Why The Holidays Are a Good Time To Buy a House

Article by Jennifer Taylor-Featured in Better Homes and Gardens
​Featured expertise by Jason Gelios-Realtor

The end of the year is upon us, and many people are busy shopping for gifts, attending parties, and living out annual holiday traditions — but all you want to do is buy a new house. While the holiday season isn’t a peak time to purchase real estate, that doesn’t mean doing so is a bad idea.

Or, perhaps, you need to sell your home. Listing now might seem like a hassle, but it could pay off.

Jason Gelios, a realtor in Southeast Michigan, said buyers and sellers can both benefit from the unique opportunities offered this time of year. For sellers, he said one main advantage is their home will be seen by the most serious buyers.

“Typically, people who are looking to purchase a home during the holiday season have a strong reason to move,” said Gelios, who is also the author of the book “Think Like a REALTOR.” “You get fewer window shoppers and more serious buyers who need to make a move fast.”

If you’re looking to buy a home this holiday season, he said you need to go into the process informed.

“Homebuyers should still apply the same general rules of getting their offer accepted, which include knowing what the market is doing, knowing if they are up against other offers, and how motivated the seller is,” he said. “If a home buyer is shopping in a sellers’ market, they will need to have an aggressive and favorable offer — even during the holiday season.”

While you need to make the buying process as seriously as ever, Gelios said one fun perk of shopping for a new home during this time of year is the holiday décor.

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