If you talk to most real estate agents, they will tell you that spring and summer are the busiest seasons for selling homes. In Colorado Springs, sales are much higher during these months. In fact, home sales typically double in the warmer months compared to winter.
Summer brings more buyers and competition, but that does not mean winter is a bad time to sell your house. Selling success depends on your home's location, type, and the current real estate market. For example, condos and townhomes close to downtown may still sell fast in the winter, while large properties with land might take longer to attract buyers when the weather is cold.
Deciding when to sell your home is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Each situation is unique. This guide is here to share the real advantages and drawbacks of each season. Some buyers may face less competition in winter, and sellers may get more focused attention from serious buyers. On the other hand, spring and summer offer a bigger buyer pool and more open houses.
The best time to sell often depends on where you live. In places with cold, snowy winters like Colorado, home sales tend to slow down when temperatures drop. In states with warmer winters, like Florida, winter sales may go up.
As of summer 2025, Colorado home sales remain strongest in spring and summer, but creative sellers can succeed any time of year by understanding local trends and buyer needs.
The Pros of Buying a Home in the Winter
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Sellers Are More Motivated To Sell Real Estate in the Winter
Many home sellers choose to wait for spring or summer to list their property. That is when more buyers are looking, and homes tend to sell faster. But if you see a house for sale during the winter months, there is a good chance the seller really wants to move now.
When a home is listed in winter, the seller might be facing a job change, a lifestyle shift, or another urgent reason to sell. Fewer buyers shop during cold months, so showings slow down. This situation can give you a stronger spot in negotiations. You may be able to ask for a better price or more flexible terms. While you should always make a fair offer, remember that a motivated seller in winter may be more willing to work with you to close the sale.
Fewer People Are Looking to Buy a Home in Winter
Fewer people shop for homes during winter. When you buy a house in the colder months, you usually face less competition. This means you may not have to compete with other buyers as much as you would in the busy summer season.
With fewer buyers looking, you can take your time to explore homes and make careful decisions. You may also feel less pressure to rush your offer. This relaxed pace helps you look closely at each home and can give you more power when negotiating with sellers. Many buyers and sellers now say that buying in winter can be a smart and less stressful choice.
Your Realtor and Mortgage Lender Have More Time in the Winter
Buying a home in the winter months can be a smart move. Fewer buyers means real estate agents and mortgage lenders often have more time for you. During busy summer months, many professionals get so many requests that it is harder to give each buyer personal attention.
In winter, the market usually slows down. You are likely to get more one-on-one help and better answers to your questions. This can make your home-buying process less stressful and much smoother. If you want extra support from your real estate team, winter is a great time to start your home search.
The Median Sales Price is Lower in Winter
In most years, the median sales price for homes in Colorado Springs is lower in winter. For example, in January, the average sale price is often at its lowest point. Prices usually rise through spring and summer as more buyers enter the market. By summer, bidding wars and multiple offers make homes more expensive.
If you want to save money on a house, winter can be a good time to shop. There are fewer buyers, so sellers may accept lower offers. This means you could get a better deal just by buying during the slower season.
In busy markets, higher prices are common. Shopping for a home when there is less competition often means lower prices, giving buyers an advantage in winter months.
It's Easier To Find Contractors in Winter
Planning to remodel your home before moving in? Winter is a great time to hire contractors in Colorado Springs. Many homeowners seek contractor help during the spring and summer, making it harder to find available professionals during those busy months.
When the weather gets colder and demand slows down, contractors often have more open time in their schedules. You might get a lower price and finish the work faster if you schedule your remodeling in winter. Start planning in advance so you can enjoy your upgraded space right when you move in.
Housing Market Conditions are Less Chaotic for Buyers
In today’s real estate market, things are much less hectic for home buyers than they were during past busy seasons. There are more homes for sale now, which gives buyers more options and extra time to pick the right property. You do not have to rush or compete with as many buyers as before.
In some past markets, buyers often felt pressure to skip important steps, like a home inspection or to agree to appraisal gap clauses. Now, most buyers can make smart choices without feeling rushed. You can take your time, make careful decisions, and be sure the home you buy truly fits your needs.
