Smart Advice on Buying a Home During the Holidays
The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. Everyone is in the holiday mode of the hustle and bustle so buying a house might not be the number one thing on their mind. If you are in the mindset of purchasing a home this holiday season, here are some tips on what to do.
Anticipate and Plan for Delays
A lot of people take time off during the holidays from work, so it might delay the process when it comes to the ins and outs of purchasing a home. This could include lenders, home inspectors, contractors, and moving companies. You will need to be a bit more flexible when it comes to your purchase.
Recognize the Seriousness of Holiday Buyers and Sellers
Most people will put off home buying until after the New Year. Some sellers do not want to show their home during the holiday season, so they might pull their listing for the holiday season. If you do find a seller that lists during the holidays, then this means they are serious about selling fast. This means that you can be more aggressive with negotiations.
Be Prepared for a Limited Housing Inventory
As mentioned earlier, sellers will pull their listings during the holidays. This means that there will be a short supply of listings to choose from. You will need to be a bit more proactive in your search. Obtaining a pre-approval letter will let sellers know you are a serious buyer.
Be Flexible with Your Schedule
During the busy holiday season, you might have a bit of leeway in your work and school schedule. Take advantage of this time to see listings and talk with real estate professionals. Remember those in the industry might also want to take some time off, so that can be an obstacle you face.
Delay Your Move if Needed
Even if you find your dream home during the holidays, this does not mean you have to close and move in on Christmas Day. Negotiate your move-in date, sellers will be willing to work with you.
Remember having a local real estate agent who knows the ins and outs of purchasing a home is very beneficial. Those experienced agents know what it takes to buy during the holiday season.
