Yes Or No - Buying or Selling Real Estate During the Holiday/Winter Season?

The good news is, we are not in snow country, and we do not need a plow to get up the driveway to view an open house. With that said, there are some misguided notions ( in my humble opinion) that winter season is not the best time to sell, or shop for Real Estate. I disagree with that.

Last December I received a call from a friend/Broker in New York. The purpose of the call was that a niece and her husband were ready to purchase a home here and thought I might help them.

The only problem they thought might come up is that the inventory of homes may be low because of the "off season". They didn't want to work with a "short sale" (pre-foreclosure), they just wanted to find their dream home, write an offer, and not have to worry about any bumps in the road during the transaction.

They found it. It didn't take us long to discover it either. A lovely view home listed on the market in January, they fell in love with it, and although there were 3 other offers on it - they got it!

One of my listings in December 2007 went into Escrow 3 days before the 25th.

In December 2008, less than a week before before Christmas Day, a couple sat in my office preparing an offer on a home in San Mateo Village.

 Lately the Real Estate Market has been a roller coaster ride for many people, either selling or buying. If you want to purchase (or are selling a home) in the winter months or even in the holiday month of December and enter into a transaction, it may take slightly longer for the Escrow period. It's just the nature of the beast. Title and mortgage people go away during the holidays, sometimes (gulp!) even Realtors.........

Just a Few Thoughts for Holiday Real Estate Sales:

• For Buyers, be sure you communicate with your banking institution early if you must transfer funds from one account to another. Banks sometimes close early on New Year's Eve. That last week in December is notorious for early closings for Title offices too.
• If you or your Agent is "going away" for the Holiday, you both should have an excellent communication "device" with you at all times.
• For Sellers,  While selling during the Holidays, do not have photos of your home (for the MLS) with holiday decorations in the shots. Your home may take several weeks after the holidays are over, and it will not be a fresh presentation of your home.
• For Buyers: Take your time, think, and be sure it's the right home, at the right price, at the right time.