Even when temperatures drop along with choices in the real estate market, buying in the cold weather months can result in some hot deals for Cape Cod homebuyers. If sellers list their houses anytime between November and March, they may be more motivated to accept an offer.
Homes for sale on Cape Cod are subject to the ebb and flow of seasonality just as with other Massachusetts real estate markets. However, Cape Cod homes are listed and sold throughout the year. Our Cape Cod Market Data reports are a great way to stay on the top of the Cape Cod real estate market.
Here are some tips and strategies for making the most of winter homebuying on Cape Cod.
Hire a Buyer’s Agent
The first step to take if you’re house hunting in the winter is to hire a buyer’s agent to represent you. As at any time of the year, this agent will have your best interests at heart. He or she will negotiate on your behalf, help you determine if a home is priced correctly to market conditions, help get you prequalified for a mortgage, determine your wants and needs, and tailor a property search to your criteria. Your buyer’s agent will be your advocate from the day you look at your first house until the day you are handed the keys to your new home.
Use Seasonality to Leverage Your Negotiating Power
By understanding that you are dealing with a motivated seller, you, as a buyer, will be in a more powerful position to negotiate price and terms. You may actually get a better buy than if you wait to go house hunting in the busier real estate seasons of spring and summer.
Although fewer choices are on the market, you will have less competition from other buyers, making bidding wars unlikely. Use this fact to your advantage when you’re bargaining with a homeowner for “bonuses,” such as light fixtures or furniture.
Take a Cold-Weather Look
As a winter buyer, you will be able to take a close look at a home’s ability to remain warm, dry, and comfortable during severely cold temperatures. Buying in the summer might make you think a sunroom addition is usable all year, when it is actually off limits after the first frost.
Cape Cod generally avoids the heavy snowfall that the rest of Massachusetts often gets, making it easier for homebuyers to see landscaping and gardens even if nothing’s in bloom. If the listing doesn’t include spring or summer photos, ask your agent if the seller can provide such photos.
When it’s time to make an offer, if there is any home feature, such as central air or an in-ground swimming pool, that you are unable to inspect because of cold or stormy weather, be sure to ask for an extended warranty in case a later inspection uncovers a problem.
Leverage These Perks for the Winter Buyer on Cape Cod
If you view Cape Cod homes in person this winter, you’ll see less traffic and have more opportunities to explore the area. Beach parking is free after Labor Day. The one thing you’ll absolutely want to do is visit the beaches near the homes you’re considering. Winter days on Cape Cod are often mild enough for a beach walk.
Yes, Cape Cod is a summer resort, but keep in mind that it’s also a year-round community. Although many Cape Cod businesses are seasonal, there are plenty of restaurants, bakeries, cafes, and cultural destinations that flourish all year.
If you’re buying at this time of year, you might have better opportunities to check out the neighborhood better than in the spring and summer when people are out and about or on vacation. You may want to meet and talk with a few of your potential neighbors before you decide to move in next to them.
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Article Name
Tips for Buying a Cape Cod Home in the Winter
Description
Even when temps drop along with choices in the real estate market, buying in the cold weather months can result in some hot deals for Cape Cod homebuyers.
Author
Jack Conway Realtor
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Jack Conway Realtor
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