With all the icy temperatures and the snow of Canadian winters, it may be natural for some people to assume that making a home purchase or selling a property outside of the peak real estate season is less than ideal.While spring, summer and fall can be better for showcasing a home’s curb appeal and are traditionally considered peak real estate seasons in Ontario, the truth is that properties are continuing to sell during the colder months.&nbsp;Many agents may recommend that you wait to list your property to try to leverage the momentum that typically comes along with the peak real estate seasons. However, Joseph Richer of the Real Estate Council of Ontario notes that selling your home in winter can be just as lucrative. In fact, if someone takes the time to look at your home in bad weather conditions, they might be a motivated buyer.If you are looking to sell your home in the winter, here are some things you may wish to consider.Public safety: If you are looking to sell your home this winter, make sure that all exterior walkways and stairs are always shoveled and maintained so that people touring the property can walk safely and avoid injury. Remember to check if snow needs to be cleared from your roof as well.Vacant home: If you have closed on another property and intend to leave your first home empty while it is listed and being shown to prospective buyers, you could potentially still have to account for things like property insurance, snow removal and utility fees. It is also essential to confirm with your insurance provider what you must do to maintain your policy on an unoccupied house.Remember, people purchase and sell homes all year in Canada. No one can truly guarantee that waiting for spring or fall will lead to a higher sale price. So, do your research, leverage a good agent’s expertise and advice, and proceed with what works best for you.Are there advantages to buying a home off season? We think yes! According to Toronto Realty Boutique wintertime can offer some advantages that the other seasons can’t. There may not be as many homes to choose from if you’re buying a home in the winter, but you also won’t have the competition that the spring and fall markets see.Less CompetitionDuring the colder months of the year, you can leverage the weather to your advantage because you’re a buying-rarity. There is far less competition and buyers looking, which could give you negotiating power, putting you in control of the transaction. A seller knows that someone who is driving through the snow and cold weather rather than hibernating at home in front of the fire is a pretty serious buyer.At this time of year, you also may benefit from a discount too as sellers are eager to unload their homes. Sellers that don’t want to wait until the popular selling seasons like spring usually have a good reason for selling at that time. Perhaps there is a new job opportunity on the table for the sellers that is going to make them want to move quickly or a change in lifestyle needs. Buyers can take advantage of these situations in the winter and perhaps get a home of their dreams for less than they would possibly pay during the warmer months.Fewer Bidding Wars off SeasonLess buyers in the winter means less competition for your purchase. Not very many are willing to brave the temperatures to visit an open house as they are in the spring when there is more inventory. The benefit of this is that you’ll have plenty of breathing room – hot markets are typically when bidding wars occur so if looking in the colder months, you’ll be able to take your time and not have to make a major decision within 24 hours of seeing a house that you like. The likelihood of multiple offers is far less, so sticking within your budget is also more feasible.No Overwhelming Selection ChoicesIf you’re the type of buyer that has gets overwhelmed with lots of available choices, buying a home in winter may have benefits for your stress level as well. With fewer homes to choose from, you won’t have to content with the hesitation and the fear of missing out on another house if you decide too quickly. With a limited selection of homes, you’ll only have a handful to choose from which might just make it easier to narrow down your wish list and provide for an easier decision-making process overall.Potentially Quicker Mortgage ClosingsThe winter months in the Real Estate world can be a bit slower for those who also service the industry. Mortgage brokers and banks may have more time to process your files quickly. The same can be said about lawyers, home inspectors and contractors.Opportunity for Cheaper Moving and Renovating CostsSecuring time and negotiating with vendors such as movers and contractors may also be much easier in the wintertime. With fewer people moving in and moving out, companies that specialize in this process will have fairly flexible schedules. Getting booked at the beginning or end of a month at a decent rate will be much easier in the winter than in the spring and fall months. No need to worry about a mid-month move to save money! Another advantage to buying during the wintertime is if you need to do some work, you’ll be able to secure a contracting team quicker than you would in the spring. Many contractors site January to March as a slower time for their work, so if you’re able to move quickly into your new home and are fairly decisive on the work you need, you’ll be able to get things done ahead of the warmer months and take full advantage of the spring and summer enjoying your new home.If you’re thinking of moving up into a new home, or perhaps even buying your first home, then don’t wait until the spring real estate market, rather see what’s out there now. You will win either way. What’s the worst that could happen? If you don’t find a home, you still gain valuable insights into the housing market, check out the properties and the residential areas. You will also see the properties and the amenities around in a more realistic light. Are the roads well maintained during the winter snowfalls? Are the stores and public places nearby easy to get around in winter? &nbsp;And if you do find a home you love - you’ll start the next exciting chapter of your life in the New Year with a new beautiful home!

Is Selling or Buying Your Home Off-Peak Real Estate Season Less than Ideal?  

While spring, summer and fall are traditionally considered peak real estate seasons in Ontario, properties are bought and sold during the colder months.

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