If you hope to be carving turkey or trimming the tree in a new home this year — the clock is ticking. Here’s why buyers and sellers should start their plans now.
The Clock Is Ticking
If you hope to be carving turkey or trimming the tree in a new home this year — the clock is ticking.
For buyers, the real factor isn’t how long homes sit on the market — it’s how long it takes you to find the right one. Sometimes that’s a weekend; sometimes it’s weeks or months. And once you’re under contract, escrow can run as little as 3 weeks for cash or up to 45 days with financing. That’s why starting your search now is key if you want to be in before the holidays.
Why Buyers Have the Edge This Season
The fall and holiday season actually gives buyers the upper hand:
- Less competition than the busy spring and summer months
- Motivated sellers eager to close before year-end
- Bonus: lower rates — Back in January, the 30-year fixed hit 6.91%. On a $500,000 home, that meant a monthly payment of about $3,320. Today’s rate is closer to 6.35%, which drops that same payment to about $3,100. That’s a $220/month savings — enough for a plane ticket, new holiday décor, or even nicer furniture for your new place.
Start your search today, get under contract in October, and you could close in November or December — just in time to be unpacking boxes and putting up holiday decorations in your new home.
Why Sellers Shouldn’t Wait
For sellers, timing and pricing are everything. Listing during the fall means fewer homes are hitting the market, so your property faces less competition. Price it right from the start, and with strong marketing, your home can move faster than average — opening the door for you and your buyer to both be celebrating the holidays in new homes.
Make Your Move Now
So whether you’re buying or selling, the holidays are right around the corner. Let’s create your plan this week, so you’re right where you want to be when the celebrations begin.
Because who you work with matters… Believe it!
