#35 Home Buying in Changing Seasons



Like so many “good moves” that we consider when handling the important circumstances that fill our lives, planning when to strategize the physical home transition presents some dicey timing factors!

You could be winding up the process of acquiring your home mortgage loan.  You could be contemplating selling a home you own and buying a new one.   You could be trying to prep for the sale while looking at homes to buy.  When your move can be coordinated with the most favorable timeline for moving, it can make the process much more convenient and even easier.  However...easier said than done.

History and statistics tell us that Spring is the start of the home buying “season!”  It is as though waking up from the Winter inspires folks to tackle “the big one,” start the project, do something new – and, move away from procrastination.

If you are planning to sell your home, Spring is perfect for launching into the cleanup, repairs, improvements and other general preparations.  The weather begins to be a bit more dependable for stuff like exterior painting and landscaping chores.  (All that when you are probably simultaneously in the process of acquiring your home Mortgage loan for the new home!  Wow!)

Taking the example of a young family with children in school, the process of moving can loom as a veritable nightmare.  The thought of continuing all the usual stuff  -- transportation, school projects, sports and drama commitments PLUS preparing to move an entire household...well it’s daunting.  That’s a big reason for waiting until school is OUT!   Remember to factor in such mundane considerations as your energy and your mental health!   Explore all options and make a truly workable, feasible plan.

The historical timing suggestions might not apply to you – every situation has its own few unique twists, of course.  So, ultimately, you’ll choose the season that works best for you.   Some of such choices relate to how folks feel about holidays, or special family anniversaries or events.  Moving in the Autumn is favored by some in anticipation of the typical inside warmth of the Winter holidays and the new home as a very special gift.

Very often, timing for the actual move is strictly a financial matter!  Qualifying for your Mortgage loan, then choosing the home, then waiting out escrow are the factors that are more in control than the hope for an ideal preference.  Consider building preferable seasonal choices into your larger plan, allowing for some of the more predictable timelines.   Your Mortgage lender can help you with a strategy.

Somewhere in the calendar folks find their ideal choices!  The best insurance for coming close is good planning – with guidance from those who know the ropes.   It might be possible to get all the qualifying data lined up and hold off the approval countdown to coincide with your preferred time to actually move.   Remember, your pre-approval has a time limit.

The best of planning cannot anticipate emergencies, so it’s a good idea to build some flexibility into your strategy; that’s just another way to say allow for the unexpected.  Special needs might alter the way in which you may go forward.   You could find the perfect home – but need time for the construction of an access ramp or modified bathrooms to accommodate a wheelchair.

So...Seasonal patterns and Seasonal preferences must still cooperate with the realities of each individual situation.  Set goals, but make them reasonable!  Do the homework that your Mortgage lender and Residential Realtor give you.  The more efficient and cooperative you are the better chance you will have to participate in favorable trends and typical patterns that are usually exceptionally workable!

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