'Tis the Season to Shop for a New Home

Many come to us and ask if late-to-early in the year is the best time to buy a home because the market has slowed down for the holidays. Is this accurate or just hype? Is there really an advantage to have my house up for sale now?

The majority of sellers list their homes two to three months before their impending move date. Traditionally, summer is the time most convenient to relocate a family into new schools and communities. Sellers list their home for sale around April or May and buyers purchase and move prior to the fall. Homes that haven't sold will often expire after a six-month period, so they are taken off the market around the start of the holiday season. Therefore, the "selling" season does typically slow between Thanksgiving and March due to common moving strategies.

However, buyers are out there year 'round! During the holiday season serious buyers can connect with serious sellers. Sellers also have less competition due to decreased inventory. And, with lower interest rates, buyers can focus on the advantages of purchasing now, which may well outweigh the convenience of moving in the spring or summer. The key is to work out an amicable transaction which benefits the schedules of both parties. For a seller wishing to relocate, having a qualified buyer who will work with a 60-day escrow-or consider a rent-back option is mutually beneficial to both parties.

We encourage motivated sellers to keep their homes on the market during the holidays or start their listing in the first part of the year. Shopping for homes in the "off" season can yield excellent results for both parties. If you live in the bay area, we would be happy to evaluate your situation, provide a market analysis, and devise with you a plan to make your situation benefit you the most. For more information or to contact us, click here to conect to our main real estate home page.