Snowstorms, ice storms and even rain, all make for a good time to be a smart buyer and out looking at homes. The problem is, most buyers want to hibernate during bad weather times.

What makes it a good time? January and February tend to be two of the slower months sales activity wise for starters. Yes, there may be fewer choice listings to choose from, but there are also fewer buyers competing, and pushing up the sales price as well.

You also tend to get better motivated sellers. As a seller coming out against less competition on the sale side might be an advantage. But when bad weather hits, and buyers slip into hibernation mode, and fewer showings are happening, maybe that motivation gets a tad higher. Maybe?

We often follow the herd mentality which is why springtime often brings out both a peak of sellers and buyers. But when all it takes is one buyer in competition to pony up a higher price, potential savings are wasted.

Take for instance an actual savings of twenty thousand dollars ($20,000) in a purchase price. With many houses hovering around the million dollar mark ($1,000,000) and if you were using a down payment of 20%, you would actually be saving the equivalent of one (1) years worth of equity pay down by paying a paltry $20k less. The return to you the buyer is huge!

So if purchasing a house or condo is on the horizon for you this year, become a smart buyer and get out there now and buy something. The savings are worth any inconvenience of being out looking at properties in the inclement weather.