3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring
webadmin • January 30, 2025
3 Reasons To Buy a Home Before Spring
Let’s be real—buying a home right now might feel like a challenge with today’s mortgage rates. You might be thinking,
"Wouldn’t it be smarter to wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?"
But here’s the thing: No one can predict exactly where mortgage rates will go next. And waiting? That could mean more competition, higher prices, and extra stress.
What if buying now—before the spring rush—actually gives you an advantage? Here are three reasons why that might just be the case.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes sit on the market longer in winter compared to spring and summer (see graph below):
But here’s the thing: No one can predict exactly where mortgage rates will go next. And waiting? That could mean more competition, higher prices, and extra stress.
What if buying now—before the spring rush—actually gives you an advantage? Here are three reasons why that might just be the case.
1. Less Competition from Other Buyers
The real estate market slows down in winter. Fewer buyers are out house hunting, which means less competition when you find a home you love. That translates to a more relaxed buying experience—no need to rush or get caught up in bidding wars.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 have more time to weigh your options. It also puts you in a stronger position when it comes to negotiations. As the Alabama Association of Realtors explains:
“ 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 sitting on the market longer, sellers may be more open to negotiation. That could mean scoring a better deal—whether it’s a lower price, seller-paid closing costs, or repairs thrown in as part of the deal. As Chen Zhao, an Economist at Redfin, puts it :“. . . buying during the off season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal. ”
When demand is lower, sellers are more motivated to work with serious buyers. That could give you the upper hand to negotiate terms that fit your needs.
3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Rise
Historically, home prices tend to be at their lowest point in the winter months. In fact, data from NAR shows that last year, home prices were at their lowest in January, February, and March—right before the spring buying frenzy kicked in (see graph below):
And this trend isn’t new. Bright MLS found that between 2010 and 2024, home prices in January and February were, on average, 15% lower than the peak pricing months (typically June). That means buying in winter could save you from paying the premium prices that come with spring’s high demand.
On top of that, home values generally rise over time. If you’re ready to buy, you’re not just taking advantage of potentially lower seasonal prices—you’re also locking in today’s price before future appreciation kicks in.
Bottom Line
Spring may be the popular time to buy, but jumping in before the market heats up could give you a serious advantage—less competition, more negotiating power, and a better price.If you’re ready to explore your options, let’s connect.
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