The real estate industry continues to function during the end of the year holiday season, but it isn't always business as usual. One of the most important changes to be aware of is that of timing. Things don't get done in their normal time frames for an assortment of reasons. There are a lot of people involved in a real estate transaction from title and escrow to lending and inspectors. It just takes one in the chain of contributors to a transaction to start a delay. As we get near the Christmas season many have seniority and get the days around the official holiday off.
Delays can also come from a late shopper that needs an afternoon off to finish their Christmas prep, or an afternoon performance of a school seasonal play/concert that must be attended, or the office open house party that must be prepped and operated for business development. There are so many interruptions to the flow of business that it must be considered when planning a transaction this time of year. It can also work to your advantage. Professionals can expedite their efforts to get it done so they can clear their desk before they go shopping or on vacation. Be sure you know the situation of the people you are working with.
The Christmas/New Year holiday season is an active time for real estate. Some Sellers, usually institutional, have great motivation to close before the end of the year. Others finally get the time from their harried routine to reflect on and evaluate their situation ... to sell or not to sell... buy or not to buy. Often family and friends come to town to visit and like what they see. They take time to look at homes while they are here to see what they can buy. There are more social events than normal and real estate is a common topic of conversation. This moves many people to call an agent to take action.
This is a great time for Sellers to show off their homes for when do they look better than when they are decorated for the Holidays? Open up your home if you get the call for a showing. Your good Christmas demeanor will be contagious and can go a long way in the sale of your home. Wouldn't that be the best Christmas present you get this year? If someone is taking the time out of their Holiday festivities and vacation to look at real estate they are usually quite serious.
This is a fun time of year so be sure to focus on business if you are doing business. Set the festivities aside when you are writing or contemplating an offer. Look hard at the facts of the offer, how it affects you and remember the time of year and how the transaction can be inadvertently affected by outside influences. It won't take long with a good professional agent guiding you with perspective, but it is important to take the time. Don't delay, act now. Buyers and Sellers can lose motivation and you might miss out on what you really want.
It is important to keep the time of year in mind when conducting business this time of year. Make sure you don't make an offer that can be voided later because it didn't close in a timely manner per the terms of the contract. If you are looking to write a quick close offer check with the escrow officer and other involved professionals to make sure they are ready, willing and available to make it happen in the manner in which you are contemplating. With such advance coordination you can proceed with confidence and get it done. Have a fun and successful Holiday buying or selling season!
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