This article was written by Jade Hogarty, Marketing Communications Intern.
Thinking about buying a home?
The process can look different in every season of the year, and each has its pros and cons. Consider these tips and figure out which time of year is best for you!
Spring & Summer
The Pros:
More Options
Sunny season = busy season. With more homes to choose from, you’ll have more options when it comes to neighborhoods and price points. It’s also UNdeniable that showings and tours can feel more like an adventure on a warm, sunny day.
UNbeatable Weather
This one’s a no-brainer. Iowa winters aren’t for the faint of heart, and they’re certainly not ideal for moving. Beyond that, though, it’s also easier to evaluate your dream home’s outdoor features and surroundings when they’re not covered in slush. Plus, how sweet would it be to soak up the sunshine and have a celebratory post-closing drink on the front porch of your new home?
The Logistical Stuff
Moving in the spring and summer is more convenient for families with children. The school year and extracurricular activities that come along with it are winding down, making schedules more flexible. It’s also easier to get your kiddos involved in the home-buying process, too. They probably aren’t interested in the loan parts we handle, but they might love to spend time touring homes with you. Plus, if they’re old enough, you may gain some helping hands on moving day!
The Cons:
More Money
There’s no denying that the housing market is competitive during the spring and summer months. As a result, asking prices tend to be higher. That’s why our lending team works hard to lock in the lowest rate we can for buyers. It’s also good to remember that refinancing your mortgage is always an option.
Higher Stakes
Because the market is competitive, buyers and sellers are on their A-game. Everyone tends to move quickly to secure their spot in the spring and summer buying and selling frenzy. That means you may not have as much time to compare options and negotiate with sellers.
Fall & Winter
The Pros:
Less Competition
With school back in session and holidays on the horizon, less homes appear on the market. Having less options isn’t a bad thing, though. You’ll also have less competition and less pressure to choose a home before another buyer beats you to it. More time also means more negotiating power, especially if sellers are eager to wrap up the process before the holidays. Think of it as better deals for you at the cost of a smaller selection.
The Weather… Kinda
Okay, stick with us here. We all understand that there’s an UNbelievably beautiful window where fall weather is perfect for moving into a new home. If you can time it right, this would be a great time to get to know your neighbors through community activities like back-to-school events and trick-or-treating. Plus, cooler temperatures can allow you to get a sense of potential heating or sealing issues in your new home before winter is in full swing.
The Cons:
Busy Schedules
Between school, extracurriculars and holiday travel, this can be a challenging time to squeeze in something as big as buying a new home. Our UNmatched team understands how stressful this can be. That’s why we’re willing to work around your schedule to make the process as painless as possible.
Potential Compromises
If you’re buying and selling, it’s important to remember that you may not get everything you’re hoping for. Of course, this is true in every season, but it’s especially true during the slow season.
You Guessed it… The Weather
Iowa winters are UNpredictable. That doesn’t make buying a home impossible, but it can make things like moving or making renovations more of a challenge.
No matter what season it is, our team is here to support you on your homebuying journey. Reach out today if you’re ready to get started.
This blog is intended for educational purposes only. For details about specific products or services, see credit union for details. For questions about investments, please consult your financial advisor.