Buying a house in the fall can be a unique experience when compared to buying during other times of the year, especially in Maryland. The following considerations may help you in your decision-making while searching for your next home.
Negotiation Strategy
There tends to be less competition for homes during the fall season, compared to spring and summer. While the fall may have fewer buyers than months prior, it can also mean fewer homes on the market. Be prepared to act quickly on a property you love. On the other hand, leftover or relisted inventory may be available in the fall if it didn’t sell in previous months, making sellers more willing to accept lower offers.
Foliage
The leaves are changing this time of year in Maryland. While foliage can be a beautiful enhancement to real estate, be aware of what happens to the leaves once they fall off the trees. Will they require a lot of maintenance in the yard, gutters, and other areas of the property?
Community Events
Autumn is a lively time in most parts of Maryland, with many local festivals, events, and indoor/outdoor activities. Before moving to an area, get a feel for its community culture and visit some of the events that it has to offer. Consider road access, noise, and other factors that may come with living near community event spaces.
School Districts
If you have school-aged children or plan to in the future, research the quality of local schools and their ratings. The fall is a good time to consider how school district boundaries may affect your home choice. Even if you do not have children in the local school system, consider how school bus routes may cause additional traffic in your neighborhood.
Closing Timeline
Keep in mind that the closing process can take several weeks. If you’re buying a home in the fall, be aware that your closing and moving schedule may occur around/during the holiday season, which can have its own challenges and considerations.
Buying with Corner House Realty
Our team is committed to helping you find your next home with ease and excitement. We offer a property buying search function on our website to get the process started for you. You can also check out the latest properties to hit our local market to view listings yourself.