If you’re planning to buy a home in Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico, or the surrounding areas, you’re probably watching the calendar and thinking spring is the best time to move.

Most buyers assume waiting for spring means:

• Lower mortgage rates

• More homes hitting the market

• Better buying opportunities

While inventory does increase, there’s a side of the Richmond market many buyers don’t realize.

Buying just a few weeks before spring often means less competition, less stress, and meaningful savings.

Here’s why acting sooner rather than later can give you an edge in today’s local real estate market.

1. Waiting for Lower Mortgage Rates May Not Pay Off

Many Richmond area buyers are holding out, hoping mortgage rates will fall more. The reality? Most housing economists don’t expect major drops anytime soon.

Forecasts across the industry project mortgage rates staying in the low 6 percent range throughout the year.

While that may not sound ideal, it’s important to zoom out. Rates are already down roughly a full percentage point compared to last year. For many buyers in the Richmond metro area, that improvement has already increased affordability.

Waiting for a small rate change often means something else instead:

• More buyers entering the market

• Increased competition

• Less negotiating power

As Redfin’s Head of Economic Research, Chen Zhao, explains:

“House hunters should know that this may be near the lowest mortgage rates fall for the foreseeable future.”

Right now, buyers still have breathing room. Once spring arrives, that window narrows quickly.

2. Spring Brings More Competition and More Pressure

Spring is the busiest season for real estate in Central Virginia. With more buyers active, homes sell faster and decisions feel rushed.

Buying before spring changes the pace.

During late winter and early pre spring:

• Fewer buyers are searching

• Homes stay on the market longer

• You have more time to evaluate neighborhoods, pricing, and condition

According to data from Realtor.com, seasonal trends are clear.

Homes take an average of around 45 days to sell in winter, compared to about 25 days in spring. That 20 day difference matters, especially in competitive areas like Chesterfield and Henrico.

More time on market means more opportunity for buyers to negotiate and make confident decisions.

3. Prices Often Rise as Demand Increases

As buyer demand picks up in spring, prices usually follow.

Bankrate explains:

“Spring and early summer are the busiest and most competitive time of year for the real estate market, and home prices tend to be steeper to reflect the increased demand.”

Local pricing trends support this as well. Data from the National Association of Realtors shows that buyers who purchased earlier in the year saved approximately $30,000 to $35,000 compared to those who bought during peak spring and early summer months.

In today’s market, that level of savings can impact everything from monthly payments to future financial flexibility.

Bottom Line: Buying Before Spring Can Be a Strategic Advantage

Buying before spring isn’t about rushing into a decision. It’s about being ahead of the curve.

For buyers in Richmond, Chesterfield, and Henrico, purchasing a few weeks earlier can mean:

• Less competition

• More negotiating power

• More time to make thoughtful decisions

• Potentially lower overall costs

If you’re considering buying this year and want a clear, data driven strategy tailored to the local market, the team at Don Reid Properties is here to help.

👉 Schedule a buyer consultation to see what opportunities are available right now and whether buying before spring makes sense for you.
https://calendly.com/donreidproperties/consultation

Or call us directly at (804) 929 4475 to start the conversation.