If you want to buy a home, whether for yourself, you and a significant other or partner, or you and your family, there is no better time than now to start to kick off the process. House hunting can sometimes be a hit or miss; sometimes the process can take some time and drag out, while other times you might find a house that fits all your needs and works out right away.
There are many different factors that go into finding your dream home, and the process looks different for everyone. Regardless of what you are looking for, the Fall season is right around the corner, and is one of the best times of year to find your dream home.
Check out a few reasons why the Fall season is such a great time to buy a home.
Sellers may want to close by the end of the year.
First of all, if sellers are putting their house on the market during this time, chances are they are hoping to be able to close by the end of the year, so they are able to start fresh in the New Year. Not to mention, if you aim to close by the end of the month, you may be able to score lower closing costs as you can avoid a majority of the interest.
Real estate professionals may have more time.
The Summer months can be a crazy time for all real estate professionals, including agents, appraisers, loan officers, and more. With fewer sales happening as it gets a little chillier out in the Fall, you will almost be guaranteed to have a little more one-on-one time with your agent, and will be able to schedule your home appraiser to come sooner.
You will see the house in harsher weather.
Before making the decision to buy a home, you want to make sure you are familiar with every aspect of it – good and bad! By house shopping in the Fall, you will likely be able to see the house in harsher weather, which can easily show some of the imperfections. This is a great way to see how the house can hold up in severe winds, rain, or even flurries. Plus, you will be able to get a feel for how the interior of the house feels on days that are grayer.
Less competition.
Most people tend to list their house in the Spring or Summer, so chances are you will have less competition when it comes time to buy a home in the fall. This will not only allow you a little more time to think and make sure you are making the best decision for you, but it will also potentially give you the opportunity to get a better deal if the owners are willing, since the demand is likely a bit lower.
More flexibility on when you can move in.
With having less competition also comes the ability to have a little more flexibility when it comes to the move-in date. If you need to negotiate an earlier or later closing date after you buy a home, you definitely have the opportunity to ask, and chances are the seller will work with you to accommodate and find the best move-in date for both of you.
Overall, if you are not set on buying a home in the Summer months, it could be worth it to hold out for the perfect home that you might find in the Fall. Make sure that you are taking everything necessary into consideration before you buy a home and consider that waiting to buy in the Fall could have some great benefits!