Holiday Home Shopping
The days following Thanksgiving are
traditionally the busiest shopping days of the year. And, like millions of
others you should be out there shopping too - but not at the malls. The best
thing to shop for during the holidays is a home.
Yes, that's right. Holiday time is the best
time to be a home buyer. So, if you have been planning to buy but were going
to wait till after the holidays you might want to rethink your strategy.
Reason #1: Stores have "sales" after
the season passes because fewer buyers are looking. Home selling season is
Spring thru Summer. By holiday time home sales grind to a crawl. But many
sellers still really need to sell. So, prices are reduced and/or sellers are
more negotiable. Advantage: Buyer.
Reason #2: Fewer buyers mean better choices. A
"perfect" home might sell in a matter of days during the season -
before you ever see it. But during the holidays that same home might wait days
or weeks between showings. You'll have time to find it before some other
shopper "snatches it off the shelf." Advantage: Buyer.
Reason #3: With things moving a bit slower
during the holidays you'll get better service. Everyone from RealtorsŪ to
Mortgage Companies to Title Companies and Inspectors will have more time to
devote to you and your home purchase. Advantage:
Buyer.
So, trade mall shopping for home shopping.
You'll be glad you did when you are ringing in the New Year in front of the
fireplace in your new home.
First Published 11/20/00 (1/17)
