Home Shopping for the Holidays

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Jill McDowell is Licensed Real Estate Salesperson at Daniel Gale Sothebys International Realty in Smithtown and Former News 12 Reporter/Anchor Jill Conway. Jill is a member of the LI Board of Realtors and the NYS Association of Realtors. Contact Jill with real estate questions at Jillmcdowell@danielgale.com or 516.316.2000. #JUSTaskJILL

It’s here! That crazy time of year when many of us shop ‘til we drop buying up goodies for friends and family. And many home buyers are busy decking the halls and burning up the internet looking to make an offer before the new year. Many people think the holidays are not a great time to put their home on the market because there aren’t many buyers out looking. Well, I’ve got news for you, many buyers that are house hunting right now are eager, pre-approved and ready to find the home of their dreams.
    Some folks have been looking for months, been to a hundred open houses and know exactly what they are looking for.
    Typically, buyers want to pay the least amount they can for a home and sellers want to get the most money they can. It’s always a tug of war.
    What makes this time extra special for buyers? Homes are often decorated beautifully for the holidays and buyers can get a warm, fuzzy feeling when they step inside the home. There are also less homes on the market, so the ones that are on the market and listed at the right price point are seeing an uptick in traffic and offers. Around the holidays, family and friends who visit from out of town with thoughts of moving into the area could fall in love with a home that’s on the market now.
    There’s less competition for buyers this time of year too. That means buyers may be less likely to be out bid by other buyers. In the spring, the real estate market gets busy and buyers are out in force. But during the holiday time, serious buyers are looking and often want to move in as soon as they can and don’t want to wait until spring or summer.
    Buyers can also find it easier to book appts with realtors, mortgage brokers, home inspectors and moving companies. Although it may be stressful to buy gifts for everyone on your list, it’s not as overwhelming to house hunt this time of year.
     Buying or selling a home can often be quite emotional. The holiday season can be a nostalgic time for many, and if buyers can see themselves celebrating the holidays in your home… they could be more inclined to make an offer.
    Buyers are also taking time off from work around the holidays and may have extra time to house hunt and look at all the homes on the market.
     So, if you are thinking about putting your home on the market or starting your search, you are not alone. There’s never a bad time to start the process and meet with your realtor to discuss what will work  best for you. Happy Holidays and Happy House Hunting!