Can I Get A Better Deal? By Dan.

This is a great time to buy especially for executive and luxury homes in desirable communities.

Now is the time because the rates are still SO LOW and the Banks are really just trying to get it off the books for the end of the year....

November and December seem to be a time for fewer, but more serious, Buyers and Sellers. During this time you get to enjoy the festive holiday atmosphere, the bad news is the sometime inclement weather. Well everywhere...except southern California.

You're absolutely right... it's a perfect time.  Hopefully sellers will keep the walks clear!  Thanks for the post.

so true Daniel plus not to mention that some Buyers may greatly benefit from the Tax write-off(s) as well.  

Thanks for sharing  

Great Post.  This is a great time of year to shop for a home.  I have done a lot of business this time of year myself.

Dan - I love working during the holidays when everyone else is taking time off ... you can really find some gems for your buyers during that time!

Thanks for suggestions for keeping home on the market Dan.  I like to tell people, the last three times I moved it was in winter.  In fact, we put our first home on the market Dec 26 and accepted an offer on it Dec 29.  So don't tell me people don't buy homes during the winter holdiay season.

Such good advice, and in my experience, all true! I've had my best selling week between Christmas and New Year's before, and those who are pre-qualified, serious buyers (not just "tourists") tend to be very motivated!

Just getting ready to hit the re-blog button!

You may want your client to check with their accountant on that advice. The long standing accountant recommendation has been make the offer in December, but close in January. That could give you the benefit of easier negotiating in December BUT the potential added tax benefits of closing as early as possible in the year.

The one time only up front deductible costs may be wasted without at least 6 months worth of interest and RE tax deductions going with it. To exceed the Standard Deduction, and benefit from those one time only write offs, accounts usually recommend closing as close as possible to the first of the year and not later than end of June.

Remember...even if the seller pays those deductible costs, they are deductible by the buyer and not the seller.

Whether or not someone should close before the end of the year or after the first of the year is personal to each seller's tax considerations...and more importantly almost always better for a buyer to close in early January than in December, for income tax reasons.

The higher the closing costs (i.e. points paid to buy down the rate) the more important this is.

I agree that this is a great time to show your home off.  Normally, it's decorated so cheerfully that people can't help but feel good seeing it as long as you don't overdue it with exterior hanging lights, etc.  Throw in the smell of cinnamon and fresh baked cookies and you've got a recipe for a sale.

My crystal ball is cracked...if you are going to live in the home the best time to buy may be now. You can't let every market fluctuation determine when you buy.

Daniel, I like your reasoning!  I like looking at houses any time of year but there is a certain air in November and December. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hey!, Daniel...I love to work with Buyers who are serious enough to go "house shopping" in our Chicago cold winters!...you know it's a done deal! :)

I have known so many agents who just go home and don't try between Thanksgiving and New Year's - maybe that's why so many think it's a "dead time."

Christmas vacation is a prime time for people with kids who have to move to a new community to be looking... I guess they forget that part.

I agree Daniel:

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

This IS the best time of the year to buy a home.

Touche!  Happy Holidays to you! 

Although this time of year is slow going here in Michigan, it is one of my favorite times to show homes and put some good deals together. 

You said it right: "I always enjoyed looking at homes during the Holidays. I enjoy seeing the ways people decorate their homes and how they celebrate. It really is a great time of the year to buy a home and one of the best times to get a great deal."

This is good stuff Daniel. There are not many Buyers looking now, but the ones who are, are motivated.