Winter Vacations are Real Estate Buying Opportunities
There are many great reasons to hunt for real estate bargains during wintertime Finding great real estate deals comes from a combination of working with a highly-qualified real estate agent or broker that knows the market area extremely well, doing your “homework” to familiarize yourself with the area, and having a bit of luck.
Use winter vacations as business trips, to scout for properties in an area where you do not usually live.
Winter Buyers are Serious Buyers
Not so many people like going out in the winter weather to look at real estate for sale. Real estate agents and property owners recognize the people who venture out at this time as “real” buyers, with serious intentions. The clear intent is to buy properties, as long as they get a great deal.
Less Buyer Competition During Winter
Realtors are usually the busiest during springtime. The majority of buyers look for real estate during this time, so move-ins are possible during summer. Sellers of properties and their real estate agents know this. Because of the higher demand, they ask for greater prices when the weather warms up. During spring, properties may receive more than one offer, when the listing is at a reasonable price.
Shopping for Real Estate While on “Vacation”
Reduce the expenses of searching for real estate in an area where you do not live by using the technique of a “working” vacation. Consult with your tax accountant, because some, or all, of your “vacation” expenses may be tax deductible as business expenses or moving expenses. In this way, there is a financial benefit by combining a vacation with a business trip to find a property to buy. Take the kids along. Let them have fun with a chaperone, while the parents go hunting for real estate deals.
System Stress Check in Winter
Heating systems are working hard during wintertime. While inspecting a property during winter, it is easier to learn if the main systems, such as fireplaces, the furnace, and hot water heater function well. Entering a property during winter also informs one how difficult it is to access the property in bad weather conditions. Those who visit properties at other times of the year may have a bad surprise in winter, after the purchase of the real estate has already closed.
Motivated Sellers
Negotiations for better prices are easier during winter, when there is less activity and sellers are motivated. This does not mean you must close on the property during winter. Most sellers accept a 90-day closing period for a real estate offer. Some will agree to a longer period. It is possible to buy a property in winter, close in spring, and immediately list it for re-sale at a higher price, if the acquisition was a great deal.
Enjoy hunting for properties in winter, with these sophisticated real estate investment strategies in mind.
Contact Acres Solutions for help in Houston and the surrounding areas. We are happy to help you find a great deal for a property to buy or help you sell a property at a fair price.