Ask ADKPP: Are these 5 Seasonal Housing Myths True in the Adirondacks?

If you’ve spent any time looking for property in the Adirondacks, you’ve probably gotten plenty of advice from friends, family and social media. While some advice is helpful, other common beliefs about real estate in the Adirondacks can be misleading. Outdated assumptions and misconceptions can lead you astray, especially those related to seasonal housing myths.

At ADKPP, we pride ourselves in sharing the most up to date and accurate Adirondack real estate information with our clients. This includes helping them dispel incorrect information. In particular, there can be a lot of falsehoods swirling around timing and seasonality of the Adirondack market. However, we find it easy to poke holes in these seasonal housing myths.

Here are some of the most common myths that we have heard and the real truth behind them.

Ask ADKPP – Debunking 5 Seasonal Housing Myths

Myth 1: Winter is a Terrible Time To Buy a Home

Depending on your Adirondack location, you may encounter the myth that winter is a terrible time to buy a home. However, certain locations like Lake Placid and Saranac Lake remain vibrant year round. These communities offer four seasons of events and entertainment providing plenty of opportunity for homeowners to list their home and for home buyers to find their perfect retreat.

While some say spring is the ideal time to start a home search, winter can provide an excellent time to buy with less competition. There is also increased probability of finding a property that may have been on the market during the higher activity period and is now ripe to make a deal. With a higher inventory during the warmer months, the lower inventory of winter may bring less frustration stemming from competition.

Additionally, Adirondack winters typically inflict the harshest conditions on a property. Looking at a home in winter provides a unique opportunity to evaluate a property’s heating efficiency, snow removal access, and overall performance during Adirondack weather conditions. Rather than avoiding winter listings, buyers can use the season to gain valuable insights they may not see during July or August.

Finally, there is some truth to winter being a difficult time to buy property. If the home is on a seasonal road or boat access only, it may not be possible to view the property until the weather warms. Many of these properties come off the market during the winter due to limited access, but some will stay on over the winter months. If they do stay on the market, we’ve seen properties go under contract, some with a contingency for inspection and viewing when weather allows.

Myth 2: Lakefront Properties Only Matter in the Summer

Some Adirondack regions see an increase in tourism during summer and winter seasons. Others offer four seasons of recreation with continued tourism excepting a slowdown during spring mud season. With this in mind, it is easy to understand why buyers mostly focus on waterfront homes during boating season. As you get into your search, you’ll soon find that Adirondack lakefront properties can actually offer year round value and enjoyment.

Fall foliage views framing the water, winter recreation scenes of skating on glistening ice and peaceful spring mornings enjoying coffee and birdsong are four season experiences that await. You’ll be surprised at how much year round serenity and enjoyment is possible at a lakefront property.

In today’s market, buyers are increasingly seeking four-season homes that provide both lifestyle and investment potential. When evaluating waterfront property, it’s important to consider year-round accessibility, winter maintenance, and shoreline regulations and not just summer activities.

If the property is a seasonal with boat access only, also consider if and how you will access and use the camp in the boating off season. Many of these properties offer fireplaces or wood stoves to chase away the chill of spring and fall mornings. Additionally, take into account what renovations are necessary to winterize the property to maximize future enjoyment.

Myth 3: You Should Always List Your Home in the Spring

Those knowledgeable about the real estate market will generally tell you that spring is traditionally the “best” time to sell. While this time period generally shows a large increase in properties coming to market, it does not mean it’s the only effective season. Here are some thoughts on listing during the various seasons to bust seasonal housing myths:

Spring: More competition while also extending reach to summer tourists looking for a second home or locals looking to upgrade or downsize before the end of summer.

Summer: Still more competition with generally higher inventory, but you miss the initial rush that comes with spring. May see an increase in seasonal properties that have to wait until late spring to early summer to fully open.

Fall: This time frame will generally lead to more serious and decisive buyers, especially if they have been looking in the past season or two for their perfect property. There is generally less competition for ideally priced homes. Additionally, properties that have been on the market for a few seasons may start improving their pricing to increase new interest.

Winter: This season is generally the slowest for new inventory which could be an ideal listing time if you are near one of the winter activity venues. With less competition, easy access to venues and a chance to experience the heating situation at the property provides a unique opportunity for potential buyers to consider your property.

The right listing strategy really depends on market conditions, inventory levels, and the specific property, not simply the calendar. Our blog on “When Is the Best Time To Buy in the Adirondacks?” provides some insight on buyers’ thoughts throughout the various seasons.

Myth 4: Vacation Homes Sit Empty Most of the Year

In many markets around the United States, vacation homes sit empty most of the year when not being used by the owner. While some Adirondack homes are in this position, today’s Adirondack second-home owners use their properties differently now than they did a decade ago.

With ample outdoor recreation opportunities and now remote work access, many homeowners create a hybrid work arrangements. These hybrid work situations make it easier for owners to spend extended time in the Adirondacks throughout the year. Many homeowners now use their properties in every season, taking advantage of hiking, paddling, skiing, snowmobiling, fishing, and fall recreation.

As a result, demand for homes with reliable internet service, dedicated office space, and year-round accessibility has increased significantly.

Additionally, depending on the property location, the homeowner may use it as a Short-Term Vacation rental to cover a portion of taxes and fees that come along with owning a vacation home.

Myth 5: Older Adirondack Homes Are Too Costly To Maintain in a Harsh Climate

The Adirondack Park offers a fascinating world of history filled with charming cabins, camps and historic homes that have stood the test of time and tell their own stories. These properties were designed, built and styled to last, with a focus on bringing natural elements to the interior of the property. With longevity in mind, many properties have been carefully cared for and passed down to family members who continue to build a legacy until they are ready to sell the property.

While older homes certainly require careful evaluation, you may be surprised that many have been thoughtfully updated with modern heating systems, insulation improvements, and energy-efficient upgrades. Generally, owners try to balance legacy features with modern comforts to keep up with the times and protect the property.

Rather than age alone, buyers searching the Adirondacks should focus on condition of major systems and overall maintenance history. A professional inspection can provide a much clearer picture than assumptions based on a home’s construction date. Expert assessment of the property can help you keep an open mind and not succumb to common seasonal housing myths.

Cutting Through Seasonal Housing Myths to Reach Your Goals

While these are just a few of the seasonal housing myths we’ve heard over the years, there are always new thought trains and myths popping up. Discussing your goals and the current market with a local knowledgeable real estate agent can provide better insight on current conditions. Our team of dedicated forever agents at ADKPP can guide you through the changing Adirondack real estate sector to protect you from misinformation you encounter along the way.