Conventional wisdom dictates that the spring is a seller’s market. Houses show nicely in the spring. The holiday season has passed, tax time is over, and prospective buyers are ready to start shopping. And because we all hype the spring up as the time to buy a house, people come out in droves to buy homes at prices higher than they were in the winter.

Sounds like a slam dunk for sellers, right? Well in many ways, it is. Houses move fast, inventory turns over, and sellers get top dollar for their homes. It is easier to show a house in the spring, there are no major weather-related difficulties, and buyers are usually motivated to buy, meaning there are not long, drawn out negotiations.

But just because the spring is a great time for sellers doesn’t mean it can’t also be a great time for buyers. All of the benefits listed for sellers (except, perhaps, the top dollar part), benefit buyers, as well. There is usually more inventory, meaning more selection. And for most, paying a few more dollars for the right house is well worth it. I have had many clients who have bought a house in January, only to be kicking themselves 3 months later when a house more suited to their needs came available in April.

And there are still deals to be had in the spring. It is not uncommon for a house to sit on the market for 2 months for most of the year. In the spring, however, a house that has been on the market for 2 months is untouchable to many buyers. This creates motivated sellers and can still allow buyers to pick up great houses at fair prices.

So if you are sitting on the sidelines this spring, waiting for the summer slowdown, it might make sense to at least see what is out there. You just might surprise yourself.

If you have any questions about buying a new house or getting a mortgage for a new house, please contact me. If you have anything to add about whether or not the spring is really a seller’s market, please leave a comment.