Let’s face it, Chicago winters are brutally cold and trudging through snow-packed streets to look at houses doesn’t sound like an enjoyable weekend activity.
But we’ve learned something after helping hundreds of families brave the snow and frost to find their dream homes. Winter house hunting could be your ticket to scoring a great deal.
We’re the Ben Lalez team and we’ve discovered that the cold season offers some unique advantages for savvy homebuyers. So grab your warmest jacket, and let’s explore why winter might be the best time to buy.
The Advantages Of Buying In The Winter
Less Competition & More Negotiating Power
You know what it’s like. Every spring, the real estate market heats up, and you’re watching groups of buyers fighting for the best properties. Open houses are packed, multiple offers fly in, and buyers often find themselves in bidding wars that drive prices above the list price.
But in the winter, that’s when the serious buyers and sellers emerge. With fewer buyers out looking, you’ll have more breathing room to make thoughtful decisions. Buying in the winter means:
- More time to carefully inspect properties without feeling rushed
- Less pressure to make rushed decisions in competitive situations
- Better leverage when negotiating with motivated sellers
- Higher chances of your offer being considered seriously
The best part? You can often take a second or even third look at a property before making an offer. In hot markets, this is nearly impossible.
See Homes At Their Most Challenging
If you’re buying a car, wouldn’t you want to test drive it in challenging conditions to see how it held up? We think the same logic applies to buying a home in Chicago. Viewing a property during the coldest months gives you valuable insights into how it performs under stress.
Last winter, we had clients who discovered their potential dream home had serious insulation issues during a viewing. This would have been impossible to detect during warmer months. This knowledge not only helped us negotiate a better price but also allowed them to plan for necessary upgrades before moving in. During winter viewings, you’ll discover:
- How well the heating system truly performs under tough conditions
- Whether the windows and doors are properly sealed
- If the roof can handle heavy snow loads without showing signs of stress
- How the property is insulated against deep cold spells
- Whether the basement stays dry during snow melts
What To Check For During Winter Property Viewings
Heating And Insulation
Chicago’s cold months will expose every weakness in a home’s heating and insulation system. During our showings, we encourage buyers to really pay attention to how a home feels, not just how it looks.
Last year, a client noticed that the living room in a beautiful Lincoln Park home felt much colder than the rest of the house. This observation led to the discovery of poorly installed windows that would have meant a higher heating bill. The seller agreed to give an appropriate discount, and our client used that money to replace the windows in the spring. Here are some things you should be checking:
- Temperature consistency between rooms (even just differences of a few degrees could mean problems)
- Cold spots near windows and doors that might indicate failing seals
- The age and condition of the furnace (ask for maintenance records)
- Energy bills from previous winters (don’t be afraid to ask)
Pro tip: Take off your gloves during the viewing and run your hand along the window and walls. This can help you detect drafts that might not be visible. Pay special attention to electrical outlets on exterior walls – they’re common culprits for heat loss.
Water
Winter is a great time to evaluate how well a home handles moisture. Snow and ice can reveal problems that might stay hidden in warmer months. Pay special attention to:
- Icicles are often a sign of poor insulation or ventilation issues
- Check for ice dams on the roof, which can lead to severe water damage
- Basement walls and floors during thaw periods
- How melting snow drains away from the foundation
Winter-Specific Features
When the temperature drops and the snow starts falling, certain home features really come in handy. Here are things that are valuable in a property for those cold winter months:
1. Attached Garages
- More than just convenient, they’re awesome during snowstorms
- Protect your car from harsh elements, and you don’t have to scrape ice in the morning
- Provides a buffer zone that helps keep your home warmer
- Often gives you additional storage space for winter equipment
2. South-Facing Driveways
- Get more sunlight throughout the day
- Snow and ice clears faster naturally
- Requires less salt and snow removal
- Stays clearer during freeze-thaw cycles
3. Quality Weatherproofing
- Double or triple-pane windows with proper weather stripping
- Storm doors that create an extra barrier against cold
- Weather-sealed garage doors
- Proper attic insulation
Making The Most Of Winter Market Advantages
We know that winter showings often reveal issues that aren’t apparent in warmer months. But don’t let it dissuade you from buying. Instead of seeing these as deal-breakers, we help our clients use them as negotiating tools.
Last winter, our clients noticed some minor ice damming on a beautiful Victorian home in Logan Square. Instead of walking away, we:
- Had a roof inspection to assess the underlying issue
- Got quotes for improved insulation and ventilation
- Used this information to negotiate a $15,000 price reduction
- Helped them schedule the improvements for the spring
Here are some possible negotiation points in the winter:
- Recent heating system inspection results
- Energy efficiency upgrades needs
- Weatherization improvements
- Inclusion of snow removal equipment
- Closing credits for immediate winter-related repairs
Smart Winter House-Hunting Tips
Winter house-hunting requires more planning than summer viewings, but the extra effort can really pay off. We suggest the following:
- Schedule your viewings earlier to take advantage of daylight (remember that it gets dark much earlier in the winter)
- Check weather forecasts to avoid any major storms
- Bring a flashlight to check for darker spaces
- Wear slip-resistant boots (because you don’t want to take a dive on icy porches)
It’s essential to document anything you see during viewings carefully. This includes:
- Snow accumulation patterns on the roof (uneven patterns can mean insulation issues)
- Ice formation areas, especially in gutters and on roof edges
- Winter drainage patterns around the foundation
- Basement walls that show recent moisture
- External pipe locations and their protection
- Window and door seals
Pro Tip: We always recommend taking both close-up and wide-angle photos. Sometimes issues only become apparent when you review photos later.
Working With Winter Sellers
Winter sellers are interesting because they’re often more motivated but also deal with the additional challenge of showing their homes in harsh weather conditions. Understanding this can help you build better relationships and negotiate more successfully. Some helpful tips:
- Be flexible with viewing times, especially around the holidays
- Show up on time (this means planning ahead to deal with winter traffic)
- Always remove your shoes/boots when entering the property
- Make serious offers if you find the right property
While most people hate leaving the house during the winter, savvy homebuyers know this season offers unique opportunities to find a great deal with little competition from other buyers.
The Ben Lalez Team has helped countless families navigate winter home purchases, and we’d love to show you how to turn the cold weather to your advantage. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or looking to upgrade to something bigger, we know every corner of Chicago and can help you find the perfect home that stands up to our legendary Chicago winters.
Ready to brave the cold and start looking for properties? Give us a shout, and we’ll bring the hot chocolate!
Want more insider tips about buying or selling in Chicago? Check out our other blog articles and guides, or contact our team directly. We’re always happy to share our expertise and help you make informed real estate decisions, no matter the time of year.
