The Winter Real Estate Market
The winter real estate market changes every year, there are benefits to both buying and selling during this time of year. In this blog, we’ll explore some of those benefits and offer some winter moving tips along the way.
It’s true that Southern Ontario experiences distinct characteristics in the winter real estate market. However, despite the colder temperatures and potential weather challenges, this season presents unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Winter often signals a time when the real estate market experiences a shift in dynamics. With fewer buyers actively engaging in the market. There are many opportunities that savvy buyers and sellers can leverage to their advantage. Let’s now learn about some of the benefits to buying real estate in the winter months.
Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Winter
In the winter months there is often lower competition and motivated sellers, this means that there tend to be fewer buyers actively searching. This then results in decreased competition for buyers. This will in turn motivate sellers to negotiate prices or offer incentives due to the smaller pool of buyers. What this means is that it’s often a buyers market, so don’t underestimate the possibility of buying during the winter, you might be able to get a good deal.
Adding to the buyers market theory, you might also find that the number of sales to new listings ratio is lower. For example, in November (which is still considered fall) we saw a drop in the number of sales year-over-year with a total of 138, this was a small decline of 4.8 percent. While we saw a total of 263 new listings reported by the REALTORs Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB). This was an increase of 18.5 percent compared to the previous year. We’ll write another blog about the December 2023 real estate market statistics to get a better understanding of where the winter market is going, stay tuned!
Benefits of Selling Real Estate in Winter
Typically, fewer homes are listed during the winter months providing sellers with a smaller market. Since there are fewer properties on the market, your home might stand out more prominently to potential buyers. This means there’s less competition, those searching during the winter are often more serious and motivated to make a purchase, increasing the likelihood of a successful sale.
Buyers are also more likely to purchase during this time due to the lower competition. Some buyers may even need to relocate due to job changes, family needs, or other life events, necessitating a home purchase regardless of the season. Take advantage of the opportunity and sell in the winter, it’s worth a shot.
This also gives the seller the opportunity to showcase the cozy elements of their home. These can be such cozy elements as fireplaces, warm interiors, and comfortable living spaces. These features can evoke emotions and appeal to potential buyers looking for a cozy winter home. During the winter there can also sometimes be faster transactions, flexible moving dates and the potential for higher offers since the market might not be as busy. Let the VanDinther Team help you make the right moves this winter season, learn more about how we can help in the final section of this blog.
Contact The VanDinther Team
The winter real estate market in Southern Ontario is not just a quiet time—it’s a period packed with opportunities. Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or planning a move during this season, understanding the distinct advantages it offers can be the key to success. The VanDinther Team wants to be able to be there with you every step of the way, helping you not only find the home of your dreams but also help you to sell your current home during this winter season.
Contact The VanDinther Team today and let’s get started. Getting in contact with The VanDinther Team is simple and can be done right now either by phone or email. Please contact the team by phone directly at 905-330-2002 or by email at info@loriv.com. Clients are also able to find us on both Instagram and Facebook, give us a follow and lets get started on your journey to find your dream home this winter. And if you’ve been curious about what your home might be worth give our “What’s My Home Worth” calculator a try!