You’ve probably heard that spring and summer are the best seasons for selling a house due to high buyer demand and potentially higher prices. This makes sense since parents want to get settled before the start of a new school year, and the warm weather makes touring homes easier. However, winter can be better for buyers, especially if you’re looking for a deal.

From December to March, there is typically less competition in the market, and sellers are often more willing to negotiate or accept lower offers. So, if you don’t mind braving colder temperatures and snowy conditions, winter can be a great time to find your new home. Consider the following advantages:

Less competition: Maybe it’s the desire to stay home by a cozy fire or an aversion to traversing icy roads, but less people are out looking for home in the winter months. With fewer buyers in the market, you’re less likely to get into bidding wars or face competition for all-cash offers. Of course, the trade-off is that there are typically fewer houses on the market during the winter, which limits your options compared to the spring or summer months.

Lower prices: Because the market is typically slower and less people are house shopping, prices are often lower in the winter. Studies show that January can be the cheapest month for home sales. Home buyers who close in January pay an average of 0.51 percent less than those that close during other months. This may not sound like much, but keep in mind that 0.51 percent of the price of a home can add up to thousands of dollars. In addition, sellers are often more motivated to sell quickly in the winter, which means they may be more flexible with regards to price and terms, according to Freddie Mac.

Year-end tax benefits: If you’re hoping to take advantage of year-end tax benefits, November and December are a good time for house hunting. Buying a house before the end of the year allows you to claim deductions for eligible expenses, such as mortgage interest, on your tax return for the current tax year.

More personal attention: Since winter is typically slower for real estate agents and mortgage lenders, they often have more time to dedicate to you and your search for the perfect house. This can result in a smoother, quicker process and more personalized service.

Opportunity to inspect the home’s performance: While it may be more difficult to inspect a home’s exterior in the winter or get a good feel for the landscaping and curb appeal, it can give you a chance to see how the home handles the cold weather. If there are issues with heating, insulation, or drafty windows, the winter weather will make them easier to spot.

It can be easier to hire movers: Sure, moving in the winter doesn’t sound fun. Snow and ice can make it challenging, but on the other hand, you’ll probably have your pick of moving companies. It’s easier to book moving companies in the winter, and you may be able to negotiate a better deal.

Choose the Best Season for You

The “right” season to buy a house really depends on what your priorities are. If you’re looking for a large selection of homes, then spring and summer are the best times. However, if getting the best price and having less competition are important to you, then winter may be the optimal choice. In fact, it might be the perfect opportunity to get a good deal on your dream home!

Of course, the “best time” can vary based on local market conditions, so it’s always helpful to get advice from a trusted real estate agent.