If you’re a fan of HGTV, you have probably picked up lots of tidbits about real estate over time. For example, some real estate experts on HGTV shows may talk about the best time of year to buy a house. These conversations may leave you wondering if you should be waiting - or moving up your plan - to buy a home.
Florida differs from many parts of the country because our state doesn’t experience cold, snowy winters. Even so, Florida tends to follow many of the same patterns as the rest of the country, with lower home prices in the late fall and winter and more housing availability in the spring and early summer.
If you are looking to buy a house, you may not have the option of waiting until a particular time of year to make your move. At Eaton Realty, we have the experience necessary to help our clients get into a home right for them (and their budgets!) at any time of the year. To learn more, give us a call to talk to a member of our Hillsborough County real estate team.
When Should You Buy a House in Florida?
For some people, there isn’t much choice when it comes to the time of year to buy a house. The move might need to happen regardless of whether the inventory is at its highest point or whether prices are low. However, if you have some flexibility, some times of the year may be better to buy a home.
Similarities & Differences From National Market Trends
Some broad rules apply to the real estate market across the country. For example, it is generally accepted that winter is the cheapest time of year to buy a house because most people don’t want to move during these colder months. Spring is typically the hottest real estate market, particularly for families with children who want to avoid moving during the school year. Competition - and prices - for homes are typically at their peak in the spring.
However, Florida is unique in many ways - including when it comes to real estate. While winters are cooler in Florida, the weather is still fairly balmy (with an average temperature of 70 degrees in Tampa in January). Florida is also the number one state that retirees move to - and unlike younger families with children, they aren’t bound by things like school schedules. In fact, they may prefer to buy a house in the winter, which may be the primary time they live in Florida as “snowbirds.”
Buying In The Spring
Despite these differences, there are some commonalities between Florida and the rest of the country regarding busy times for the real estate market. Generally, many homes go on the market - and many people are looking to buy - in the spring. This time of year, houses tend to be more available and also more expensive as buyers look to purchase a home before the weather gets too steamy and so that they can get settled in before the school year starts.
Buying In The Winter Or The Summer
Both summer and winter are slower seasons for buying homes in Florida. In the summer, many people are busy with vacations and taking advantage of time off to engage in leisure activities. Winter is the peak tourist season in Florida, so there is often less inventory on the market. Many people also stay put and focus on the holiday season.
Buying In The Fall
Fall is often a great time to buy a house in Florida. The weather has cooled off, and kids are back in school. While there may be less inventory than in the spring, you may be more likely to get a better deal.
Home Prices & Sales Volume Throughout The Year
In 2023, the median sale price for a home in Florida is $403,700. This price fluctuates somewhat by the time of year:
- October 2022: $392,000
- November 2022: $391,000
- December 2022: $384,000
- January 2023: $386,100
- February 2023: $389,800
- March 2023: $400,300
- April 2023: $401,100
- May 2023: $407,300
- June 2023: $409,300
- July 2023: $403,700
- August 2023: $403,800
- September 2023: $402,300
These numbers show the cheapest time to buy a house in Florida is fall or winter. Florida home sale prices peak in late spring before dipping again in late summer and early fall. If you are looking for a deal on a house, your best bet might be to look for a home around November or December.
However, it may be more challenging to find a home during these months. Florida home sales tend to dip in the fall and winter, meaning less inventory will be available. Over the past year, the number of home sales varied significantly by time of year:
- October 2022: 30,373
- November 2022: 25,236
- December 2022: 27,871
- January 2023: 21,683
- February 2023: 27,218
- March 2023: 38,652
- April 2023: 35,142
- May 2023: 39,427
- June 2023: 38,315
- July 2023: 32,127
- August 2023: 33,772
- September 2023: 31,073
As these numbers show, there are fewer home sales in the late fall and winter months. If you are looking for a lot of selection when buying a home, your best bet will likely be to start looking in early spring.
When Is The Best Time To Buy?
Ultimately, the best time to buy a home in Florida is when you are ready or when you need to purchase a home. If your job is transferred to the Hillsborough County area or you are stationed at MacDill Air Force Base, you will need a place to live, regardless of the time of year. An experienced Tampa real estate agent can help you find an excellent home for the right price.
How to Buy a House
If you’re looking to buy a house in West Central Florida, the first step should be deciding exactly where you want to live. The Tampa area is large and consists of bustling city neighborhoods, suburbs with easy access to the city, and more tranquil, rural areas. Figuring out what kind of vibe you want is critical to the home-buying process.
Next, you should evaluate your needs - and set a budget. Think carefully about what you want in a house, such as a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms and amenities like a pool or a homeowner’s association (HOA). You will also need to analyze your finances to determine what you can afford.
At this point, you should reach out to a seasoned Lithia Realtor. Your real estate agent can review your wish list and budget and help you determine if you need to adjust your expectations. For example, you may want a large home in a wealthy neighborhood like Bayshore Beautiful - but it may be unrealistic based on your budget.
Once you have a better idea of what you can afford and what is available in your price range, you can start house hunting! Your realtor can choose listings for you based on your criteria and arrange showings. They can also let you know about open houses so that you can get a better feel for the market and what is available.
After finding a house you like, your real estate agent will help you prepare an offer. Preparation includes pulling “comps” - or comparable sales - and other data to help you make a competitive offer. If your offer is accepted, they can help you with the next steps, from securing financing to dealing with inspections and contingencies to closing on your dream house.
Interested in Buying a House? Call Eaton Realty
Whether you’re searching for homes for sale in February or September, you want an experienced local Realtor to guide you. There are advantages and disadvantages to purchasing at any time of the year, but at the end of the day, the most important factor is getting the right house for you when you need it.
Based in Lithia, Eaton Realty represents home buyers and sellers in greater Tampa. We have over 20 years of experience in the region, including working with clients interested in building a new home. We put our skills and knowledge to work to help you get the best house for the best price for each of our clients.
We understand the local real estate market and what it takes to get to the house of your dreams. If you’d like to learn more, fill out our online contact form or give us a call at 813-672-8022 to talk to a member of our real estate team.
