You may notice the for-sale sign on your neighbor’s home is coming down and is getting replaced with holiday decorations. The winter months are typically when house hunting pauses and begins picking up again in the Spring. Regrouping for the new year can bring surprise benefits to staying active in buying and selling during a slow time. December to February provides different opportunities for flexibility and deals.
Buying a home during the winter months means less competition. While a majority of homes go quiet, others beckon a bid. Avoid busy season bidding wars by scheduling a tour with your Realtor to preview homes in the area. Mortgage rates could be lower, increasing your chances of sealing the deal on a home. The advantage of choice without the pressure of rushing will help you evaluate your decision. We know the summer months mean vacation, but many indulge in a getaway and some downtime in the winter. While others are on vacation, plan to have available time for house hunting. Homes will be clean and you may even get time alone with your Realtor in the properties.
Strategic buyers like yourself could save thousands of dollars better used elsewhere. Sellers may be more willing to negotiate a price and contract terms just for you with fewer bidding wars and distractions. Lastly, end-of-year tax breaks give homebuyers a chance to get an extra tax write-off. Homeowners can deduct mortgage interest rates and other property taxes from their taxes. Buyers can work with me knowing I have their best interest at heart.
The seller can get in on the winter real estate fun too. Extra motivated buyers and Realtors are ready to move quickly. Loan officers are likely to approve and close qualified prospective buyers faster. Low inventory makes your home a shoo-in for attention, whether drive-by or on the internet. A seller’s Realtor will have more time to make the listing stand out in marketing. It is likely Realtors are servicing less active clients during the winter, so your agent can give a little extra care to you. The Realtor may stage the home nicely for showings, create video tours and host more open houses or broker’s opens. Their goal is to sell your home fast with an excellent price offer.
If you want to expedite your sale, set the right price. Listen to your agent when they give an ideal starting price point; often, they come prepared with a reason for pricing the home at a specific dollar amount. Keep your home clean even after your guests leave. Holidays lend to more parties which can dirty up the house. Remember to tidy up regularly and have the home showing ready at any time. My goal is to quickly move an offer along to closing to achieve your goals in real estate.
