The weather outside is frightful, but winter home buying can be delightful! Here’s why Columbus area buyers should continue their home search during winter.
1. Less competition from other home buyers improves your negotiating power. With fewer buyers in the market during cold weather, sellers are more likely to negotiate on price, repairs and/or closing costs.
2. Motivated sellers need to move on! Sellers who have homes on the market during winter aren’t testing the waters; they need to sell. This gives buyers more clout in purchase negotiations.
3. Asking prices are less ambitious. Home prices in the Columbus area are typically lower during the winter months, because sellers are motivated, and they hope to attract serious buyers as quickly as possible.
4. Mortgage lenders, title companies, home inspectors and appraisers are less busy during winter. This means faster turnaround times and fewer chances of closing delays.
5. Homes take a little longer to sell during winter, reducing pressure on home buyers. (However, the nicest homes with the best prices sell first – always be prepared to make an offer!)
6. You will see how homes handle winter conditions. For example, are there large icicles hanging from the roof? Do some rooms feel colder than others? Are there any obvious drafts? Are all the heat vents working?
7. You will see how neighborhoods handle winter conditions! Are the sidewalks and streets reasonably clear after a snowfall? What are the street parking regulations? Is there sufficient winter parking to accommodate visitors for the holidays?
We hope this has given you inspiration for your winter home search! Whenever you are ready to explore the home buying process, we are here to help you.
As Exclusive Buyer’s Brokers, we serve your best interests at all times! Unlike real estate agents and brokerages who represent sellers, as an Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, we only represent you, the buyer, getting you the best price and terms with no conflict of interest, at all times.
Understanding this distinction could literally save you thousands of dollars not only on the purchase price and terms, but also on seller concessions and home inspection issues, whether you are a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner!
Contact us with your home buying questions! Remember, we are with you every step of the way…all the way home!
Andrew Show
Exclusive Buyer’s Broker, CEBA-M, MCNE, CSP, PSA,e-PRO, CREM, ABRM, AHWD
Buyer’s Resource Realty Services www.BuyersHome.com
Serving Metro Columbus, Ohio with Exclusive Buyer’s Agents
7100 North High Street, Suite 204, Worthington, Ohio 43085
614-888-4110 | 888-888-4110 Toll Free | 614-839-4110 Fax
