The Pros & Cons of Buying a House During Springtime

Spring is often named as the best time of year to buy a house — and there’s some truth to that. Nonetheless, there are also some downsides to buying in the springtime. Here are some important pros and cons to consider.

Pro: More Houses on the Market

In most markets, the number of houses available drastically increases in April-May, although this can occur slightly earlier in some places. More homes means more choices — and greater odds that you’ll find your dream house.

Con: Competition with Other Buyers

The problem is it’s not just listings that increase in the spring: there are also more buyers, which leads to more competition for homes. To avoid losing the home you want, you need to be prepared to make an offer almost immediately, which means being pre-approved for a mortgage.

Pro: The Weather Is Better

It’s much more enjoyable to spend a spring day searching for houses than heading out when there’s still snow on the ground. In fact, spring makes looking for a new home less of a chore and more exciting. It’s especially useful to visit homes in the spring if you’re searching for a property with a garden, since you’ll be able to see how the landscaping looks — rather than having to imagine the flowers blooming and leaves on the trees.

Con: Homebuyers Come Out in Droves

Pleasant weather makes house hunting a popular activity. To avoid running into too much competition, it helps to search during weekdays. If you’re able to take a day or half a day off work, you could visit a house that’s just come onto the market before anyone else, which will give you a little extra time to think about whether you want to make an offer.

Pro: It’s More Comfortable to Move in the Spring or Summer

Late spring and summer tend to be more convenient times to move. As well as avoiding the cold, ice, and snow, you’ll prevent disruptions to routines for your school-age kids.

Con: You May Feel Rushed into Making a Decision

When homes are selling fast, you may feel pressured to make a decision before you’re ready. Remember, a house is one of the most important investments you’ll make, so never feel as if you have to purchase a property that isn’t the right fit.

Before you start searching for a home to buy, talk to a mortgage broker. St Albert homebuyers can receive a customized mortgage plan from Flare Mortgage Group. Contact us to start the pre-approval process.