Should You Buy a Home Before the Holidays?

by OB Juncal and Jonna Bonnette

Most people press pause on buying a home once the holidays hit. The calendar fills up, the days get shorter, and moving sounds like the last thing anyone wants to do.

But that pause is exactly why the holidays can be a smart time to buy.

Fewer buyers are out looking, which means less competition and more room to negotiate. Sellers who list in November and December usually need to sell, not just want to. And with fewer bidding wars, you have a better shot at getting the home you actually want, at a price that makes sense.

There are real perks too. Lenders, inspectors, and movers all have more open schedules this time of year. Things move faster. And if you close before the end of the year, you get to start the new year already home.

One thing to do first: get clear on your budget before you start touring. Knowing your numbers up front means you can move fast when the right home pops up, and in a quiet market, moving fast matters.