Is November a Good Time to Buy a Home in Ellettsville or Bloomington?

A lot of buyers put their home search on hold once the leaves are down. If you're still looking in November, that can work in your favor.

Lesa Miller is a REALTOR® and broker in Bloomington, Indiana, who helps buyers and sellers in Bloomington, Bedford and the surrounding communities. Here are three perks I see when buyers shop late in the year, and one thing to plan around.

1. Fewer buyers are shopping

Between school, travel and the holidays, many buyers wait until spring. In my experience, that often means fewer people touring the same homes you're looking at, and less pressure to decide in a single afternoon.

2. There's often more room to talk terms

A seller who keeps a home on the market in November usually has a reason to move. That doesn't mean every seller will take less. It does mean there can be more room to talk about the things that matter to you, like the closing date, repairs or help with closing costs.

3. You see the house in real weather

A November showing tells you things a sunny June showing won't. You can feel whether the house holds heat, see where water runs when it rains, and notice how much daylight comes in on a short day. Your home inspection can then look closer at anything you noticed.

What should you plan around?

The holidays. Lenders, title companies and inspectors take time off around Thanksgiving and the end of December, so it helps to start early and build a little extra time into your closing date. Getting pre-approved before you start touring makes everything after that move faster.

Should you buy in November?

That's your decision, and it depends on your timing, your budget and how ready you feel. I'll give you my best advice, based on my years of experience in these towns, and the decision is always yours.

If you're weighing the two towns, see Should You Buy a Home in Bloomington or Ellettsville, Indiana? and What $300,000 Gets You in Bloomington vs. Ellettsville Right Now. Looking closely at Ellettsville? Read What Should You Know Before Buying a Home in Ellettsville, Indiana?

Frequently asked questions

Is November a good time to buy a house?

For many buyers, yes. Fewer people tend to shop in late fall, so you may face less competition and have more room to talk about terms. Every market and every home is different.

Can you close on a house during the holidays?

Yes, but plan for it. Lenders, title companies and inspectors often have shorter schedules around Thanksgiving and late December, so building in extra time helps.

What should I look for when touring a house in November?

Notice how warm the house feels, where rain runs off the roof and yard, and how much daylight the rooms get. Then ask your inspector to look closer at anything you noticed.

Thinking about buying this fall? Call or text (812) 360-3863, or visit LesaMillerRealEstate.com/Links.