Post Author | December 17, 2013

Home Buying During Holidays




There is a preconceived notion in the real estate industry that the buying and selling process screeches to a halt during the holiday months. There’s not going to be any inventory, so why even bother looking, right? In actuality, this is a prime window of time to invest in real estate, for several reasons.

While there is some truth to the fact that sellers tend to avoid listing their property in the winter due to various factors, the “motivated seller” will still always exist. With the majority of home buying occurring in the spring and summer, holiday buyers can take advantage of lower listing prices due to less competition from other prospective buyers.

The lull in competition can cause a motivated, serious seller to become that much more inclined to list their home at an appealing figure, particularly to cash in on tax deductions before the new year. Tax deductions don’t just apply to sellers – buying a home can also bring a sizable deduction if you manage to close before the end of the year.

Due to this cyclical slowdown, lenders receive a much lower percentage of requests for mortgages, which means better mortgage terms for the buyers that are participating during this lull. Interest rates will drop almost every December and January. Remember to keep in mind that it can take one to two months to get approved, so it’s best to get qualified as early as possible.

Don’t be afraid to ask your Agent about unlisted properties they may have caught wind of, as well. Often there will be sellers who are just waiting to list their property until after the holidays, or are in the process of prepping their property. This doesn’t mean the seller wouldn’t jump at the chance at entertaining a great offer. Take the opportunity to get your foot in the door ahead of the buyers who are biding their time.

home buying st. helenaIt is important to remember that since there tends to be a smaller inventory, the chance of finding that dream home can diminish slightly. Set realistic expectations with home buying and don’t let a fabulous property pass you by just because it may be lacking one or two things that make up the “perfect” home.

Check out our current listings to see if there are any available wine country properties that fit the bill of your home buying needs!




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With 3 billion dollars in sales combined with her unique focus on Wine Country luxury real estate, Ginger Martin's insight and expertise are unparalleled. Her sales portfolio of luxury homes, vineyards, and estates are exceptional.

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