Most people think that this time of year is slow for real estate, and that bad weather slows down the market even more. While that used to be somewhat true, we now can tell-in real time, using Google analytics-that buyers are out in force during the winter months. In addition, despite the cold, they want to get a jump on the spring market, so they are turning out in force for open houses and appointments to see new listings.
Just as in every other year, in our academic area, we don't have enough inventory to show the number of buyers coming through. Also, we are catching the end of the wave that has swept the country from west to east in the past few years, and inventory shortages are driving sales. While other regions have seen a slowdown, we seem to be experiencing a boom, or at least a boomlet. Sometimes it's good to lag the market!
If you are a seller, this is your moment, and you should seize it. If you are a buyer, don't be shy about bidding, and bidding on what you may feel is the high end of value. While the spring market may bring more choices, it will also bring more buyers, so your chances of landing a bargain will not go up. And think of this--if you are successful in your offer, you can be enjoying your new home by spring, instead of spending your weekends at open houses!
