Why Buying in the Winter is Just Right!
Moving to the Lake of the Ozarks is a great decision! If you have decided to move but are thinking you want to wait until spring to start looking for homes - don't wait! Now is a great time to start looking for your dream home at the Lake of the Ozarks, and the winter season could even be the perfect time to buy. Keep reading to learn great tips from the best real estate team at the Lake of the Ozarks - Your Favorite Real Estate Team.
Test the Limits of the House
In the winter months, homes tend to reveal more issues than they might in the summer due to the colder temperatures. Testing the heating system in your home is better in the winter because you will be able to truly tell how well the HVAC system operates. You will also be able to tell how well the home is insulated and sealed by feeling or drafts near windows and doors in the home. During the winter, you will also be able to give better consideration to how easy it is to get to and from the house. Are the roads too steep to navigate if it snows or ices? This could be a deal-breaker.
Warmer Months Could Mean Higher Pricing
As the weather warms up, potential homebuyers become more motivated to find their lake home to get ready for the upcoming summer season. Sellers often take advantage of this higher demand and raise their list prices for lake area homes above what they may be able to get for their home in cooler months. In the fall or winter, sometimes sellers have had their home on the market for several months and are more motivated to sell. This could mean that you have more bargaining power to be able to negotiate a lower price.
More Help Moving
Moving in the winter may sound unappealing at first thought with the potential for inclement weather. But it could actually make the process easier for several reasons. Your family and friends may not be readily available to help you move in the summer if they regularly take summer vacations. You may also have better luck finding a moving company with high ratings and availability in the winter, instead of trying to compete with other movers in the warmer months.
If you move into your new Lake home in the winter, then you will have more time to set up all of your belongings, furniture, and decorations before spring. When the weather warms up, you will be ready to enjoy the Lake without having to worry about unpacking.
Extra Time to Close
Because warm months are more popular for home buyers, it is also a busier time for title companies. It may be more difficult to pick the closing date that you want, and title companies could be busy and distracted with a lot going on in their offices. Professional title companies will still prioritize you and make sure there are no errors in your transaction, but choosing a less busy time can help you and the title company team not feel rushed. The underwriting process may also go somewhat faster in the "off-season" when fewer applications are coming through.
Winter Real Estate at the Lake
If you are considering buying a home at the Lake of the Ozarks, now could be the perfect time to get a great price, make sure everything works well, and to be able to schedule your closing and moving help with plenty of time. Contact Your Favorite Real Estate Team to get started on finding the home of your dreams. We can't wait to help you!
CONTACT ED SCHMIDT FOR ALL YOUR LAKE OF THE OZARK REAL ESTATE NEEDS
Ed Schmidt, REALTOR
752 Bagnell Dam Blvd. Suite A
Lake Ozarks, Mo 65049
Phone: 573-240-9052
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