Summer Homebuying Tips

Summer is a great time to be a homebuyer. The weather is perfect for viewing homes, you can schedule a move without worrying about bad weather, and you’re able to see the potential of homes both inside and out. While summer is a good season to buy a home, there are still some tips you should follow for the best chance of finding your first home.

Connect with an Experience Real Estate Agent

This will always be the first tip for anyone buying or selling a home because a talented real estate agent is your best asset. They have vast networks for finding homes, know the market, and can guide you through the process with ease. Especially as a first-time homebuyer, your real estate agent will be with you every step of the way, explaining what to expect and how to go about the process. It helps to make a big decision like this when you have someone on your side.

Be Ready to Make a Strong Offer

Spring and early summer are the most competitive months for buying a home. With plenty of competition for homes in your market, you’ll want to be set to make a strong offer when you find the house you want to own. You can do this by getting pre-approved for a mortgage before beginning the process of touring homes. Not only will this give you a good idea of what you can afford, it gives you a leg-up when making an offer.

Take Your Time

In a competitive market, it can be easy to panic and want to make an offer on the first house that fits your criteria. A house is a long-term investment, though, so make sure it checks off all of the boxes before making an offer. Take your time to explore different neighborhoods, test out commutes, identify must-haves criteria, and determine what you really want out of a home. Your agent can help guide you through these steps to ensure you’re happy with the home and area you’re selecting.

Don’t Overlook Houses that Have Been on the Market Longer

As you are looking for houses, don’t overlook the ones that have been sitting on the market a little longer. Especially as we move out of the slower winter season, these houses will be priced to sell. Take advantage of these lowered prices and check out a few homes that have been sitting for a little while. Often, these will be the homes you’re able to win out over the competition that wants to see houses that just went on the market. Your agent will help you navigate to ensure you aren’t overlooking any glaring issues that may have caused a long time on the market.

Summer is a great time to buy a home! Because it’s such a great time, you’ll face steeper competition than you would in the fall and winter, but don’t let that discourage you. Despite higher competition, more homes hit the market in the summer, giving you plenty of places to choose from. Plus, sellers slow down toward the end of August, making it the perfect time to snag a house at a good price.

If you’re ready to buy your first home, reach out to me so we can discuss!