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Best time to buy in West Virginia | Best West Virginia cities to buy a house | How to get a deal on a West Virginia home
The best time to buy a house in West Virginia depends on a number of factors, including your goals, budget, and location.
A great start to the home buying process is becoming familiar with seasonal market trends. For example, in recent years listing prices for homes in West Virginia were lowest in January. On average, homes were $15,160 less expensive. While in September — the month with the highest prices — the listing prices were $12,122 more than the annual average. Mortgage rates, on the other hand, were lowest in December.
Whether you want the lowest prices, the best mortgage rates, or a lot of inventory to choose from, your priorities will determine what time of year will be best for you to buy.
Getting started
A crucial step in the home buying journey is to find an experienced realtor who knows the local market. The right agent can help you find a house that fits your priorities and budget — and negotiate a winning offer to land that West Virginia home.
To find a great local realtor, consider using a free service like Clever Real Estate. Clever will match you with top agents in your area from trusted brands like Century 21 and RE/MAX. Interview as many agents as you'd like until you find the perfect fit, or walk away at any time with no obligation. Add your zip code below to request hand-picked agent matches today!
If you're ready to buy a home, Clever can connect you with an agent who knows the market!
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The best time of year to buy in West Virginia
To determine the best time to buy, first think about what’s most important to you: Do you want the lowest prices? The largest selection of houses? Or something in between? Based on what you’re looking for, a particular season might be the right time for you to house hunt.
Lowest prices
For the lowest prices, you’ll probably want to start looking in the fall and aim to buy in the late fall to early winter. In these seasons, fewer homes are on the market, but there are also fewer people looking to buy, which means less competition to drive up prices.
Homeowners selling from November through February are often selling because they have to, not because they want to — and that can lead to large discounts.
Biggest selection of homes
If selection is more important than price, spring is for you. April, May, and June are by far the most popular months for new listings, with April having the most listings of any month.
Unfortunately for buyers, spring is also the most expensive time to buy. In the spring selling season, the most availability comes with the most competition. From March to May, one in every four houses sells above its list price.
Good selection and good prices
If you want a middle ground between the craziness of spring and the lull of winter, consider home shopping toward the end of summer. There’s a larger selection of homes available than in the fall and winter, and unlike in spring, houses will be priced to move.
Homeowners who had hoped to sell in spring or summer will start to offer discounts toward the end of summer. They want to move before the weather gets cold, and parents want to move before the school year starts. And because the end of the season attracts fewer buyers, more deals are available.
As you’re considering when to buy, keep in mind that real estate doesn’t follow one set of rules all across West Virginia. It’s important to study area trends and connect with a local realtor to discuss the timing of your market.
The best places to buy a home in West Virginia
The Eastern Panhandle
The Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia is known for its history, charm, and proximity to Washington, DC. The area includes historic small towns like Charles Town, Shepherdstown, and Harpers Ferry, as well as the larger Martinsburg. Just 70 miles from Washington, it’s an appealing area for people who work in DC but want to make their home in a smaller community.
The Eastern Panhandle is the fastest-growing part of West Virginia, and it’s expected to remain that way.
Fayette County
A forested area in southern West Virginia, Fayette County is known for its views and summer attractions. Small towns like picturesque Fayetteville dot the county. With the New River Gorge National River and Gauley River National Recreation Area, this county is ideal for people of all ages who appreciate the outdoors.
Cheat Lake
Found along the Pennsylvania border, Cheat Lake offers access to the outdoors and proximity to a bustling college town. The area is home to Coopers Rock State Forest and lies just 20 minutes outside of Morgantown, where West Virginia University is located.
Four ways to get a great deal on a home in West Virginia
1. Find a great West Virginia real estate agent
It’s important for a buyer to find the right real estate agent. A good agent knows the local market and its trends, and they can advise you on the best time to buy in your area.
2. Determine what you need and want in a house
Figure out your needs and priorities before you start looking at homes. It’s tempting to entertain homes outside of your budget or with flashy features, but knowing what really matters to you ahead of time can help you house hunt more efficiently and effectively. Your realtor can help you find options you can afford that have the features you need most.
3. Find a lender and secure financing
Unless you plan to buy your home with cash, you'll need to apply for a mortgage. For most home buyers in West Virginia, interest rate is one of the biggest factors when choosing a lender. Doing some upfront research and comparing options to find the best rate could save you tens of thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.
For example, in West Virginia a typical house is worth $109,000. Assuming a 20% down payment, if you took out a 30-year mortgage for 3.5%, your monthly payment would be $389. But if you shopped around and found a 3% mortgage, your monthly payment would drop to about $368.
4. Negotiate for the best possible price
After you find a suitable home, your agent will help you make an offer. They’ll also help you negotiate after the inspection to make sure you get a fair price.
If you're looking for a realtor, Clever can connect you with the top buyer's agents in your area for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Fill out our online form, and a Clever representative will reach out to get the process started and answer any questions.
Finding a great local realtor is the first step in making your home buying dreams a reality. Our free service matches you with top agents from trusted brands like Keller Williams and RE/MAX.
Enter your zip code to request hand-picked agent matches in minutes. Compare your options until you find the perfect fit, or walk away with no obligation. Try Clever's free service today!
