The Winter Market

Here's my two cents: it's a great time to buy a house.
Everyone asks me lately, "How's the real estate business?" thinking that I'll talk about how slow it is and how nothing is ever happening this time of year.
That's just not the case though. With 1,875 homes sold in November (up 17.6% according to the Columbus Board of Realtors) in Central Ohio, you can't argue that the market is alive and well.
I'm working with people all over the place right now, from properties in Canal Winchester to Delaware and maybe even Cardington. Of course central city inside I-270 is always my favorite place to work and I'm helping buyers currently looking in value areas such as Olde Towne East, Bronzeville, Weinland Park, etc.
So far this month there have been about 923 properties sold in Central Ohio and I'm just talking about residential single family homes and condos.
It's a good time to buy because one will often pay less for a home during these months than they would for the same home 4-6 months from now.
It's a good time to sell because the buyers out there are very serious -- they're looking for a home in the cold and dark, they must be serious.
Yes, people are busy with the holidays and yes, those buyers who are out looking with their agents may tend to bring the slush and mud of Columbus winters into your living room if they're not careful, but hey, it looks like interests may be on the rise soon so savvy buyers are looking now.

Speaking of interest rates, many people don't know that you can lock-in an interest rate. Many lenders only allow you to do so once you've found a property. Other lenders may allow you to lock-in a rate now and guarantee it for the next 30-90 days while you look for the perfect home. Of course that'll cost you, typically a few hundred dollars which will eventually come back to you should you decide to use that lender when you purchase your homes.