11/5/24

The calendar may just be turning to November, but it’s not too early to start thinking about the holidays. After all, it takes buyers about 10 weeks to find their next home. Often, this is a time of less competition, but depending on mortgage rates and other factors, more people may be on the hunt for a new home this year.  

So, while the winter months are traditionally known as a slower time in real estate, buyers, sellers and the real estate professionals tasked with guiding them home must be prepared for anything. After all, 2024 has been anything but normal. Since it’s list-making season, here are four key tips to make the most of this festive period for us all.

For Buyers:

Take time to really inspect the house. One of the main advantages of buying a house during the winter is the opportunity to see how a home looks during the harshest time of the year. It’s no secret that winter can be hard on a home, and if there are any issues, they should be much easier to spot. Be sure to look at the house at different times – and in varying lights – before making a final decision.  

Be prepared for potential delays. The holidays mean vacation time for many people, and real estate transactions can be affected. Inspections, appraisals and loan processing may take longer due to limited staff or holiday closures. (Though sometimes those appointments are easier to schedule because there’s less demand for spots.) To avoid frustration, build some flexibility into your timeline and stay patient. After all, a little bit of cheer goes a long way this time of year.

For Sellers:

Use holiday decorations to make the home feel warm and inviting. However, less is more when it comes to staging for buyers. Avoid over-the-top decorations or anything too personal or religious. Opt for neutral, tasteful decor that enhances your home’s features without overshadowing them, ensuring it appeals to a wide range of buyers. As we’ve said before, staging is a time to show buyers how they can make your house a home, not a time to show off your trinkets and style.

Price for what’s happening this season. Usually, the advice here is to make sure you’re priced competitively because the people looking during this time are serious about buying. However, the dynamic could be different during the last two months of this specific year. Work with your agent to price your home where it needs to be, given the current market conditions and your hopeful timeline.

The bottom line is that the next two months offer a unique opportunity for both buyers and sellers, and everyone should take advantage of all the festive occasions whenever they can. While winter does offer some obstacles, stay flexible, plan ahead, rely on the expertise of the real estate professionals around you and embrace the season to your advantage.

Buying or selling a home is often a celebratory occasion, no matter what time of year the deal gets done. However, there’s something special about giving new meaning to the phrase “home for the holidays,” and our teams would love to help make all your dreams a reality. Reach out to one of our branches whenever you need us!