Photo Credit: Ezra Jeffrey-Comeau
Crisp mountain air, golden aspen leaves, the anticipation of winter and hiking trails to yourself are some of the highlights of “off-season” in the mountains. Ask Colorado mountain town, locals, what their favorite season is and many will answer with a definitive answer: Fall. This may also be the perfect time to buy a home. Summer is typically when the real estate market is the hottest. By September the housing market cools down, along with outdoor temperatures which makes it the ideal time to start shopping for your mountain getaway.
Here are seven reasons to buy a mountain home in the fall:
1- Sellers are motivated and there may be fewer buyers. Prices usually remain the same, but you might avoid a bidding war in the fall. Sellers are often wanting to get things settled before the end of the year and buyers usually drop off because of school starting, shorter daylight hours, and holiday planning. This puts you in a good position for negotiation.
2- Autumn weather will show a home’s true colors. It’s not unusual to see a heavy amount of rain or even snow in the mountains as early as September. Autumn rain and snow might mean your inspector may spot problematic leaks or roof issues in the home. This could bring down the price or at least give you an opportunity to maneuver your offer.
3- Changes and upgrades may be less expensive. Home renovations are often at the lowest in the fall. According to consumer reports, September and October are the cheapest time to buy carpet, paint, and appliances. Contractors will also be less busy and looking for extra work before winter makes an appearance. September and October months are also the best time to buy items such as snowblowers, lawnmowers, and plants. The fall savings add up.
Photo Credit: Nathan Anderson
4- Have a good April and capitalize on tax benefits. If you close before the end of the year you can offset income taxes by applying mortgage interest or points and property taxes to lower your tax bill. This could be a significant advantage when April rolls around. Consult with your tax professional on how to best take advantage of this with your personal situation.
5- You’ve got your realtor’s full attention. Realtors generally treat clients as their number one priority however; you may actually be your realtor’s only priority during the fall season. As summer comes to a close, the hustle and bustle usually slow down which gives your agent time to focus solely on you and your home buying needs. Kids are back in school and their summer listing inventory is lower which means your agent can promptly meet you at open houses and put in offers quickly, putting you in the best position to seal the deal.
6- Winter is coming. Whether you are looking to make the mountains your permanent residence or looking for a vacation home, buying in the Fall will give you time to get the home ready for winter. If you will be short term renting, it will give you an opportunity to get it listed on the rental market. If you are settling in for the long haul, you get the advantage of closing in time to enjoy the entire winter season full of activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, and snowmobiling to name a few.
7- Fall in the mountains is unparalleled. The other seasons are great as well but there is something about the fall foliage and crisp mountain air that makes you long to be in the mountains. Get a feel for the entire mountain town “vibe” with terrific scenery and fewer crowds during the fall season. It is also the best time to connect with the local community with fewer tourists.
Buying a home is an exciting but often overwhelming experience. Amon Team can help you through the home-buying process and assure that you find the right home for you, at the right price for you.
Colorado is filled with beautiful mountain homes and fall is an ideal time to buy. We are experts in Summit County, however; if you have your eye on a different mountain town, we have relationships with agents and would be happy to give you an excellent referral. Reach out: http://www.amonteam.com/.
