Let’s face it—buying a home in today’s Kansas City market can feel overwhelming. You might be wondering, “Should I wait until spring when more homes hit the market and rates might be lower?”
Here’s the reality: no one can predict where mortgage rates will go, and waiting could mean facing steeper competition, higher home prices, and added stress. Buying now, before the spring rush, could actually put you at an advantage.
Why Winter Is the Best Time to Buy a Home in Kansas City
1. Less Competition, More Opportunities Winter is typically a quieter season in the real estate market. Fewer buyers are actively searching, which means you’ll encounter less competition when making an offer. This allows you more time to make thoughtful decisions and can reduce the pressure of a bidding war.
According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR), homes tend to stay on the market longer during the winter months. In Kansas City, the average days on market for resale homes increased to 44 days in February 2024, up 7.3% from January. This means buyers have a unique opportunity to negotiate better deals and secure their dream home without feeling rushed.
2. Strong Negotiating Power When homes stay on the market longer, sellers are often more motivated to negotiate. This can lead to better pricing, seller concessions, and even added incentives such as covering closing costs or making necessary repairs.
Chen Zhao, an economist at Redfin, states:
“Buying during the off-season means less competition from other buyers. That means potentially negotiating a better deal.”
Lower demand means sellers are more willing to work with serious buyers, giving you the upper hand to negotiate terms that fit your needs.
3. Lock in Today’s Prices Before They Increase Historically, home prices are at their lowest during the winter months. Data from NAR shows that home prices tend to hit their lowest points in January, February, and March—right before the spring buying frenzy begins.
Bright MLS research spanning 2010-2024 reveals that January and February prices are, on average, 15% lower than peak home prices in June. Buying now allows you to take advantage of these lower prices and avoid the premium that comes with higher spring demand.
Additionally, home prices generally appreciate over time. Acting now means you can lock in today’s prices before they rise further, helping you build equity sooner rather than later.
Kansas City Market Insights The Kansas City real estate market continues to experience limited inventory, with a slight year-over-year increase in active listings. Despite this, the market remains competitive with relatively low months’ supply of homes, indicating strong buyer demand. Median sales prices have shown steady appreciation, making it a great time to buy before prices rise further.
The Bottom Line While spring is often seen as the ideal time to buy, taking action before the peak season can offer significant advantages, including:
- Less buyer competition
- Greater negotiating power
- Lower home prices
If you’re ready to explore your options and find your perfect home in Kansas City, Liberty, Parkville, Smithville, Kearney, or the Northland, Abby Powers & Company is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact one of the top real estate experts in Kansas City at 816-295-9835 to start your home-buying journey!
