The real estate market peaks in the spring and summer, but that doesn’t necessarily mean those are the best times to buy a house. A new house can be a great investment in any season, but if you’re wondering when to buy a home, consider autumn. There are some surprising benefits to purchasing your home during the fall months, including:
- Less competition
Spring and summer are traditionally thought of as the best times to buy a home, which makes competition fierce during these seasons. By the time fall rolls around, there is far less competition, so it’s easier to search for homes without feeling like you have to put in an offer on a house right away to avoid missing out.
- Leftover spring and summer inventory
Some homes get put on the market during the peak months of spring and summer but don’t sell right away. Once Labor Day has come and gone, sellers know there are fewer buyers out there, which means you can find some of the best deals of the year by looking at houses that have been on the market for a while.
- Motivated sellers
If someone puts their home up for sale in the fall, you can be sure they are serious about selling quickly. This puts you, the buyer, in a good position. When you know the seller is highly motivated to sell, you have a better chance of getting a great deal, and this makes fall one of the best times to negotiate on the asking price of a home.
- Year-end tax breaks
While financial incentives shouldn’t be your only motivation for buying a home, it’s nice to have a little icing on the cake. When you buy a home later in the year, you might be able to take some pretty sweet tax deductions come April, including closing costs, mortgage interest and property tax.
- You’re the center of attention
Real estate agents are busiest in spring and summer, so it’s harder to give every client the attention they deserve. In fall, agents have a lot less on their plates, allowing them to make your needs their top priority.
- Homes might not look their best
Curb appeal fades toward the end of the year as leaves fall, flowers fade and lawns turn brown. Because houses are harder to show in fall, you’ll get to see their true colors. Without the benefit of pretty spring and summer landscaping, it’s easier to see whether a home is really all that it seems. Plus, some sellers may list homes at a lower price in fall because they are self-conscious about the diminished curb appeal.
To learn more about where and when to buy a home in Austin, Texas, contact us today. Our team at Clark Wilson Builder is dedicated to helping you get a great deal on your dream home in the Austin area.