Fall...that time of the year when the leaves turn brilliant red before dying, the air becomes crisp before freezing and real estate sales slow before going into hibernation until after New Years. I've got an open house today and I'm sure I will hear the fall chorus sung by buyers over and over again today..."We are waiting until January to buy."
"We are waiting until January to buy." That is the reason many real estate agents take off on vacation in the fall and why all agents LOVE January. January is HOT and has been for me during every type of economic cycle. New Years means bonuses, engagements, nice monetary gifts for down payments and personal resolutions. But if you are a potential buyer think about this situation for a minute...Why would you want to jump into the market when everyone else is planning the same thing? As a buyer you should want less competition; not more. 
Don't be a sheep and follow the crowd!
At this very moment there are many sellers who must sell now because they are in financial trouble, have a growing family, have health concerns, got relocated for their job, etc. With fewer serious buyers in the market, you will have a much better chance of negotiating a good price now then when you might be the only offer on the table.
If you are a buyer who is waiting until the New Year to buy why not try an experiment...while you are getting a feel for the market (we know you are looking because you are trolling Realtor.com and our open houses in great numbers), if you find a home that you love why not just write an offer for less that you would expect to pay and see what happens. I'm not talking about ridiculous low ball offers; I'm talking about an offer that is 5% less than what you expect to pay. I know your fears..."What if prices go down? What if the economy gets worse? What about the shadow inventory?" Seriously, everyone thinks these same thoughts every season of the year. Get over it. If you really want to buy a home, just negotiate a deal that relieves those legitimate fears. And, the fall is an easier time to get that offer accepted than when there are more buyers in the market.
Take a break from Christmas shopping and holiday planning, and hunt down a home you love and make an offer now. You might find an awesome deal from a very motivated seller who needs to sell before the market picks up in January.
If you need help finding a home, give me a call today before everyone else jumps in the market...Shari Posey, Prudential California Realty, (562) 375-1417
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