When is the Best Time to Buy a House?

Hands down, one of the biggest myths in real estate is that spring is the best time to shop for a new home. 

Sure, there is a little bit of reasoning behind this misconception: that people are more inclined to buy a house when it warms up after months of being indoors during the winter or that people want to move-in before summer so they can go on vacation and not have to worry when school starts again.

While those are perfectly good reasons for you to choose to buy a home in spring, it doesn't make it a better time to buy.

The truth is, you can buy a home during any month in the year and it will be the best time - or the worst time - depending on your unique situation.

The right time to buy a home is when it makes sense for you, your family, your budget, your goals and honestly, when it feels right - regardless of what time of year it is.

What is the best time a year to buy a house?

Winter

The upside: Historically there are less homes on the market in winter, which can mean more competitive pricing.

Winter is a great time to get started on building a new home, it'll be done just in time for spring so you can move-in once it warms up a bit.

Learn more about Buying a New Home for the Holidays!

The downside: It's cold outside so homes won't look their best - with native plants and grasses going dormant, you won't see the instant curb appeal that you do in spring & summer.

Spring

The upside: There'll be more homes available than any other time of year, giving you more selection to choose from.

The downside: There'll be more competition from other shoppers and you might miss out if you don't act quickly.

Summer

The upside: Less construction delays due to inclement weather, aside from the occasional summer rainstorm...

The downside: Temperatures are on the rise and you may not have time for your usual summer vacation. Kids are out of school, too, which means you might be distracted.

Fall

The upside: With less people buying, you can save on movers - and after you close, you can take advantage of annual furniture sales.

The downside: Moving over the holidays can be a lot to manage.

It is also worth mentioning that a lot of potential homebuyers get caught up in trying to time the market - there is nothing wrong with this if you truly understand the economics behind it; however, the impact is usually negligible and just adds a layer of stress and frustration that you don't really need.

It is never too early to start researching your options and get a better understanding of what goes into building a new home: 

Editor's Note: This post was originally published in October 2017 and has been updated to reflect the most accurate information.