Top Mistakes Summer St. George Buyers Make, and How to Avoid Them

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for the real estate market in St. George. The sun is shining, the landscapes are stunning, and buyers are eager to make a move before the next school year or to settle into their dream home before fall.

With the fast pace of the summer market, it’s easy to make costly mistakes if you’re not prepared to handle competitive situations. If you’re planning to buy a home in St. George this summer, here are some of the top mistakes to avoid (and how to make smart, confident decisions instead).

Rushing to Make an Offer

When the market is busy and you're aware of the potential for competing offers, it's natural to feel a sense of urgency. While you don't want to delay making a decision, rushing is equally problematic. The key to finding the balance between the two? Understand what due diligence looks like when buying a home. 

In a competitive summer market, buyers often feel pressured to act quickly to avoid losing out. While moving fast is sometimes necessary, skipping inspections or not thoroughly reviewing the property can lead to expensive surprises later. Here's how to avoid rushing into an offer without doing your due diligence:

• Always schedule a professional home inspection, even if the seller has one available.
• Take time to understand the property’s condition, HOA rules (if applicable), and neighborhood dynamics.
• Work closely with a St. George real estate agent you can trust to move quickly while still protecting your interests.

Not Considering Seasonal Issues

While St. George has mild winters compared to other parts of Utah, we still have a true four season climate. Some problems are more apparent in other seasons, like winter heating issues or seasonal flooding. Buyers can overlook these in the warm St. George summer, and that's a mistake. 

There are some simple ways to avoid this mistake and keep an all season perspective of the home. First, ask about energy efficiency, insulation, and HVAC performance throughout the year. Consider how the home handles year-round weather, not just the heat. It's also a good idea to review utility bills from different seasons to understand true monthly costs.

Overextending Your Budget in Response to Competition

There is a difference between making your highest and best offer in a competitive market, and overextending yourself. When multiple buyers are competing for the same home, it’s easy to get emotionally attached and offer more than you can realistically afford (even if you're pre-approved for that amount). 

To avoid this, be clear about your budget before you start looking at homes. Get pre-approved and look at what your monthly payment would be, setting a clear upper limit to what you want to spend. Factor in extra costs like repairs, closing costs, HOA fees, and summer moving expenses. We will help you find something that fits within your budget, even if it takes a little creativity and patience. 

Neglecting Long-Term Thinking

The excitement of finding a home in summer can lead to short-term thinking (like focusing only on pool size or backyard space for summer entertaining) without considering how the home will work for you year-round or how it will meet your future needs. 

Try to have a long-term perspective as you are looking at difference homes, especially if you anticipate staying in the home for many years or aging in place. Look for a home that will suit you in every season, whether that’s proximity to schools, room for future family changes, or year-round energy efficiency. And, don't forget to think about the resale value and long-term investment potential. Your future self will thank you. 

Erika Rogers speaks to the challenges of house hunting in the summer: "With thoughtful planning, the right local real estate agent, and a clear understanding of your goals, you can navigate the summer market confidently and find a home that’s perfect for you."

Ready to learn more about homes for sale in St. George? Contact us any time.