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Updated 4 months ago, 07/12/2024

User Stats

51
Posts
17
Votes
Michael Lightwood
  • Rental Property Investor
17
Votes |
51
Posts

Buy a house, What are the best months to purchase?

Michael Lightwood
  • Rental Property Investor
Posted

With buying a home for personal use, what are the best months of the year to purchase where the cost will be lower. I know the market fluctuates and that can be a factor, but generally speaking. What is the best months to secure a property on the low end? Thank you for your help. 

User Stats

335
Posts
168
Votes
Ty Coutts
Lender
  • Lender
  • Colorado
168
Votes |
335
Posts
Ty Coutts
Lender
  • Lender
  • Colorado
Replied

When buying a home for personal use, the best months to secure a property at a lower cost are generally from late fall to winter, specifically November through February. During this period, there is typically less competition from other buyers, as many people prefer to move during the warmer months or avoid house hunting during the holiday season. As a result, sellers who list their properties during these months may be more motivated to negotiate on price, offering better deals for buyers. Although market fluctuations and regional differences can impact these trends, targeting the late fall and winter months usually provides a greater chance of purchasing a home at a lower cost.

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Ty Coutts - Aslan Home Lending
5.0 stars
37 Reviews

User Stats

51
Posts
17
Votes
Michael Lightwood
  • Rental Property Investor
17
Votes |
51
Posts
Michael Lightwood
  • Rental Property Investor
Replied

This is great news as I am planning on heading back to Omaha between November through January. So this will be a great time it seems to do this. Thank you Ty Coutts for this information. 

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User Stats

1,592
Posts
801
Votes
Mohammed Rahman
Agent
  • Real Estate Broker
  • New York, NY
801
Votes |
1,592
Posts
Mohammed Rahman
Agent
  • Real Estate Broker
  • New York, NY
Replied

Hey @Michael Lightwood - it's a loaded question but I don't think there really is a "good" time to be buying. 

Generally if you buy in the cold season, it means the sellers are more motivated... but it means you're not going to see all the inventory since most buyers don't want to buy then. 

You'll have more inventory in the warmer seasons (specifically Summer) but that means there will be more buyers in the market. 

Each season/months has its pros and cons - if there was a "best" month then everyone would have waited for then. What only exists is the "right" month for YOU. 

User Stats

194
Posts
73
Votes
Matt Morgan
  • Investor
  • Papillion, NE
73
Votes |
194
Posts
Matt Morgan
  • Investor
  • Papillion, NE
Replied

@Michael Lightwood, I agree with both of the posters.  Late fall and winter are best, but you won’t have the options you would in the early spring time.  I’m available if you need me when you get in town.

4022018162

User Stats

51
Posts
17
Votes
Michael Lightwood
  • Rental Property Investor
17
Votes |
51
Posts
Michael Lightwood
  • Rental Property Investor
Replied
Quote from @Matt Morgan:

@Michael Lightwood, I agree with both of the posters.  Late fall and winter are best, but you won’t have the options you would in the early spring time.  I’m available if you need me when you get in town.

4022018162


 I will be in touch. Thank you Matt. 

User Stats

105
Posts
183
Votes
Corey Conklin
Pro Member
  • Investor
183
Votes |
105
Posts
Corey Conklin
Pro Member
  • Investor
Replied

The best month to buy? Last month. The best time to buy real estate is in the past. That means the longer you hold out the more you'll end up spending.

I've bought properties in any season and it really doesn't matter. Sure there may be less buyers looking to move in the winter but that is a 2 way street. Meaning people don't want to move out of their home either, so the supply is also lower.

Do your homework on what sort of house you need, what area, etc. and buy what works for you. Don't worry about what anyone says about there being a good time to buy because it's nonsense. Time has always been good to real estate.

I know a couple that bought a 2500 SF home in the 70's for less than 50k and still live in that same home. They thought they overpaid at the time. Well, they aren't thinking that today.

  • Corey Conklin
  • User Stats

    152
    Posts
    132
    Votes
    Verna Littleton
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Memphis, TN
    132
    Votes |
    152
    Posts
    Verna Littleton
    • Real Estate Agent
    • Memphis, TN
    Replied

    As a real estate broker, I tend to see activity slow down in the late fall and winter months.  People have their minds on the holidays so there are fewer buyers looking then. You should be able to get the seller to negotiate the price better, especially if it's been sitting awhile. 

    User Stats

    51
    Posts
    17
    Votes
    Michael Lightwood
    • Rental Property Investor
    17
    Votes |
    51
    Posts
    Michael Lightwood
    • Rental Property Investor
    Replied
    Quote from @Verna Littleton:

    As a real estate broker, I tend to see activity slow down in the late fall and winter months.  People have their minds on the holidays so there are fewer buyers looking then. You should be able to get the seller to negotiate the price better, especially if it's been sitting awhile. 


     Thank you Verna. I will be coming back home during that time. I have been back in the states since this May and will be going back to Omaha area. Still debating on Omaha or Lincoln. 

    Both look good for investments in multi-family homes.