How to Buy a House in the Winter (Yes, It’s Possible)
In the coldest months, you can plow through your search — and maybe even get a bargain.
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If you’re house hunting, last weekend’s record-breaking snowfall is a valid reason to put your search on ice. But winter weather doesn’t faze Desirae Allen, a real estate broker with Sound Realty in Valdez, Alaska. In a city that gets more than 300 inches of snow in a season, that’s just business as usual.
“I’ve got a showing that all of a sudden came unexpectedly, and I haven’t got a guy over there to plow the driveway, ” she says. “I've got to tell the buyers, you know, 'Grab your boots or grab your snowshoes — we're going to wade our way in.’”
Nationally, winter is the sleepiest season for the housing market, but some home buyers still get it done. About 13,000 houses are sold every day from December through February, reports the National Association of Realtors.
If you’re ready to buy a house — and you made it through the storm with heat and power — why not start looking now? Here’s how to turn the winter off-season into your advantage.
Pay attention to price drops
If you need a reason to crawl out of hibernation, mortgage rates are dangling a rare opportunity. The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate hit 5.97% in the week ending Jan. 22. That’s a full percentage point lower than the average rate in January 2025, and nearly the lowest we’ve seen in three years.
If you don’t have one yet, now’s a good time to shop around for a mortgage preapproval. Get a quote from at least three different lenders to make sure you’re getting the best deal. A preapproval typically locks in your mortgage rate for 30, 60 or 90 days. Try to snag one on the longer side so you’re covered through spring.
When comparing offers, ask if your lender has a “float down” option. This allows you to swap your quoted rate for a lower one if rates keep dropping after your preapproval.
Another way to save: Average prices tend to drop in the winter months. Homes listed from December-February are priced 16% lower than those listed in June, reports the NAR. On top of that, motivated sellers are more willing to negotiate on price — especially if their home has been sitting on the market since summer or fall.
Expect slimmer selection
Winter bargains come with tradeoffs. Inventory is thinner this time of year, limiting buyers’ options. Monica Haynes, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Minnesota Duluth, says flexibility can help buyers make that dynamic work in their favor.
“If you're someone who is willing to buy a fixer-upper, or someone who's willing to overlook some maybe less desirable things, then you can probably get a better deal in the winter,” she says.
In many areas, more listings start popping up in February, but every market has its own rhythm. A local buyer’s agent can help you understand what’s typical in your neighborhood.
Know what a winter inspection can’t spot
When you get to the walk-through phase, pay extra attention to how the house feels in winter weather. Are the windows drafty? How’s the natural light?
Ask the sellers for photos of the property in milder weather. Deep snow can mask major issues, like siding damage, roof issues or problems with the septic system.
Allen, speaking from experience in Alaska, has seen just how weird that reveal can get.
“Is there a dead car out there in the woods that I'm going to be surprised by, come summertime?” she says. “So do a little bit more homework, lean on your home inspection and just really slow down and do your due diligence.”
Stay flexible on timing
Once you’re clear to close, build some wiggle room into your timeline to save money (and stress).
Moving companies often charge less for a winter move, thanks to lower demand in the off-season. However, inclement weather can erase those savings pretty quickly if it leads to longer routes, heavier fuel usage or more labor hours — especially for long-distance moves.
Winter’s slow season can mean more flexible contractor schedules — and potential savings — on cosmetic work like painting or minor remodeling, often at the top of new homeowners’ to-do lists. But with seasonal demand, it might be harder to book plumbers, HVAC techs and electricians.
“Come winter, they are pretty backed up with no heat calls, frozen pipes — you know, more the 9-1-1 things — where they're using their summers for projects,” Allen says.
Slow down and be intentional
Winter has a way of slowing everything down. While spring brings more listings, it also brings more competition and pressure to move fast.
This time of year, homes tend to attract fewer offers — about two per listing in December 2025, according to the NAR. Compared to peak homebuying season, homes stay on the market a median 20 days longer in the winter, giving buyers more breathing room and negotiating power.
With fewer transactions happening overall, you may get more face time and attention from everyone involved, from your buyer’s agent to the lender to the title company. Instead of rushing, winter gives you space to ask questions and move forward with intention.
When you’re making a decision as big as buying a home, taking your time is a good thing. A slower winter market gives you time to build confidence and figure out each step in the homebuying process. That way, you’re ready whenever the right home comes along — now or in the spring.