Suzanne Plewes, RE/MAX Alliance in Loveland
LOVELAND – The holidays are upon us and the busiest shopping season of the year is in full swing. Just like gift shopping can get more complicated at this time of year, so can your home shopping. Here are a few tips to keep in mind as you search for a new home during this time of year.
Scheduling showings
Showings can be more difficult to schedule at this time of year. Sellers with visiting relatives or holiday events to host may not be able to accommodate showing requests so easily. Submit showing requests with as much advanced notice as possible. This will not only be appreciated by sellers but may also increase your chances of confirming showing appointments.
Making offers
Let’s face it, it’s not the most ideal time to buy and sell given the busy schedule and cold weather. Thus, people who sell and buy homes during the holidays are generally very motivated. If you see a home that you like, don’t delay. Take the opportunity to negotiate without competition from other buyers.
Offer responses
When submitting offers around the holidays, allow more time for a response from sellers. If the family is traveling or if one spouse is out of town or otherwise pre-occupied, it may take longer for the parties to review and discuss your offer. Being patient will go a long way in negotiating terms in your favor.
Setting deadlines
It may take a little more time than usual to get your home closed around the holidays. Make sure that you buffer home inspection, mortgage commitment, and loan approval deadlines given the legal holidays. Inspectors and lending staff may also have scheduled vacation days as they travel to visit family members. Processing times may take more business days than usual. Check in with your service providers ahead of time to verify that your timeframe is reasonable before entering those dates into offers and Purchase and Sales agreements.
Shopping for gifts may be not so fun at this time of year, but shopping for a home can be exciting and one more reason to celebrate. Keep these holiday home buying tips in mind as you continue your search through December and January.
Suzanne Plewes is a broker associate at RE/MAX Alliance. Write to 750 W. Eisenhower Blvd., Loveland, CO 80537, call 970.290.0373 or e-mail [email protected].
