Let’s face it, most real estate agents are checking out right about now, because no one wants to buy a house during the holidays, right? WRONG! My team and I are working hard selling our listings and helping our clients buy before the new year! Here are some reasons why NOW is a great time to be looking and buying!

• Less competitive – Not that many people buy homes in the winter, and that’s for a variety of reasons. You won’t have people outbidding you, and you’ll have ample inventory from which to choose. It’s a win-win!
• Lower interest rates… for now – Word on the street is that interest rates are going up after the 1st of the year. Buy now and save a lifetime worth of interest!
• Eager sellers – Generally people who sell during this time of year are ready to get it over with. Their homes have either been on the market a while (because most people don’t buy this season), or they’re eager to get their family up and moved to a new place before the holidays or before a new job starts on Jan. 1. Either way, it means sellers are more willing to negotiate on price as a result!
• Tax benefits – If you buy by the end of the year, it will also you to take additional itemized deductions, as well as write off your mortgage interest, from that year’s tax returns. Depending on how much your home was, that could mean thousands and thousands of dollars and savings.
• Start the New Year off right – Wouldn’t it just be nice to have your move over and done with by Jan. 1? To start your New Year and new phase of life off in a brand new home? Many buyers think so!
• Take advantage of breaks – Moving can be a hassle, taking days and days to pack up, load and unload cars, and finally, put everything in its new place. During the holidays, you and your family members likely have some time off work and school, giving you plenty of availability for these pesky moving tasks. If you move at other times of year, you’d have to take time off work, adding even more costs to your bottom line.
• Easier to spot problems – Winter is a great time to make sure the house you’re buying is up to snuff. The roof, gutters, heating and plumbing are all put to the test as the winter weather gets harsher. If something looks awry, your home inspector will spot it and you can make sure the sellers fix it (or take it off the cost of the home) before you close.

So, if you are cruising through open houses or just surfing the internet looking at listings… tap in one of my professional buyers agents and one of the 50+ families they have helped buy a home in 2018! www.rosierourke.com/buywithus