Many people have been asking about buying a home during the holidays versus waiting to get their taxes back in the spring. There are a few advantages to purchasing your home in the winter months and we will take a look at a few of them.
Buying a Home During the Holidays
First and foremost there is much less market activity. What this means to you is less competition! You can take advantage of everyone else that is caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and obligations. Less competition will give you leverage in negotiating for your home and sellers are more likely to give you concessions to sell during the holidays. The list price will also be easier to negotiate than during the spring and summer.
Folks selling during the holidays are usually very motivated. Many times this is a move up buyer who needs to close or a job transfer. Closing by the end of the year also can have tax advantages. Points, property taxes, and mortgage interest can usually be written off, but always talk to your tax provider for clarification first!
Closings generally go smoother at the end of the year. The sellers are motivated, your lender is motivated, the title company is motivated and you are also motivated to ensure the sale goes through. Any items that come up at the last minute can usually be mediated with little effort at the end of the year because all parties want to ensure your home closes on time.
So all in all, will you lose out if you do not buying a home during the holidays? No. You will definitely save money though, there is on average approximately 2,000 fewer homes sold monthly in the winter versus the peak season in spring and summer.
To find out how you can save as much money as possible whether you may be buying or selling your home, please give us a call or email us today. Happy Holidays!