winter

Winter house hunting mistakes can leave you out in the cold

For many, spring is the time to look for a new home. Schedules seem more flexible, weather more predictable and finances less stressed. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t find a great house during the winter months. In fact, you might even find a motivated seller who wants to complete the transaction before season ends.

If you decide to take the unorthodox route of house hunting in winter, the greatest benefit will likely be less competition. While you might not be as likely to be involved in a bidding war over the house of your dreams, this doesn’t guarantee that everything will go smoothly. In fact, there are some common mistakes winter house hunters make that can lead to disappointment.

Use your imagination

Some homes are beautiful in the winter, with holiday lights and festive smells. Homeowners who put their houses on the market at this time of year are more likely to spruce them up with holiday charm to entice buyers. Try imagining your own holiday decorations and furniture. Picture the house in all seasons before you decide whether it is right for you.

On the other hand, some houses simply look dreary from December through February. When the grass is brown, the flowerbeds are empty and natural light is low, it might be difficult to see the appeal of a house. You might need to look past what your eyes see and imagine what could be to avoid passing on a lovely home.

This is not Black Friday

Perhaps the most serious mistakes winter house hunters make involve finances. If you are planning to buy in the winter, keep these things in mind:

  • Just because the competition is low does not mean house prices will be, so keep your expectations realistic.
  • No matter what season you are shopping in, prequalifying for financing is essential.
  • Not everyone selling a house in winter is desperate, so your first offer should be reasonable and fair.
  • Overspending during the holidays or maxing out your credit cards could jeopardize your ability to qualify for a mortgage or to obtain one with a decent interest rate.

Of course, once you have found the perfect home and are moving toward closing day, keep in mind that winter often means delays. Unusual weather, holidays, illnesses and vacations can make the process excruciatingly slow and even result in frustrating postponements. Be sure to ask questions if you are confused about the reason for a delay. You can also do your part to keep things moving by meeting your deadlines and turning in any documents your lender requests.