you’re not only taking advantage of what might be the lowest prices of the year, but you’re also locking in today’s price before it increases in the future.

Bottom Line

While spring may seem like the obvious time to buy, moving before the peak season can give you significant advantages, like less competition, more negotiation power, and lower prices.

If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s connect.

Tiia Cartwright

Tiia Cartwright, originally from Finland, is a distinguished real estate broker who is transforming the industry through her unwavering commitment to excellence and a client-centric approach. After moving to the United States during her high school years, Tiia pursued a degree in Finance at Louisiana State University, equipping her with a strong foundation in financial management and analysis. Her career journey initially led her to Arthur Andersen in New York City, one of the most prestigious public accounting firms. While she gained valuable experience in finance and accounting, Tiia discovered her true calling lay in connecting with people on a more personal level. In 2006, she took a bold step to transition into real estate, joining forces with Rhonda Duffy at Duffy Realty of Atlanta. There, she quickly became a top-performing real estate professional, adept at forming genuine connections with her clients. During her time with Duffy Realty, Tiia successfully listed and sold around 600 homes, earning a stellar reputation for her exceptional service. In 2007, Tiia founded Cartwright Realty in Tampa, FL, aiming to make a lasting impact on the industry. Under her visionary leadership and relentless pursuit of excellence, the agency has become a market leader in the region, exceeding client expectations and setting new industry standards. Tiia's commitment to her clients' satisfaction has made her a trusted advisor, helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of buying and selling homes. Her deep local market knowledge and understanding of her clients' unique needs enable her to craft tailored strategies that consistently deliver outstanding results. Beyond her professional success, Tiia's dedication extends to her community, actively participating in charitable initiatives. Her efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate have earned her recognition and accolades. Today, Tiia Cartwright is a respected figure in the real estate industry, setting the standard for exceptional service, expertise, and dedication to her clients' success. Her consistent top performance exemplifies professionalism and serves as an inspiring example for emerging real estate professionals. For those seeking guidance in the complex world of real estate, Tiia Cartwright and her Cartwright Realty team embody excellence, integrity, and a track record of outstanding results.
Comments are closed.