Most Americans start househunting in the spring and move into new homes between May and September. But, while finding a new home during the winter months might not be at the top of your to-do list, buying a home during this time may have some advantages.

Here are seven great reasons to consider buying a home in the winter.

Reason #1: You may have less competition

It’s common to see lines of potential buyers queueing at the door for most open houses. That's especially true in spring and summer when there's plenty of competition with other house hunters, properties sell much faster and bidding wars start to heat up. You might have less inventory to choose from in winter — depending on the part of the country you're in, of course — but you'll be more likely to have an offer accepted when there are fewer potential buyers.

Reason #2: There maybe bargains out there

With fewer buyers in the market — and fewer over-asking or all-cash offers — you may be able to negotiate a better price since sellers will not have as many offers to choose from. And if the home you're interested in has been on the market for a while, getting it for a price you want to pay is more likely. With a long winter ahead, sellers may be more willing to drop their prices to make a sale sooner.

Reason #3: Tax incentives can motivate sellers

As a buyer, you're not just looking for a home; you're looking for an eager seller – someone who may be motivated to make a deal and is willing to negotiate. As you hit some open houses, consider that some sellers may be looking to benefit from certain tax advantages that can come with selling a home. Even better, they may want to get that tax write-off in the current tax year rather than waiting til the next and may also offer you a quick-to-close offer.

Reason #4: Cold weather can expose a home’s bumps and bruises

In spring and summer, homebuyers typically see a property all decked out with trim painted to perfection and landscaping that provides the desired "curb appeal." Instead, winter shoppers might see all the imperfections that aren't as obvious in warmer weather. Wind, wet and colder temps will test poorly-sealed windows and insulation and expose an inefficient heating system. Plus, more serious problems, like ice dams, that are only seen in the winter. Cold-weather issues like this can indeed be fixed, but they could help you negotiate an acceptable final price.

Reason #5: Some sellers need to unload a property

Homebuyers expect to go through lengthy, drawn-out negotiations in peak selling months, haggling back and forth to make a deal. In winter, though, many sellers are prepared for compromises; they're pricing their homes to sell quickly. Even after a home inspection, the seller may be more amenable to negotiating repairs or adjusting the price, something they may be less likely to do in a seller's market. Remember, the seller may need to unload the home quickly; they may be moving for work, family reasons or financial hardship. As a homebuyer, you're the beneficiary of this situation which might result in a better price and a quicker closing.

Reason #6: Realtors may have more time for you

Go househunting once spring starts and you could find yourself waiting a lot longer to get your real estate agent's attention — they're just so busy in the high season. But winters can be slower in many parts of the country, and motivated buyers are rarer, so they're even more attractive to realtors. It's all about supply and demand, and the personal attention you receive in the winter is a nice breath of fresh air. Enjoy the limelight!

Reason #7: Moving companies need the business

Real estate agents aren't the only ones in high demand in spring and summer: movers are stretched to the limits then, too, especially since families want to get moving over and done with before the kids return to school in August. If you live in a part of the country where cold, wet weather makes moving a miserable experience, you might understand why it's easier to book movers in the winter: it's not as busy or competitive then. Not only might you be offered a better rate and time slot, you may have more flexibility if the weather doesn't cooperate and you have to reschedule your moving day.

Quick tips for looking at homes in the winter

If you do decide to look for your new home in the winter months, here are a few tips that might help you find the right one!

• Bring a flashlight or phone light: Having darker days and earlier sunsets means it can be harder to spot details inside and outside the home since the natural light is low. Don’t be afraid to use a flashlight to look for water stains, mold or cracks, especially in areas with limited natural lighting, like basements or garages.
• Check heating and insulation: Ask the agent to turn on the heating system if it's not already running. Feel for drafts around the windows, doors and attics to gauge the insulation quality, which is especially important in colder months.
• Picture the home through all seasons: Are there certain “must-haves” you might want throughout the year? Pay attention to the amenities available to make sure the home and area have the important things you’re looking for. We know you might not be thinking about a pool or playground when it’s cold outside, but you might want those things in the summer!

Loan options that could benefit winter buyers

It’s also important to remember that you still have loan options that could benefit you as a winter buyer. These can include rate lock programs or even assistance for first-time buyers.

Here are a few programs to consider:

• Lock & Shop: Qualified borrowers can secure their mortgage rate for up to 120 days before house hunting, so you don’t have to stress about rates changing.*
• Movement Boost: Helps qualified FHA borrowers finance their entire 3.5% down payment and even a portion of closing costs.**
• Local programs: Make sure you chat with your loan officer about any local loan programs that may be able to help make homeownership more affordable in your area.

*The Lock & Shop 120-day lock period is available for 30-year fixed Conventional, FHA, and VA 1-4 unit Primary and 2nd Home (when permitted by product) purchase loans for an upfront Lock & Shop Fee. Borrower must pay lock & shop fee within 48 hours of Lock Request and identify a property address within 75 days of the Lock Request or lock will be canceled. Excludes brokered, jumbo, renovation buydowns , COOPs, and bond loans. Borrower will be eligible for a one-time float down no earlier than 45 days and no later than 15 days prior to the estimated closing date once they are fully approved (no outstanding borrower credit conditions). The Lock & Shop program may be amended or terminated at any time except for qualified borrowers purchases with loans locked prior to the date of the announcement of termination. This offer is not a commitment to lend.
**Additional restrictions apply. Down payment assistance is in the form of repayable second lien with a 10 year amortization term and a rate at 2% above the first lien rate.

Winter home buying: the bottom line

If you're currently in the market to buy a new home — perhaps your first — there may be significant benefits to doing so during the winter months. That being said, the best time to buy is whenever you're ready, and being preapproved for a budget you can afford is the best first step to finding the home of your dreams! Reach out when you're ready to discuss financing!