But what are some of these variables? We’ve outlined seven factors to help you decide when to buy a house.
Days On Market (DOM)
To determine the competition for a specific market, you can review the days on the market (DOM) average for a specific area. This number is the number of days that a property is listed for sale.
If the DOM is very low, this means it’s currently a hot seller’s market. According to Zillow, the national average for how many days a home was on the market was 92 days (February 2020). Zillow also describes San Francisco as one of the areas where homes sell the quickest. In February of 2020 the average number of days a home was listed on Zillow was only 42 days, nearly half the amount of time as the national average. When the numbers are high, this indicates less competition amongst homebuyers, also known as a buyer’s market.
Time Of Year
The most popular time to look for a home is during spring and summer. There is generally more competition between buyers, and greater inventory available (homes listed on the market). As a buyer, while it may seem like a good idea to wait until more sellers list their homes, you’ll find it harder to buy a home because of the competition. That said, there is no wrong time of year to purchase a house if you have a good strategy and team up with an experienced realtor and lender.
Spring and summer may be the most popular times, but winter is often an excellent time to make a low purchase offer. With fewer buyers on the lookout, sellers are generally more open.
Tax Season
A unique tactic for buyers is to consider purchasing a property right before the tax season. Sellers are more focused on paying taxes and are potentially more flexible on the price. If you time it right, you might be able to get a great deal with a motivated seller.
We at JVM Lending are not tax professionals, and the information above should not be taken as tax advice. Please consult a tax professional for any questions in regards to taxes.
Estate Sales
Estate sales take place after a homeowner has died and left the estate to the family. If the family chooses not to keep the home, they are responsible for selling the property and all the belongings within it. After a loved one has passed away, families tend to want to sell the home quickly and can be willing to negotiate more.
Mortgage Rates
One of the ideal times to buy a home is when mortgage rates are low. Even a fraction of a percentage point can mean a difference of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. That’s why it’s crucial to check rates before applying for a mortgage.
Fortunately, rates are very low right now, making it an ideal time to purchase a property.
Divorce
Divorce is a bleak circumstance that usually ends in both parties dividing up property. With their house on the market due to a divorce, a seller may be more motivated to sell quickly and be more flexible with the price because they face the cost of a divorce.
Final Note
As you can see, there are a myriad of variables in the homebuying process. Having a knowledgeable and experienced real estate agent and lender can help make the process stress-free and easy. Reach out to JVM Lending with any questions for JVM’s expert Client Advisors. You can reach our team here, by phone at (855) 855-4491, or by email at [email protected].
