As a real estate agency serving the beautiful Adirondack region, one of the most common questions we’re asked at ADKPP is: “When’s the best time to buy a house in the Adirondacks?” This question can be answered in multiple ways and really comes down to the buyer’s needs and goals. Additionally, timing can play a major role in finding the right property at the right price.
Most buyers aim to start purchasing around the beginning of the summer, one of the most popular seasons during the Adirondack real estate season. With timing in mind, each season has its own positives and negatives during your real estate purchasing process.
Season By Season – Best Time To Buy A House in the Adirondacks
Fall (Late September to November): The Smart Buyer’s Season
Fall can be one of the best times to buy in the Adirondacks. When autumn rolls around, summer tourism has started to slow and sellers may be more motivated to negotiate before winter arrives. While sellers may not be completely desperate to sell, you may be able to find a better deal, especially as it gets closer to November and the slow down on property showings comes with colder weather.
After Columbus Day, many locals notice a decrease in tourism. This downturn reduces competition from other buyers and can provide more flexibility on closing timelines. Generally, closing with a mortgage provider takes between 30-60 days depending on your contingencies. If you plan to close in fall, take into account that you may be closing as the snow arrives which may not be ideal for some.
Winter (December to Early March): Hidden Opportunities
While winter may seem like an off-season for real estate, tourism actually starts to pick up again, at times being almost as busy summertime. While tourism builds competition, it’s not at the same level as summertime. It could be a great time to find deals, especially on seasonal or vacation properties that are still on the market.
As you start your search, winter can be a great time to see how well the home is built and insulated. From snow-covered access roads, driveways and yards to varying temperatures, take a good look around to make sure the property you are purchasing can handle the weather. This is one of the most important things to check out in a prospective property in our region during cold and snowy months. If you plan on living here full time or renting throughout the year, this is doubly important.
If you are taking a mortgage to purchase the property, winter could be the best time to buy a house in the Adirondacks. With the average 30-60 day closing wait, you could end up closing your deal in late winter/ early spring when the weather starts to warm up and you can enjoy outdoor areas of your property.
Spring (Late March to Early June): More Inventory, More Options
Depending on the year, spring can be a great time to move forward on a house purchase. If the area is in more of a seller’s market from the previous summer to current spring, you may find fewer properties on the market willing to negotiate. If the market has started to turn from a seller’s to buyer’s market during the previous months, spring may be the best time to buy a house in the Adirondacks and find the perfect property.
Spring can also provide a golden window where it is the ending of a buyer’s market to turn back into a seller’s market. As the snow melts and accessibility improves, more listings start to hit the market right before the summer rush. This gives home purchasers the opportunity to see what is currently on the market while at the same time discovering a wider selection of properties just coming to market. Some of these properties will include seasonal properties that include homes or camps with water access only and properties on seasonal roads. As it gets later into the spring, expect more more competition from other buyers who are using the same strategy before summer.
If you are taking a mortgage to purchase the property, spring can be one of the most ideal times to start the purchasing process. The closing will land at the end of the spring to the beginning of the summer allowing you to get into the property at the prime time to enjoy everything the Adirondacks has to offer.
Summer (Late June to Early September): Ideal for Seeing Full Potential
From late spring (Memorial Day) to early summer, an influx on properties start to arrive on the market. Summer is the most popular time to visit the Adirondacks, bringing many potential buyers during this season. Overall, properties look their best at this point, and potential buyers have full access to all listed properties from residential to seasonal camps and homes that can be difficult to reach in other seasons. These factors contribute to June being the most popular month to purchase a property in the Lake Placid region.
Even with increased inventory during summer, the demand tends to be higher leading to higher prices and more competition for ideal properties. This will generally be the most challenging season to find the perfect property due to competition. Depending on your location, it may even create a bidding war. Our office does not allow bidding competitions for a property, but instead does best and final offers. These are collected by a certain deadline and given to the owner to determine what offer they want to go with.
With school out and nicer weather, summer is the best time to buy a house in the Adirondacks for many home purchasers. Depending on whether you are taking a mortgage, buying in summer will allow you to enjoy some warmer weather and gorgeous fall colors while moving in ideal conditions.
Bottom Line
The best time to buy a house in the Adirondacks ultimately depends on your priorities. If you’re seeking value and negotiation power, fall and winter may work in your favor. If you want maximum choice and the chance to fully experience the property in its prime, spring and summer could be ideal.
At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Adirondack Premier Properties, we help clients buy year-round—and we’re here to guide you through the market no matter the season. If you’re considering a move or investment in the Adirondacks, reach out to our experienced real estate agents about what timing is right for you. Call 518-523-3333 today!