Moving in the Winter: Is It Ever a Smart Thing to Do?

There’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned Canadian winter. I mean a real winter, like we get here in Edmonton, of course. As you might be able to tell, I can’t wait! Let the skating, skiing, and snowball fights begin! (even if I’m totally over it and ready for spring by January).

In between activities, one question may be on your mind: should you consider moving, even now, when the weather is less than cooperative? In this post, let’s explore the pros and cons of selling or buying a house during the snowy season.

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have every tool available to make your purchase or sale a success. Start by downloading my Seller and Buyer Guides!

The Case Against a Winter Move

The moment you say, “I think I’ll list my house for sale,” you can expect some odd looks and responses. “Are you sure you don’t want to wait until spring?” people might ask, in their minds, if not out loud.

The reactions are the same when you announce you’re going to buy. Who would ever do such a thing? It is so cold!

The disadvantages of moving in the winter are fairly obvious. It’s not just the idea of potentially trudging through a snowstorm as you pack up and move your belongings from one place to another. Think of the real estate market itself.

Most people buy and sell in the spring. Winter is almost always the slowest time of year in real estate. Not only that, but think of the extra effort in keeping your house clean and tidy during showings.

Every time you mop the floor, someone else marches in with slushy boots. Winter showings take a bit more effort, but your home will never look warmer or more inviting.

With all of these disadvantages, why would anyone move while the snow is flying? Sometimes life forces your hand – a new job, a family situation, or a timeline you didn’t choose. Not everyone can or should wait for spring. But there are also real perks to buying or selling in the off-season. Edmonton’s market doesn’t freeze in winter nearly as fast as we do.

Buying or selling an Edmonton house? The posts below will help you make the most of your move anytime:

When a Winter Move Makes Perfect Sense

In the previous section, we talked about how winter is a slower season. That’s one of the reasons why it might be better to wait to buy or sell if you can. But what if going against the grain is actually an advantage? With expert representation by a skilled professional who knows how to negotiate, it can be. For example:

There are fewer buyers, but they are serious buyers! No one is bundling up to look at homes in -30 weather just for fun. There are also fewer sellers, and both are typically highly motivated to want (or need) to make a change. Listing or buying a house now can be a strategic move, especially if you’re in a position to be flexible. Less competition can be a very good thing for both parties. I always find December to be a busy month, especially for condos and first-time buyers. I’ve even sold houses on Christmas Eve – more than once.

Selling in the winter means you can take advantage of the season and stage your home beautifully, making it feel exceptionally warm and welcoming.
Buying in the winter means you’ll face less competition, and sellers may be willing to negotiate more with you.

Perhaps most importantly, tradespeople, contractors, cleaners, and moving companies are not booked months in advance! Call now and they’ll be happy to work around your schedule, often with more flexibility and sometimes even better pricing.

Whatever you decide, a local Edmonton real estate agent is the key to getting outstanding results anytime. When you’re ready, I’ll help you fine-tune a winning strategy for your unique situation.

Ready to explore the exciting possibilities in Edmonton real estate? Send me an email to jolene@jolenelangelle.com or give me a call at 780.910.1317 today to get started.