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Buy That House Before The Ball Drops

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 311291

Why Buying a Home Before the End of the Year Can Be a Smart Move

You might think the holidays are a quiet time for real estate, but actually, buying a home before the end of the year can have some significant advantages. First, there are tax benefits. If you close before December 31, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and even points paid to lower your mortgage rate on this year’s taxes.  Every little bit helps when it comes to planning your finances.

Then there’s the motivation factor. Many sellers want to wrap things up before the new year, so they might be more willing to negotiate on price or other terms. You might find a home that has been on the market for a while and is priced just right, because the seller wants a year-end closing.

Interest rates are another reason to consider acting now. Locking in your mortgage before the year ends can save you a significant amount over time if rates increase next year. And with the market slowing down for the holidays, there are often fewer buyers competing for homes. That can give you more flexibility and less stress when making your move.

If moving by the end of the year will not work, you could settle in 2025 and then rent back to get those savings. This may be a good solution for both the buyer and the seller.

So, if you’ve been thinking about buying, don’t overlook the end of the year, it could be the perfect time to

  Buy That House!

Note: As of today Nov 14th, there are 47 days till 2026

Posted by

Margaret Rome
HomeRome Realty
Broker/Owner/Realtor®

Baltimore, Maryland


Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

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Comments(15)

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Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good evening Margaret,

You are so right..it's not too late to close on a home before the New Years Ball drops! Melissa is closing on December 30 on her son's wife's parents home! 

Nov 14, 2025 08:02 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Good morning, Dorie Dillard Austin TX

Hope their closing goes smoothly!

Nov 15, 2025 07:51 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Margaret - people "think" many things.  Real estate continues to happen each day with shifts of many sorts a part of each scenario (or season).  If now or whenever, seems like a good plan for you - why not choose now (or whenever).  Be prepared.  Be ready.  Do it (or don't).  

Nov 15, 2025 04:35 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Thanks for the smile Michael Jacobs 

Great points! Being prepared (or not) and ready to act (or not) makes all the difference. If the timing feels right, why not go for it (or don't)

 

Nov 15, 2025 07:56 AM
Clay R. Seay
Saint Augustine, FL

Great advice for year end planning. In Florida, there is a homestead exemption if you close before Dec 31st, you can claim a property tax exemption for the following year's taxes. Exemptions vary but usually , $50,0000 reduction in taxable value. Depending on the mileage rate it can be a savings of over $500-$1000 on your tax bill. The Homestead Exemption also freeze's the taxable value and allows only a maximum 3% appreciation per adjustment in the future. Happy New Year ! 

Nov 15, 2025 04:46 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Clay R. Seay,

Thank you, and it's good to see you back on AR!

 

The Homestead Tax Credit in Maryland also helps reduce property taxes by capping annual tax increases on your primary residence. It’s an easy way to save on taxes!

Nov 15, 2025 08:18 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes indeed, six more weeks left of this year - it's definitely possible to close by the end of the year!

Nov 15, 2025 05:25 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Kat Palmiotti

Definitely possible if your clients are ready. But...I wouldn't wait much longer.🙃

Nov 15, 2025 08:29 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Margaret. Sellers want to sell. so the savvy buyer is active. What about this win-win scenario don't people get? May you assist the savvy and gain a benefit for yourself. 

Nov 15, 2025 05:36 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Wayne Martin

And it is a win-win when we can make it happen.

Nov 15, 2025 08:31 AM
Tom Bailey
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Carolina Premier Properties - Oak Island, NC

I always live by something I head when I started in this business. The best time to buy or sell a home, is when you need to buy or sell a home!

Nov 15, 2025 05:47 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Tom Bailey

Good words to live by!

Nov 15, 2025 08:32 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Miss Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 the best time to buy or sell is when one is ready, which includes the end of the year before the Ball Drops! 

Nov 15, 2025 09:03 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist

So anytime is the right time to buy or sell, including the next six weeks.

Nov 15, 2025 04:59 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Spot on Margaret!  Many buyers are wanting to close before the new year and it's the perfect time to negotiate as there are fewer buyers in the market.  

Nov 15, 2025 09:57 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Even though you retired, I love that you did not retire from AR!

Nov 15, 2025 05:01 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten

Well how could I retire from my wonderful family of rainers!!💛

Nov 16, 2025 02:44 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Margaret it is hard to believe that the ball will be dropping in Time Square in a month and a half.  But there is still time to watch it drop on a TV screen in a new home.

Nov 15, 2025 12:39 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400

George Souto

Like the way you think...watch the ball drop in your new home!

Nov 15, 2025 05:03 PM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks for breaking this down so clearly, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400. It’s a real eye-opener 🙂. I appreciate the way you highlighted the timing and practical benefits, it makes the idea of buying before year’s end feel both smart and doable!

Nov 16, 2025 10:12 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Lew Corcoran 

Thank you so much for always leaving such thoughtful comments.

Nov 16, 2025 10:30 AM
Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a
Property Management Inc.-Destin - Sandestin, FL
Call me at 850-517-7098

The end of year is a great time to challenge your financial progresss as we get close to years end. 

Nov 21, 2025 12:06 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Peter Mohylsky, www.athome30a 

The end of the year is a good time to review your finances. Hope it's been a good year for you!

Nov 21, 2025 03:59 PM
Debra Leisek
Bay Realty,Inc Homer Alaska - Homer, AK

Hello Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 

Excellent tips and ideas for why to close on a home before New Years!

This one really caught my attention!  if you close before December 31, you may be able to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and even points paid to lower your mortgage rate on this year’s taxes. 

It could make the difference for some buyers! Thanks for the reminder! 

Nov 24, 2025 11:30 PM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Debra Leisek It could make a difference, and I wonder how many sales are made and closed before the new year.

Nov 25, 2025 04:56 AM