Practical Early-Year Home Buying Tips

At a Glance: Early-Year Home Buying Tips

TIP 1:  Get Your Finances in Order

• Define your budget by including down payment, monthly mortgage, taxes, insurance and maintenance.
• Get a mortgage pre-approval—it signals you’re serious and clarifies your buying power.
• Review your credit report; higher credit scores = better loan terms and long‐term savings.

TIP 2: Research the Market Thoroughly

• Early‐year (winter) means fewer buyers, which gives you more negotiating room. According to a 2017 analysis, January/February home sale prices averaged ~8.45% lower than June–August in major metros. HAR.com
• Visit neighborhoods in person across different times of day: see schools, parks, traffic, noise, ambiance.
• Track inventory and pricing trends—less competition now can mean smarter decisions.

TIP 3: Evaluate Properties Carefully

• Winter shows problems that summer hides: drafts, insulation issues, drainage, heating inefficiencies.
• Focus first on structural condition, HVAC, roof rather than paint or décor.
• Fewer buyers in the early season means you may have time for more thorough inspection and negotiation. According to seasonal-trend data, winter buyers can leverage lower competition and willingness by sellers. Bankrate

TIP 4: Stay Flexible and Act Quickly

• Early‐year listings may be fewer, so when you find a home that meets your key criteria, readiness matters.
• Know your “must-haves” vs “deal-breakers” ahead of time so you avoid hesitation.
• Team up with an experienced agent (like us at Cindy Coggins Realty Group) who knows the local market and timing.

TIP 5: Why This Matters in North Texas

(Collin County,  Allen,  Frisco,  Plano,  McKinney)

• Starting early here gives you breathing room before the typical spring surge—less competition, more negotiation power.
• The earlier timeline supports lifestyle planning (school start, job change, family rhythm) rather than being forced into a rushed move.
• Strategic early action means you’re not just buying a house—you’re making a thoughtful move in your life.

Ready to Get Started?
At Cindy Coggins Realty Group, we guide you through every step—from finances to market prep, inspections to offer strategy. Let’s launch your home-buying journey in North Texas with confidence.

📞 Call Cindy Coggins Realty Group at 469-499-7452

📧 Email: cindycoggins@kw.com

Sources:

• “Why January Is the Best Time to Buy a Home.” HAR.com, (blog post, date accessed). HAR.com
• “Best Time of Year to Buy a Home.” Bankrate, Jan 27 2025. Bankrate
• “Data: Have Seasonal Housing Market Trends Returned?” NerdWallet, July 11 2023. NerdWallet