So, You’re Home Shopping This Summer? Let’s Make Sure You’re Ready for the Ride.
Summer in the St. Croix Valley brings a unique charm that makes it a popular time for home buying. The weather is pleasant, the school year has wrapped up, and there’s often a wider selection of homes available. It’s the perfect season to picture yourself settling into a new place before fall rolls around.
But here’s the catch: you’re not the only one with that idea.
Summer is peak buying season here, which means more competition and a lot of pressure. Homes can sell quickly, sometimes within days or even hours. If you’re not prepared, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and end up overpaying or rushing into a decision that doesn’t quite fit.
The good news? You don’t have to outspend everyone else to find a home you love. Instead, you just need to outsmart them.
1. A Strong Offer Isn’t Always the Highest One
In a market where homes are flying off the shelves, it’s tempting to think your only option is to offer significantly above the asking price. However, many buyers overlook a crucial point: sellers often prefer offers that seem like a sure thing rather than just the highest bid.
This could mean choosing a buyer who’s fully pre-approved (not just pre-qualified), someone who can be flexible with closing dates, or even a buyer willing to waive certain contingencies. In a fast-moving market like ours, showing confidence and clarity can be just as important as the dollar amount you’re offering.
2. Look for Clues in the Listing (They’re There—Promise)
Every real estate listing has its own story. You just need to know how to read between the lines.
If a home is vacant and professionally staged, it’s likely that the sellers have already moved out and might be eager to sell quickly. Conversely, if the home is filled with personal belongings and hasn’t seen any recent price adjustments, the sellers may not be in a hurry. If a property has just re-entered the market after a failed sale, the seller might be more receptive to a straightforward, no-fuss offer.
Pay attention to what’s missing, too. A listing that lacks interior photos, has minimal descriptions, or is priced unusually low could signal that the house needs repairs—or that the agent is trying to spark a bidding war.
This is where having a knowledgeable agent is invaluable. We don’t just show you homes; we connect with the listing agent, ask the right questions, and help you interpret the details so you’re not making blind offers or missing out on opportunities.
3. Don’t Fall Into the “It’s Perfect” Trap
It happens to the best of us: you walk into a home, and everything just clicks. The kitchen looks like it came straight out of your Pinterest board, and the backyard is exactly what you envisioned. Suddenly, your logical thinking goes out the window.
In those moments, it’s easy to overlook important factors you might have cared about before—like the commute, an odd layout, or the lack of a garage (even if you’ve always insisted that was a dealbreaker).
This is how buyers can end up stretching their budgets, waiving necessary protections, and making choices they regret later. Remember, there’s no such thing as a perfect home. Every property comes with its own set of trade-offs. The key is to know your must-haves and nice-to-haves before you step inside—and to reassess your priorities after each showing.
If you’re shopping with a partner or family member, make sure you’re on the same page early on. This way, decisions won’t be rushed or driven by emotion. A clear plan will always beat a panicked response.
4. Know When to Walk Away (Even When It’s Hard)
One of the most underrated skills in real estate is knowing when to walk away.
There will be moments when it’s tempting to push through just to “win”—even if the inspection reveals significant issues, the seller is unwilling to negotiate, or something just feels off.
We’ve had clients turn down homes they thought were “the one,” only to discover something better just days later—often with fewer complications, more space, or a more functional layout. When you say no to the wrong house, you’re making room for the right one.
5. The Agent You Choose Makes a Bigger Difference Than You Think
There’s a wealth of advice online, countless apps, and endless lists. But none of that can replace a good agent who understands the St. Croix Valley market, knows your goals, and can effectively strategize when the pressure is on.
The best agents do more than just schedule showings and handle paperwork. They help you strategize, advocate for your needs, and keep you grounded when emotions (and competition) run high.
They’ll guide you on when to push forward and when to hold back. When to adjust your terms and when to stand firm. Most importantly, they’ll ensure you feel confident in your decisions, making choices that are right for you—not just what seems to work in the current market.
This approach helps you avoid buyer’s remorse and leads you to a home you can truly be proud of.
Final Thoughts
Summer home shopping can feel like a whirlwind in the St. Croix Valley. There are more homes available, yes—but there are also more buyers eager to snatch them up. This creates a sense of urgency to move quickly, make strong offers, and decide on the spot.
But remember: fast doesn’t have to mean frantic. Competitive doesn’t have to mean chaotic. With the right mindset, a solid plan, and the right people supporting you, you can make smart decisions without losing your cool.
We’re here to help make that happen.
