‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOME BUYING AND SELLING

‘TIS THE SEASON FOR HOME BUYING AND SELLING



Wondering if you should buy or sell your home over the holidays? You may be surprised to hear that there are many advantages to listing your home or going house-hunting during the traditional holiday season, which, these days, can stretch from Halloween through the New Year.


ADVANTAGES FOR BUYERS:

•    Homebuyers can benefit from the holiday season as sellers are usually more motivated to make a deal and sell before year's end. This can be because of taxes or to avoid keeping their home on the market at a time when family and friends stop by for a visit.

•    Buyers may be able to negotiate a lower sales price as sellers seem to be more realistic about pricing in a slower season, especially if the house has been listed for several months.

•    Another factor that favors homebuyers is that sellers know there are fewer people looking, so they are more inclined to make a deal rather than wait until spring.

•    The holiday season can be a more convenient time for buyers to close on a house as the professionals they will need, such as inspectors, appraisers, attorneys, contractors, painters and handymen, are often more readily available. 


ADVANTAGES FOR SELLERS:

•    During the holidays, sellers can showcase their homes and make the festive season work for them. Potential buyers can be charmed by the warm ambiance of cheerful music, the heady aromas of freshly-baked goods and seasonal punch or cider.

•    Sellers may find it's the best time of year for improving the curb appeal of their homes. Pumpkins, hay bales, holiday lighting, and wreaths all spell warmth, comfort and security.

•    January is a busy time for corporate transfers so it is not surprising that executives use the holidays to hunt for a home; they are under pressure to make a decision quickly.

•    The bottom line for sellers is that those buyers seeking homes during the winter months are highly motivated to make an offer and negotiate a sale.


ADVANTAGES FOR BOTH:

Both buyers and sellers will enjoy their Realtor's undivided attention during the holiday season, as she is less likely to be overwhelmed with clients. If she is a savvy full-time professional Realtor, she will be sure to arrange for a colleague to step in and cover for her during time away from the office so her clients are always fully represented during their holiday home buying and selling endeavors.

Additional blogs by Fiona Dogan:

“How to Find the Best Realtor for Your Big Move”

"Your Move: Strategies for Picking The Right Town."

"Old World Charm or Brand New Construction?"

"Settling Into Your Community with Ease."

"Seven Tips for Evaluating a School District."

Fiona Dogan is a Licensed Realtor® in the Rye office of Julia B. Fee Sotheby’s International Realty. She is a Westchester Five Star Real Estate Agent, Platinum Award winner, and an Accredited Buyer Representative. For more information, please contact Fiona Dogan at: fiona.dogan@jbfsir.com.