The Cons of Buying a Home in the Winter
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It's Impossible to Inspect Certain Items in Winter
One big problem with buying a house in winter is that snow and ice can make it difficult to check the outside of the home. When snow covers the roof, it is hard to see if there is any damage or wear. In Colorado Springs, roofs often have hail storm damage, but you might not notice issues until the weather warms up.
Inspectors also cannot test air conditioning units during cold months. Most outside air conditioning units should not be turned on in freezing temperatures, so you will not know for sure if the system works until it gets warmer. These are important things to remember if you shop for a home in winter.
There are Fewer Homes on the Market in Winter
During winter, there are far fewer homes for sale than in the busy summer season. Most years, only about half as many houses are listed and sold in winter as compared to summer. This means the real estate market is much quieter in the colder months.
If you are hoping to find a one-of-a-kind home or a property with special features, your chances are lower in winter. Many sellers wait for spring or summer to put their unique homes on the market to reach more buyers.
If you have a long or specific list of must-haves, you will find more options during the spring and summer months, when the housing inventory nearly doubles. Shopping for a home in these seasons gives you a better chance of finding the perfect fit for your needs.
It's Harder to Move in Winter
Moving to a new home in winter brings extra challenges. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures make it harder to load and unload your things. When it is freezing or windy, every trip in and out of the house is more work for both you and your movers.
Wet shoes and boxes can leave water and mud on your floors. Cardboard boxes can get soggy and break apart, especially if snow melts on them. Bad weather can also cause delays and make driving moving trucks less safe.
Many people wait for spring or summer to move because the weather is more predictable and packing is easier. If you must move in winter, consider protecting floors with extra mats and use waterproof bins instead of cardboard boxes. Always check the weather before moving day so you can plan for safe travel.
It's Harder to Evaluate Landscaping on the Property
If you tour a home during the colder months, you might only see bare trees, brown grass, and empty garden beds. Plants and bushes are usually dormant in winter, so it is hard to know how healthy or attractive the landscaping really is.
When spring and summer return, everything changes. You could be happily surprised by lush grass and pretty flowers, or you may notice dead trees or problem spots. Without leaves and blooms, it is tough to judge the full potential of a yard or garden just by looking at it in winter.
If you are buying a house during winter, ask the seller for photos of the yard taken in spring or summer. You can also request details about recent landscaping updates or tree care. This will help you make a better choice and avoid surprises after you move in.
There is Less Daylight for Showings in the Winter
During winter in Colorado, daylight fades early. It often gets dark by 5:30 p.m., or even earlier if you are in the mountains. With less sunlight, it is harder to see homes after work or in the evening.
In summer, you have sunlight until almost 9:00 p.m., which makes it much easier to schedule showings. Winter buyers need to plan ahead. Try to book showings in the afternoon or on weekends. Seeing a home in daylight lets you get a better look at the neighborhood and property.
If you cannot visit in daylight, ask your agent for recent daytime photos and details about the home’s curb appeal. As a local real estate expert, I always help my clients find safe and smart ways to tour homes, no matter the season.
Changing School Mid-Term May Be Harder On Kids
Moving during the school year can make things harder for children. They may need to adjust to new teachers, new classmates, and a different routine all at once. This is why many families prefer to move in summer when school is out and transitions feel easier for kids.
The school calendar shapes the real estate market every year. Across the country, most home sales happen during the summer months because families want to avoid disrupting their children's school year.
If your family homeschools, you have more flexibility to move at any time without worrying about the school schedule. This can make your move smoother and easier for your kids.
Final Tips on Buying a House in Winter
Buying a house in winter can bring unique challenges, but it also gives you opportunities. Fewer buyers are searching, so you might face less competition. The colder months can also reveal how well a home handles weather.
The first step is to find a Realtor you trust. Talk openly about your goals and any concerns you have about buying in winter. An experienced real estate agent knows what to look for when homes are covered in snow and days are shorter.
Make sure your Realtor has real experience with winter home sales. They can help you spot things that others might miss, like hidden repairs or signs of heating issues. With the right guidance, you can make a smart choice and avoid costly surprises.
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