9 reasons to buy a home in the summertime

Nothing inspires a fresh start quite like summer. Perhaps it’s the longer days, school breaks or spontaneous trips to the shoreline. Right when you’re feeling like it’s time for something new, a fresh wave of listings hits the market.

While every season has its selling points, summer often gives homebuyers the chance to view more listings, spend more time exploring neighborhoods and get a feel for a new community.

Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home or planning your next move, here’s why summer has earned its place as one of the best times to buy a home.

1. More listings mean more options

One of the main reasons summer is a great time to buy a house is that there’s usually a surge in inventory. Many families choose to list their homes after the school year ends, causing the market to heat up in the summer and cool down in the fall.

When homebuyers have more listings to choose from, they have greater flexibility to find a place that checks all of their boxes. In many cases, late summer is the best time to shop for homes. There are more properties to choose from and sellers may be eager to lock in a sale or lower the price before fall.

2. Sellers may be willing to settle

Don’t forget to consider days on the market (known as DOM). When a property lingers, homebuyers typically gain the upper hand in negotiations. Let’s say a property has been listed since spring, and now it’s halfway through summer. In this situation, many sellers might be anxious to seal the deal before fall — especially if they need to move and get their kids into new schools.

Summer’s timing often allows agents to uncover opportunities for price reductions, seller concessions or other terms that sweeten the deal.

3. Get a better look at landscaping and lighting

If you tour a home in the dead of winter, you probably won’t be able to see what the natural light and landscaping actually look like. However, a summer afternoon sets a completely different tone. You’ll get to see the property in its full glory. By the time you leave, you’ll have a better understanding of how the sun hits the condo’s floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors – or whether your herb garden would thrive better on the right or left side of the backyard.

4. It’s a great time for home inspections

Sunny days make it easier to evaluate the property’s exterior and overall condition during a home inspection. You get a better look at roofing, drainage and the outdoor spaces. Plus, the high temperatures put the air conditioner to the test, so you can see how it performs under pressure.

5. There’s more room for renovation

Not every listing is move-in ready, but that’s not always a bad thing. When you’re scoping out homes that need a little bit of TLC, summer gives you time to plan projects before the cold fronts start rolling in.

Looking at a fixer-upper? Our renovation loan experts can help you finance your project. In fact, you may be able to roll your renovation payments right into your mortgage.

6. Get settled before school starts

If families with kids can avoid a mid-year move, they typically do. After all, moving before the first day of school is easier for everyone. The kids have time to get comfortable in their new neighborhood and parents aren’t tied up at a home tour when it’s their turn to carpool.

Even if you’re not rushed by the school season, the timing could help you land a great deal. Sellers may be more inclined to accept an offer quickly rather than wait for a bidding war.

7. See the neighborhood in full swing

When it’s cold or rainy out, you may only get a quick glimpse at your neighbors while they rush through the front door. But during the summer, you get to observe the community at its most active. Backyard barbecues, block parties and slip n’ slides in the front yard — these little moments help you gauge the block’s ambiance. Hopefully, you may even meet a few of your future neighbors.

8. Enjoy your new home from day one

Why wait to make the most out of your new space? You can host on Labor Day weekend, have a happy hour on the patio or try that DIY project you’ve had in mind. Or, you can let the kids run around the yard before they’re back to classes and homework.

9. Set yourself up for a successful move

Longer days and pleasant weather set the scene for a better moving day than 5 p.m. sunsets and snow. Whether you’re renting a truck to move the furniture yourself or hiring a professional team, summer days give you more flexibility and fewer hoops to jump through. By the time you’ve unpacked, you’ll have time to enjoy your new space ... before the holiday rush.

While buying a home in the summertime brings unique advantages, the right guidance can make any season a great time to buy. No matter when you’re ready to take the leap, partner with a trusted lender to get the guidance you need. Contact one of our experts to learn about your options and start your home search with confidence.

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