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Answers (13)

- Elena Micheva, "Elena Micheva"
- Contributions:24
Why pay your landlord mortgage if you qualify and invest in yourself? My answer should be ALL THE TIME :) I am busy all the time, and I have buyers and sellers throughout the year. There are tons of investors(builders, contractors, landlords), tons of first time buyers, and tons of sellers(banks, and homeowners) . Right now there are a lot of properties less than 70 cents of $$. Most of them short sales-approved and not approved, and also a lot of bank owned. I personally love Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac owned homes. Closing is fast, closing costs contributed by the seller(bank) to the buyer. Also , a lot of negotiation windows :) Rates are really low, and right now a mortgage is less than a rent payment. Why pay your landlord mortgage if you qualify and invest in yourself? There are a lot of loan programs available, as little as 0 down, or 3.5% :) Fannie Mae for example have a program homepath 10%down for investors(for example if you want to rent after you buy) , no mortgage insurance, and no appraisal needed.First time buyers can enjoy 3.5% contributed towards their closing costs.

- Mary Lockman, "Mary Lockman"
- Contributions:21
In the second home luxury market, where I live in Methow Valley, with so little private land available, any time is the right time because you just never know when that perfect property will come on market. It is about being patient, since you have the time to find that special home or property and when it comes up, you are all ready to go. Could be anytime in Methow Valley because it is when the property that is just right for you comes up for sale..

- Greg Butler, "gfbutler"
- Contributions:28
The Best time to buy a home is when you find one that you love! Inventory will typically be higher in the Spring and Summer months but their are usually more people looking as well. If you are using a professional agent you will be able to negotiate a good deal right now due to market conditions. I would counsel you to take your time, Find a house you love and go for it!

- Rich Lee, "Real Estate Geek"
- Contributions:99
RamyaSankar,
It depends on what your goal is. If you are looking for the most inventory, then Spring is your best bet. If you are looking for the best prices, then Winter is the best time. I've examined about 10 years worth of data in a couple of markets and winter prices are lower.
Your Real Estate Geek,
Rich
It depends on what your goal is. If you are looking for the most inventory, then Spring is your best bet. If you are looking for the best prices, then Winter is the best time. I've examined about 10 years worth of data in a couple of markets and winter prices are lower.
Your Real Estate Geek,
Rich

- Mechelle Cranford, "Mechelle Cranford"
- Contributions:15
For me, I am busiest during Spring. People get Spring fever and want to start a new project...including looking for a home. My second busiest season is Winter, before the new year. Clients tell me, all the time, that they want to close before the end-of-the-year to take advantage of a tax credit for the current year.

- Bob Blevins, "Bob Blevins"
- Contributions:60
It really comes to timing and what is right for the Buyer. Since the market is somewhat unpredicable, and market conditions are ever changing (inventory, interest rates, demand), the Buyer is the only part of the equations that has control and stability.
Your needs, wants, and desire will be the driving force that will put you into the market. In all the years of doing this, Best can mean many things and I'm certain that there is no single answer to your question. Several people here have brought up some great points and it really comes down to you. Talk with your agent, put a plan together and the best of luck to you in the process.
Your needs, wants, and desire will be the driving force that will put you into the market. In all the years of doing this, Best can mean many things and I'm certain that there is no single answer to your question. Several people here have brought up some great points and it really comes down to you. Talk with your agent, put a plan together and the best of luck to you in the process.

- Priscilla Sims, "priscillasims"
- Contributions:106
I do agree with many of the responses on here regarding the time is right when you find the right home. However, keep in mind, typically there is less inventory in the fall and winter months. Usually, people tend to put their homes on the market in spring and early summer in anticipation for buyers to want to move before the new school year.

- Andy Czako, "Andy Czako"
- Contributions:3
I believe the best time to buy is when you find the right house. Current interest rates are at near record lows right now. It makes for the perfect time - however, if your not able to, now is the time to start planning. Meet with a local mortgage advisor who can start the planning process. Most mortgage advisors will sit down and help explain the mortgage timeline, along with checking your credit, and if needed, some credit counseling. This helps the most so that when you do find the perfect place, you will be ready to go!

- John Stewart, "nwhome.us"
- Contributions:2166
Ramya,
As it appears you enjoy meditation, it can be used as a pretty good analogy. The focus of a search for a home has very little to do with the time of year; that's just noise. It has very little to do with what the media tells you; more noise.
If a point of your focus includes finding something that you can comfortably afford, those homes are usually available (the inventory) throughout the year. If the price and the home don't appear at a given point in time, they will appear at some other time.
Your patience and willingness to participate in the buying/selling process will also influence your focus. The less time you are willing to spend, the faster the process.
When would you like to meet your home?
As it appears you enjoy meditation, it can be used as a pretty good analogy. The focus of a search for a home has very little to do with the time of year; that's just noise. It has very little to do with what the media tells you; more noise.
If a point of your focus includes finding something that you can comfortably afford, those homes are usually available (the inventory) throughout the year. If the price and the home don't appear at a given point in time, they will appear at some other time.
Your patience and willingness to participate in the buying/selling process will also influence your focus. The less time you are willing to spend, the faster the process.
When would you like to meet your home?

- Tyler Simmonds, "AxisRealtyServices"
- Contributions:47
Were talking about finding the best deal and in my opinion it woul be fall or winter in are market because normally most homes go on the market during spring and summe and many home sellers will pass over the first offer or two thinking they will keep coming in so by the time Fall are winter comes the sellers are more desperate to get rid of it before going into the holiday season.

- Erin McLain, "mclainre"
- Contributions:12
I agree with Alan, the best time to buy is when you find the home you've been looking for at the price you can afford. Typically, you will find more homes being listed as you approach spring and summer months than new listings in the fall/winter when homeowners typically aren't as excited to sell around the holidays. Otherwise, take advantage of the very low interest rates and buy when you find the home that fits your wishlist.

- Dan, "the_country_hick"
- Contributions:4700
Most places after school starts is the best time. People stop looking and wait until spring. However, some places like Florida have the snowbird buying season in winter.

- Alan Grizzle, "Alan Grizzle"
- Contributions:401
The best time to buy is when you find a great deal on what you are loooking for. To get the best deal do not be in a rush to buy just be ready to act when you see a deal on what you are looking for. It does not matter what season it is.




what is the best time of year to buy a home? summer/fall/winter/spring?
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