Home buying and selling during the holidays
Halloween candy is still on the shelves (at full price), moms are putting the final touches on their
kids’ costumes and many young adults haven’t even hit the thrift stores for costume inspiration, and yet Thanksgiving and Christmas paraphernalia is being showcased in discount and retail stores everywhere. It seems it’s the same every year, whether the economy is good or bad. It’s as if - when the ghosts and goblins start showing their faces - it’s time to start preparing for “the holidays.”
Customarily during this time of year, home buyers’ and sellers’ interest in real estate takes a hiatus. Who’s got time to trudge around looking at houses or try to keep a house looking tidy, when you’ve got baking, cooking, parties and “family” on your mind? However, if a buy or sell is a must for you, the holidays may be the best time to be proactive in the real estate market.
For Sellers:
Buyers can be very motivated. These aren’t your Sunday open house groupies. These are buyers for whom a purchase is a must. Take your home off the market during the holidays and you may be missing out on a sale.
With other sellers on “a break,” there’s less competition. Home listings and advertisements may be down, allowing your home to stand out, beckoning to be visited.
The holidays give you an opportunity to show off your home in all its seasonal glory. Both Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations perpetuate the warmth of family and the ties that bind friends together - a very welcoming aspect of any home.
For Buyers:
There is less competition with other buyers. Because the number of home shoppers may be down, you’re less likely to be outbid on that home of your dreams.
There are tax advantages for buying before the end of the year. Mortgage interest, points, closing costs and property taxes are among the items that can be reported on your tax return.
Sellers may be open to negotiating extras like appliances, window treatments, etc., to get a deal done. This may be especially true if the house has been on the market for several months.
No matter which side of the real estate transaction you’re on, you can take advantage of this festive time of year and work it to make your holidays very happy.
TALK BACK: As a home seller, will your house remain on the market through the holidays? As a home buyer, will you continue looking for a house or take a break this holiday season? Post your comments below.
Posted by Sharon Walker
Tags: buying a house during holidays, selling a house during holidays