Real Estate Chic is a monthly feature with local housing news you can’t afford to miss and insight you always wanted to know!
Traditionally spring is the busiest time of year in Seattle real estate and 2012 was no exception. Busy house hunters will go to all lengths during the rainy months of March, April and May and usually don’t get distracted until the first full weekend of sunshine. By the time August rolls around most Seattlites can be fond hiking, biking or boating rather than combing open houses. The unforgotten season in real estate is usually the stretch between Halloween and New Years Day.
Last year I closed on 4 homes with my buyers between December 26th and January 1st. It was the first time I had ever been so busy over the holiday season and what each buyer had in common was the amazing deal they scored on a piece of Seattle real estate. Sure, there were several dark, cold and rainy evenings I spent showing homes but it was well worth the excitement I shared with my clients. And I don’t think any of us missed out on the holiday parties.
Here are a few of the advantages to Holiday House Hunting:
- Less Competition
While most people are out shopping Black Friday or hanging Christmas lights you get to view homes without others around. During the busy months of real estate it might be common to have multiple parties of buyers waiting outside new listings. This is not the case in the winter months.- Lower Chance of multiple offers
Sure, I can’t quite guarantee no multiple offers since a home that comes on the market priced low will always get a lot of attention. However, you won’t be competing with buyers on homes that would have a lot more attention during peak buying season.- Home Sellers are Serious
People who have their home listed over the holiday season are generally going to be people who need to sell. As a buyer this creates less hassle with negotiation and less chance of a seller acting flaky. It may also mean you get a good deal because they can’t afford to wait until the new year to sell.- Inspections show any real problems
There is no better time to inspect a house than a cold rainy day. This week I was showing homes and we happened to notice the corner of the basement has some water seeping in. You are not going to notice a leaky roof on a sunny summer day. Last winter I caught an issue with a furnace on a bank owned home one bitter cold day when it started making a funny noise after a lot of use.- A New Home is the Perfect Holiday Gift
In all seriousness home shopping might make you think about where you want to spend your money this year. A down payment on a home might be something to keep in mind when you are buying expensive holiday gifts and don’t forgot that a home is a gift you will enjoy for many years!- Interest rates are low right now
This needs no explanation. Why not lock in while we know rates are low?
Brooke Davis
Brooke Davis launched her career as a Realtor in early 2005, leaving behind a job in PR to follow the dream of running her own business. Despite the challenges of the recent economy Brooke has been able to maintain a strong sales record earning awards every year with Remax. She is a graduate of UW and holds an ABR and SFR designation. Read her blog at, brookedavisrealestate.com or catch her driving through your neighborhood!
* This post is from a Girl Power Hour featured blogger. It is not written, edited or endorsed by Girl Power Hour. The authors are solely responsible for content.
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