1. Don't Add Extra Debt
We understand your kids want the newest gaming console, your husband needs a new Apple Watch and a new set of knives for mom and dad. But before you go putting everything on your credit card or opening a new Kohl's card for the extra 15% off, remember this article! Even if your credit is in good standing, racking up a bunch of new debt (including opening new accounts) will negatively affect your debt-to-income ratio. This could hurt your pre-approval.Instead, try to budget ahead of time. You can even talk with your lender if you are worried about finances being tight. Or tell the family they are getting a house for Christmas!
2. Failing to See the Bright-Side
So the house looks a bit... bleak. Remove any expectation that all the winter homes will be charmingly covered in snow. Don't dismiss a property because the trees are bare and the grass is dead. Try to imagine what it could be in all its springtime glory.3. Ignoring Possible Weather Delays
Don't assume everything will go perfectly as planned. While most trades work through the winter months, some things simply cannot be completed in colder temperatures. For example, exterior paint needs 40°-50° weather to properly dry. Sometimes these things will cause a delay in closing, other times they can be completed after closing and your REALTOR®️ can provide some safeguards for you to ensure this is properly completed. Just be aware and be flexible.4. Ignoring Daylight Savings
This year, November 3 is when we roll our clocks back an hour and daylight is shorter. Shopping for houses in the dark posses many risks from safety to simply not being able to see the property. While the summer months allow you to preview homes until almost 9:00 pm, in the winter months 6:00 pm is pushing it. Plan your family's schedule accordingly. Maybe you have to leave work an hour early to see the hot new listing.5. Lowballing
Generally speaking, sellers are more motivated in the winter months. But that doesn't necessarily mean you'll get a sweet deal. Just because there are fewer buyers, shopping home prices don't decrease. Usually, there are fewer homes available which can even the playing field back out.Since a winter discount doesn't exist, maybe you think you'll create your own discount with a lowball offer. Even in the winter months, sellers are getting around 98% of the list price. Not only can a lowball offer be insulting, sellers can be so displeased and instead of countering they reject the offer.
Work with your REALTOR®️ to craft a competitive offer that isn't offensive.
Happy shopping 😃
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