5 Reasons to Buy a Home This Spring

Spring brings a fresh wave of opportunity for homebuyers. More homes hit the market, giving buyers more options. The improved weather makes house hunting easier, and compared to the competitive summer months, buyers may find better deals with less pressure.

Whether you're first-time homebuyer using a VA loan or searching for your next place, spring offers key advantages that could make now the right time to buy.

Why You Should Buy a House in the Spring

Spring is known for an increase in home listings, but this year’s market brings even more opportunities for homebuyers. If you’re considering a move, here’s why this spring could be the right season to buy.

1. More Homes to Choose From

Spring’s seasonal surge in listings gives homebuyers more options to compare. Recent data shows current housing has rebounded significantly. For February 2025, active home listings were up 27.5% from the previous year, reaching the strongest supply of homes for sale in about five years. In March 2025, new home listings also increased 10.2% from the previous year, which is the highest March level in three years.

With more inventory available, homebuyers have an advantage. They can explore different neighborhoods, compare home features and make more informed decisions rather than feeling pressured to act quickly due to low supply. Specifically, VA buyers may also find sellers more open to VA-backed offers as the market balances out.

2. Less Buyer Competition Than Past Years

The market has cooled from its pandemic-era frenzy, giving buyers more breathing room. Last spring season, only 30% of homes are selling above asking price, compared to over 50% three years ago. This cooling trend has continued into 2025 with the Realtor.com March Housing Market report showing that 17.5% of sellers reduced their asking price, creating opportunities for buyers — especially those using VA loans — to negotiate better deals.

Overall, spring 2025 offers a more balanced playing field. Compared to the past couple of spring seasons, homebuyers this spring are more often encountering sellers who are willing to bargain and accommodate a deal​.

3. Homes Are Spending More Time on the Market

The same March 2025 Realtor.com report highlights the typical home spent 53 days on the market — three days longer than the same time last year. This marks the 12th consecutive month of year-over-year increases, giving buyers more time and leverage than they’ve had in recent years.

For VA homebuyers, that added breathing room can be a major benefit. Sellers may be more willing to work with VA-backed offers and negotiate on price or terms, especially if their home has been sitting on the market longer than expected.

4. Spring Offers the Best Touring Conditions

Longer days and warmer weather make spring house hunting more convenient and effective. With more daylight hours, homebuyers have greater flexibility to schedule showings after work or on weekends. Warmer temperatures also allow for a thorough inspection of exterior features — from roofs and siding to landscaping and drainage — without the challenges of snow or extreme cold.

Favorable touring conditions can be even more valuable for VA homebuyers. Properties with a VA loan require an appraisal and must meet Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs). A well-maintained, clearly visible property can help buyers and their real estate agent evaluate potential issues upfront and avoid unexpected hurdles later in the loan process.

5. Timing Aligns Well for Many Buyers

For many homebuyers, life changes play a big role in deciding when to move. Families with school-age children often prefer to buy in late spring or early summer, making it easier to settle in before a new school year. Military families and Veterans may also find this timing ideal, as it allows for relocations that better align with service commitments or job changes.

Financially, this time of year can also provide a boost. Tax refunds and work bonuses often arrive in the spring, offering extra funds that can go toward closing costs, moving expenses or home upgrades.

Pros and Cons of Buying a Home in Spring

Spring is one of the most active homebuying seasons, offering buyers a mix of opportunities and challenges. Here’s what to consider before making a move.

Pros

• More home inventory: Spring typically brings the highest number of new listings, giving buyers more options to compare and increasing the chances of finding the right home. This also offers VA buyers a wider selection of properties that may meet the VA appraisal and property condition standards.
• Better negotiation power: With homes sitting on the market longer and price cuts becoming more common, buyers may have more leverage to negotiate on price or ask for seller concessions like closing cost assistance.
• Ideal weather for tours: Longer daylight hours and warmer weather make it easier to attend showings and thoroughly evaluate homes. This is especially important for spotting exterior or structural issues.

Cons

• Buyer demand remains high: While competition is lower than during the peak pandemic years, spring is still one of the busiest homebuying seasons. Popular homes in desirable locations may receive multiple offers.
• Mortgage rates are still elevated: Interest rates remain higher than in previous years, impacting how much you can afford. However, VA loans typically have lower rates, and a VA IRRRL can help eligible homeowners refinance to a better rate with less paperwork.
• Affordability is still a hurdle: Even with more price reductions and listings, overall affordability remains a concern. Rising living costs continue to strain monthly budgets, making it harder for some buyers to qualify. Fortunately, VA loan benefits like no down payment and competitive interest rates can help ease this challenge for eligible buyers.

Wondering how much you can afford in today’s market? Use our VA loan affordability calculator to get an estimate of what works best for you.

How to Get Started

Buying a home is a big decision, but the spring season brings real opportunities for Veterans and military families. With more homes on the market, stabilizing prices and less competition, homebuyers may have a better chance to find the right home on their terms.

If homeownership is on your mind, now could be the right time to make your move before demand heats up in the summer. Talk with a Veterans United home loan expert who can walk you through your options at 855-870-8845 or get started online today.

If you’re still searching for the right home, our affiliate realty network Veterans United Realty can connect you with an experienced real estate agent who understands the VA loan process and what matters most to military homebuyers.