Many people wait for the flowers of spring to bloom before beginning their house hunting, but this isn’t always the best route to take. While there may be fewer homes listed during the winter than there are in the spring, there’s also less competition in terms of other buyers, which is advantageous in getting your offer accepted faster and also getting financial applications approved more quickly.

But whether you’re buying a home in Bucktown Chicago real estate or elsewhere in the city, there are still tips to keep in mind when buying during the winter:

• Get an extended warranty: Make sure that an extended warranty is part of the agreement. That’s because you can’t tell if some appliances (i.e., air conditioner) are in good working order during the winter months.
• Make sure the home is well insulated: Check the utility bills and also look to see where the snow is evaporating faster – on the roof or on the sides of the house. If it’s melting faster on the roof, the home likely isn’t well insulated.
• Know the area: People aren’t usually outside in the winter months, but you can still get a good feel for the neighborhood just from doing some simple observation. For instance, if you’re buying around the holidays, look to see if decorations are up throughout the neighborhood. This will give you a feel for who is serious about keeping their homes up. Also pay attention to leaves on lawns, landscaping, etc. You may even want to introduce yourself to your potential neighbors.

For more information on homes for sale in Bucktown Chicago, contact your Bucktown realtor today.