Spring has always been considered the best time to put a house on the market. Warmer weather inspires buyers to get out and hit the open house circuit, while gardens and outdoor areas tend to show better when they’re not covered in three feet of snow.
Talk about ‘days gone by’…the current Pandemic has thrown normal Spring market conditions right out the window.
Less Buyers in Winter Season
You could be at an advantage if you’re out looking at properties now instead of waiting for warmer weather to arrive.
Real estate agents are less busy
The warmer months are prime buying-and-selling times, so it makes sense that the busiest time for most real estate agents is April through September. The rest of the year, though? Not so much. Make the most of the slow period and work with an agent who can give you 100 per cent of their attention and help you explore all your options. You’ll both be happy when you end up with the perfect home.
Sellers are motivated
When sellers put their houses on the market during the winter months, there’s usually a time-sensitive reason like a new job in a different city, or a baby on the way. Whatever the case, they’re often motivated to sell quickly and close the deal with minimal hassle.
Moving companies might be cheaper
Unlike spring and summer, you don’t have to book a rental truck or moving company weeks (or even months) in advance. It’s pretty easy to score movers and transportation in the off-season, it might just be cheaper also. Moving and rental-truck companies usually offer winter discounts to entice customers, and you can even book weekends—which tends to be impossible in June, July and August—rather than take time off work to get the job done.
Tradespeople are easier to book
Whether you’re looking to have your new place professionally painted before you move in or need an expert to install that gorgeous vintage chandelier, you’ll have an easier time booking tradespeople in the off season. Like movers, tradespeople tend to be less busy in the colder months, when homeowners aren’t as focused on home improvement. You won’t necessarily score crazy deals, but most painters, electricians, and repair technicians will be more than happy to accommodate you.
