Real estate agent wisdom says to transact a home sale or purchase at a time that works for your needs. While seasonal trends point to few homes on the market in the winter, eastern Massachusetts homes from the North Shore to the South Shore, South Coast, and Cape Cod are listed for sale every month of the year.
A Jack Conway real estate agent is ready to help you buy a home during the winter, spring, summer, or fall. If you’re in the market to buy a home this winter, here are some tips to guide the process.
Take Advantage of Less Competition
According to market data from the Massachusetts Association of REALTORS®, peak homebuying months in Massachusetts are June, July, and August. Months with the fewest number of closed sales are January, February, and March. These seasonal trends mean that winter homebuyers are competing against fewer buyers.
Sellers who list their homes during the winter are often more motivated. According to Bankrate.com, winter homesellers who list their homes during a seasonal lull usually have a clear reason to sell.
Use Cold-Weather Conditions to Evaluate the Home
Winter weather can actually help homebuyers evaluate the condition of a home—inside and out. For example, a home inspection can help you make sure the heating system is functioning properly. Winter homebuyers should also check the following when viewing homes:
- Window and door quality. Are windows and doors drafty?
- Insulation. Does the home have the right amount and type of insulation?
- Winter roof conditions. Do you see ice dams or icicles? Ice dams are an indicator of heat loss from a house. Icicles are another sign of heat loss. If the roof is warm enough to melt the snow, but outside temperatures are frigid enough for snow to refreeze, the house is losing heat.
- Snow on the roof. If the house has snow on the roof, is there snow melt in specific spots? That means the house is losing heat due to insufficient insulation and/or ventilation in the attic. A roof evenly covered with snow indicates the attic is doing its job.
- Cold and warm spots. Are there cold and warm spots in the house? That can be a indicator of an improperly designed heating system.
- Driveway. How will the slope and length of the driveway affect snow plowing and shoveling?
Ask for Warm-Weather Photos
Homes can look barren in the winter, making landscaping harder to assess. Ask the seller to share warm-weather photos of the home. That will make it easier to evaluate the condition of the lawn and the size and shape of garden beds.
Be sure to request photos of the back yard, front yard, and side yards. That will give you the best determination of the quality of the lawn.
Use the Winter Landscape to Check Views
What can you see from every side of the home you’re considering buying? Homes shielded by leafy trees can hide views of surrounding homes and buildings. Bare trees can make it easier to see what’s next door or across the street.
