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Shop Seasonally
Any real estate agent will tell you that making an offer in early spring or summer will result in a higher price for your home, but there are often many more variables to buying in the right season.
If you do choose to search and purchase in the winter, when most eligible home buyers are snuggled in front of their fireplace, you’ll likely have less competition. However, you’ll also find fewer homes to choose from due to less inventory in the low season.
If you buy in the high season, you’ll have many more homes to choose from, but will fight stiff competition as everyone dons their flip flops for whole days of open houses. Follow these eight steps if you’re looking to buy your first home.
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Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover
Let’s face it, some homes show horribly. Some have old carpet, some have peeling paint and some just downright stink. But just because a house looks bad, its current condition doesn’t mean there isn’t value there.
While you’re viewing a property, peek under carpets to check for original hardwood flooring and other historical details, like crown molding.
If you’re lucky enough to have a friend in construction, have them take a look at the house’s foundation to determine if it will still be standing upright in another 100 years.
Learning if a house has good bones will help you look past the cover image on an otherwise dingy dust jacket.
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Set Up Multiple Viewings
If you find a home you like and you have time to consider making an offer (like during low season), it’s important to visit the house several times before you make your decision.
Check out the house on a sunny day to determine if the windows let in natural light. Then race over when it’s raining to confirm that the basement doesn’t leak.
These thorough viewings will let you know what it will be like to live in the house year-round. Keep in mind that some water issues are easy to fix, while others can be costly. Learn more about getting better yard drainage here.
