Eight Tips to Get Your Dream Home Before Christmas
Here are a few tips to let you find your ideal house in time for this Christmas Season.
1) Timing is Everything
Autumn shoppers usually find the bargains. Canadian English summers and spring are house-buying season, with September as the slow month when homeowners are settling down from vacation, preparing their houses for fall and going back to work and school. Though the selection is smaller, the competition is also decreased leaving homeowners ready to negotiate.
2) Look for Motivated Sellers
Ask your real estate agent about helping you find an ideal Canadian English home with a motivated seller. The more ready to sell their house, the more likely the seller is to negotiate and often accept lower offers. They are frequently trying to sell before Christmas. Avoid those who seem to be only testing the market as they are more set on their price, and not desperate to sell.
3) Keep an Eye Out for Price Reductions and Slow Sellers
Homes that have been on the market since spring and summer are usually about to be reduced in price. Canadian English home sellers are more desperate to sell their home before Christmas, therefore willing to drop the price in order to do so. For more information on listings, check out my local Chatham-Kent listings page.
4) Consider Newly Built Homes
Builders need to clear out inventory by Christmas. This means that houses frequently will be discounted or include added incentives in order to sell the house before Christmas. Don’t wait too long, as these deals will drop when spring comes.
5) Negotiate With Your Lender
Often, lenders will drop fees to ensure your business as the home buying market slows down in the fall. To be sure you’re getting the best deal, compare the rates of a few different lenders – at least three – then use the lower prices as a bargaining chip. Tell the lender what their competition is offering you to get the lowest deal possible. Be sure to do this before you house-hunt, however, as it tells the seller you’re serious about their home.
6) Consider Concessions
With a concession, the seller pays some or the whole amount of closing costs - usually around 2 to 9 percent of the price. Your loan amount and the type of loan you receive will decide how much the seller contributes to closing costs. This can help you save money on the overall cost of the home.
7) Time Your Taxes Well
Mortgage interest, property taxes, and points on your income tax return can be deducted from your tax return if you close your home before, or on, December 31 of the year you’re selling. This can save you money to put towards the mortgage.
8) Hire a Good Real Estate Agent
Having an experienced real estate agent can make the difference between an effective negotiation, and a minimal shift in price. I can help you make a reasonable offer, while allowing you to save. I can also show you the best homes on sale in the fall and sift through the small selection to find your dream house. To get help finding your home, call me at 519-360-0141 today!