There is a common knowledge that the best period of the year to sell or to buy a house is during spring or summer, however winter has also its own advantages that at the end appear to weigh a lot more in comparison to its drawbacks! But, let’s study everything together.
This is why, it is not uncommon for some to even state that – ‘You create your own future by seizing the appropriate moment, by planning in advance and by being patient!’
So, are there any seasonal patterns that work for the real estate market too? Yes, it appears that certain months are more appropriate to do real estate transactions! These changing dynamics can even be the starting point for eager house hunters like yourself! Check out the following hints!
Excellent reasons why you need to buy a house right now!
The end of the year is usually associated with gift-exchanging, family reunions and cozy moments, however is it really a good time to make the most important investment of your entire life? Well, here are the most essential pros and cons that will help you make the best decision. Analyze the topic attentively and balance things wisely, you wouldn’t want to regret this decision afterwards, would you?
Speculating the moment can get you to ultimately cut the deal and obtain the property of your dreams! During an otherwise busy time of the year, even purchasing a house has its own advantages! Let’s study them together!
Pros and Cons: In the pursuit of a better life!
The year-end holiday season is apparently not a suitable time to buy a house at all. But, things are not quite that way. Of course, every issue has its own pros and cons, but here is how things really are. Take into consideration both advantages and disadvantages and only afterwards make your decision! Remember: this will influence your life a lot!
Cons: Fewer homes on the market
The latter part of the year brings with it unfortunately fewer property sellers. Why? Well, December is thought to be the month when people recharge their batteries after a tiring and stressful year and don’t want more troubles on their shoulders. They usually postpone the selling of their house until next year. They just search for tranquility and equilibrium in their lives, rather than searching for a buyer! They just want a break!
Pros: Sellers are eager to negotiate
However, on the other side, the majority of the sellers who still have their properties on the market just want to close the deal until the end of the year. They want to begin the New Year with no worries, so they are willing to even lower their prices!
Either because they are determined to get it all done or because they have all other strong reasons, it doesn’t matter – they just want to celebrate the end of the year with their property sold! What a relief for you! Seize the moment and make your dream come true!
Pros: Drop in prices
Due to the low demand you may also take advantage of a drop in prices. Think about it – there is a property out there that is waiting for someone like you to come and buy it! So, what are you waiting for? Get down to business! Now it’s the lucky time for you!
Due to the fact that the number of the interested buyers is lower during the year-end, you can be sure that you can at least attempt to negotiate a favorable price. Most sellers are too busy shopping for presents or getting ready for Christmas dinner to bother to negotiate with you too much!
Cons: Hidden defects
Unfortunately, if you choose to buy during the winter time you may also face some dangers too. Otherwise said – some house defects may be hidden by snow and won’t be so visible. However, with some attention to details and a bit of luck even this problem should not interfere with your decision-making process! What can you actually do? Demand some photos from earlier that year and get a home inspection. This way you’ll avoid unhappy situations.
Cons: Discuss your agent’s schedule
Not only people like you take time off during November or December, your agent is probably thinking the same! Thus, you need to consult yourself with your real estate professional and see what plans he/she has. Remember – you need an expert by your side at all time! Communicate in order not to have a huge surprise! Does your plan go hand in hand with your agent’s?
Pros: Only serious buyers are on the hunt
Those buyers who choose to buy in December are those particular buyers who are really ready to make such a big decision. They are not here to waste the seller’s time, they usually just want to close the deal fast!
Pro: Less buyer competition
From another point of view, as the number of the sellers diminishes, so is the number of the buyers. Therefore, you’ll have less competition! And what does this mean to you? Less competition means more chances for you to get the property at the price you want! Hurray!
Pros: Holiday decorations count?
If you are enthusiastic too about the Christmas holiday, then you will see this piece of info as an advantage. You’ll see your future property tastefully decorated in the lights of the season – you’ll feel optimistic, just by visiting it! It might be more appealing to you than it really is, so be careful!
Pros: Sellers are more emotional
Well, this may turn out to be either an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the seller. For instance, some will consider selling their home at the end of the year as a real dream come true, but some others will become too emotional about it and may decide at the last minute to spend their last Christmas in the house. So, do you feel lucky?
Pros: More spare time to prospect the market
As a buyer, you probably have much more time during this period! You probably have time off from work! So, take advantage of this and research the market thoroughly! Find the most appropriate house for you and your family!
Pros: Sell now, buy later!
Most owners sell their properties to buy another one more comfortable or more convenient for their current lifestyle. As a result, by selling now, they’ll have the necessary money for their next home in spring when the market will bloom!
Pros: Enjoy can your summer holiday!
What a relief for you to get it all done by the end of the year! Think about it – until summer comes you’ll have plenty of time to fix everything out around the house and therefore have time for a well-deserved holiday. You must admit it – it would be great for you to have spare time just for yourself after these stressful and hectic months!
Pros: Less time to wait
It is a general knowledge that November and December are the months of the year when both buyers and sellers are eager to close the deal faster! Either because the end of the year is approaching or because people are more than ever ready for a change, a fact is certain – there are more real chances you’ll get stress off your shoulders!
Pros: A seller who sells now really needs to sell
Studies show that those who want to buy a property in December really need to do it, from different reasons. The same thing is said about sellers – specialists state that ‘Those sellers who choose the month of December to put their property online are determined to sell! No one wants to advertise a property when the days are shorter!’ So, think no more; maybe it is the perfect time for you! You may not encounter the same odds never again!
So what are you waiting for? Start your hunt now while you can! For some it might just not be the most convenient time to buy a house, but for you it might just work – the best time of the year!
If you wait too much, you’ll miss your opportunity! Honestly and objectively speaking, there is not perfect time to buy a house. There can always be problems and obstacles that is why so many of today’s real estate professionals state that – ‘The best moment for you, might be a terrible moment for someone else!’
All in all, if you are able to buy a property and this is what you really wish, just make it happen! The season is the least that should matter!
Lisa Ross
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What authority says the best time to buy a home is spring or summer? There is some belief that period is the best time to SELL a house. In reality, it is probably the most convenient time for both buyers and sellers.
The best time to buy or sell is when you are ready, willing and able to!
Yes, I completely agree with you, Steve! Thank you!
I have to agree with Steve here. From all of the research I have done and the statistics I have analyzed, spring and summer are the best times to list a house. This is often the time when the most buyers come out to shop, but it is also when the prices are the highest. Additionally due to the demand caused by so many buyers, sellers often wait until the end of summer to substantially reduce the list price.
[…] Should you buy a house during the holiday season?. […]
Hi Lisa — just wanted to say I really like your writing style. I’m a real estate broker in Denver, CO, and I’ve reposted your GooglePlus articles several times. I was a journalist in a former life, so I always appreciate talented writing!
Julie Montgomery
Cherry Creek Properties, LLC
Denver, CO
Hi Julie, I really appreciate your feedback! Thank you and stay tuned for more surprises and great articles too!