Many people do not shop for houses during the winter because they have other things to do or because they don’t want to deal with bad weather while looking at houses. While this is understandable, it may cost you money if you fall into this category. Why?

As we all know, prices are determined by the market. When there are more buyers, prices will tend to be higher. Conversely, when there are less buyers, prices tend to be lower. If you think about it, it makes sense that if no one else is competing with you for a house, you are more likely to get a better price on it.

Another reason buying during the winter may be advantageous is the weather. If you look at homes when the weather is perfect, you could miss potential problems that could include small leaks, standing water on the property or similar items.

One more thing that could be a benefit is that real estate agents tend to be busier during the spring and summer so they may have more time for you during the slower time of the year, which means you could also get better service.

If you are considering buying a house, explore all your options. Just because you start looking during the winter, it doesn’t mean that you must buy at that time but it may give you a better deal.