Homebuyers

Calling All Homebuyers: Shopping in Winter May Be a Winning Move

Have you ever driven past a “For Sale” sign in January and wondered who would buy a home in the middle of winter? The answer is someone who has done the math and figured out the season offers secret ways to score.

Winter isn’t considered prime homebuying season, especially when it’s cold outside and it’s hard to assess curb appeal under a foot of snow. But the slower pace can offer real benefits.

With fewer competitors and motivated sellers, winter can give buyers leverage that’s more difficult to find once the spring rush begins.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering buying a home during the winter months and how to leverage the season to your advantage.

January and early February offer a homebuying window

Not all winter weeks are created equal. January into early February is often one of the calmest stretches of the year. The Super Bowl is often considered the kickoff to the homebuying season in many parts of the country.

“Serious buyers tend to look for a home now and [don’t] wait until spring,” said Cara Ameer, a real estate professional at Florida’s Coldwell Banker. “Sellers whose properties have been sitting are more motivated to unload them now.”

As a result, winter buyers tend to score when they concentrate on a home that checks most of their boxes rather than trying to find the perfect home. Their reward is often a lower price than they would be able to get in the busier spring months.

“Buyers should be flexible and understand that while housing stock may be more limited, the likelihood of multiple offers is less,” said Ameer. “If they wait, thinking the spring may bring more choices, they may find what they want priced higher [with] more competition for the home.”

Denise Supplee, a real estate professional with Long & Foster in Doylestown, Pa, agrees.

“Most sellers are very aware of the competitive nature of the spring market” where they can often get more money for their properties, said Supplee. “Therefore, many hold off listing until then.”

Serious homebuyers and home sellers dominate the winter market

Open houses tend to look very different in winter, largely because there are fewer people walking through the door. That may provide motivated homebuyers and sellers with opportunities to close deals.

“Winter can be an excellent time to buy or sell a home because the market tends to attract only the most serious participants,” said Realtor Jason Gelios of Michigan’s Community Choice Realty.

“Buyers who are actively shopping during the winter are typically motivated and ready to move forward, while sellers listing their homes are genuinely committed to selling,” he said.

Less competition changes the winter homebuying experience

With fewer homebuyers in the mix, there is generally less pressure to waive contingencies or offer above the asking price just to stay competitive in the housing market.

“Winter can be a surprisingly good time to buy,” said Seamus Nally, CEO of TurboTenant, a property management platform for landlords that operates in Upstate New York and Colorado. “You’re less likely to encounter bidding wars. And sellers can also be more likely to accept a lower offer.”

The homes that are listed are typically there because the seller is on a deadline to unload the property.

Homebuyers can often negotiate prices down in the winter

Sellers who list in winter often do so because they must move soon, for a new job, family obligations, or for another reason. That presents buyers with the chance to negotiate.

Winter sellers may be more willing to lower the price, agree to repairs, or even temporarily buy down the mortgage rate, especially if the home has already spent time on the market.

“No home is perfect,” said Ameer. “If it needs work or updating, this is a good time to ask a seller for concessions.”

New construction incentives can be stronger for homebuyers in the winter

Builders often use the winter months to clear new construction housing stock left over from the previous year. Savvy homebuyers may be able to score a deal.

“Builders want to move the inventory they have that carried over from 2025,” said Ameer. “They are offering many attractive incentives like buying interest rates down and paying closing costs.”

In some cases, buyers may also be able to ask for upgrades, such as fancier appliances, window treatments, or other upgraded finishes, which are harder to negotiate during peak buying seasons.

Winter reveals how a home really performs

There are other advantages to purchasing a home in the winter. Cold weather can show buyers things about a home they might miss during warmer months.

Buyers can test out heating systems, see if windows are drafting, how the roof holds up under snow, and exterior maintenance in cold conditions. Potential drainage problems and snow-removal issues are also easier to identify.

For buyers planning to live in the home year-round, that firsthand experience can help avoid costly surprises later.

“If you are looking in an area that is in a cold climate and or experiences snow, this is a great time to see how the home holds up during the winter season,” said Ameer.

In a nutshell, winter can be one of the smartest times of year for buyers looking for a good price, less competition, and the chance to see the boiler in action, to purchase a home.