Although Spring is considered to be the peak season for the real estate market, there are several major advantages to entering the market as a buyer in the wintertime. There is generally less competition throughout the winter months, which means that you have more leverage as a buyer. Sellers may be more willing to negotiate on the pricing of their home in the winter, and you will likely be able to close on a shorter timeline with a minimal waiting period. If making a move quickly and getting the most for your budget are top priorities for you, I recommend looking for the home of your dreams now!
If you are a buyer in Central Illinois this winter season, here is a checklist you may find helpful as you do your house hunting:
- Establish your budget. I recommend getting pre-approved for your mortgage before you seriously begin your house hunting, which will enable you to better understand your budget and price range. Doing this on the front end can help you narrow your focus and ultimately find the house that fits you most effectively.
- Schedule a thorough home inspection. Home inspections are an important part of unlocking the doors of your dreams – and especially so in the wintertime! These home inspections give you a better idea of the true condition of a home, identifying any repairs or safety issues that need to be addressed. Thorough home inspections also help tremendously when it comes to negotiations with the seller. Since central Illinois winter weather can be tough on a house, winter is the perfect time to see how your potential future home holds up against these conditions as well.
- Prepare your own questions. On top of scheduling a professional home inspection, you will want to be prepared with your own questions to ask the seller. For example, consider asking if there have been issues with water damage or mold in the past, why the seller is moving, and if there have been any major renovations or repairs on the home. You can always request information about recent service history and average monthly utility costs in each season.
- Join forces with me! The central Illinois housing market can be particularly competitive, even in the slower wintertime season, so it is especially helpful to have a professional by your side as you “unlock new doors”. Of course, our team is more than happy to offer that assistance to you and your family, applying our local expertise and love for real estate to help you secure the perfect spot!
We hope this simple checklist is helpful to those of you considering a move this winter in central Illinois. Here’s to unlocking new doors together, whatever the season!
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