Real Estate
The Holidays are Fast Upon Us
Sally Leach

Tis is the season for family & friends, parties & presents, reflection on the past, and hopes for the future. For many, those hopes include thoughts of a new home. If you are looking move into a larger or smaller home to accommodate a change in your life, there are a few important factors to consider.

The real estate market has a natural ebb and flow as buyers and homes are constantly moving into and out of the active market. Typically, the holiday season is a time when there are fewer homes on the market and fewer people looking to move. This can have advantages to both the buyer and the seller.

For the buyer, shopping at this time may give you an edge in negotiating an offer to purchase a home. Since sellers may have had less activity on their home during this time, they may be willing to be a little more flexible in the price or terms to secure a buyer. For the seller, by listing your home now, you may benefit from having less competition in the marketplace. What better way to show off your home than when it is all dressed up for the holidays!?

If you want to move in the summertime, then you should list your home for sale in the first three months of the year.

Many homeowners face the dilemma, "Do I buy first? or sell first?" How do you ever coordinate all that??? Well, this is where your Realtor should help you map out your goals and the plan needed to accomplish them. The answer to this question depends entirely on your priorities. If you want the most convenient move possible without considering the financial cost, you may want to purchase first. If you want to get the best deal financially, then you will want to sell first, and buy second. Most people would like a little of both, but evaluate your needs and work with your agent to determine your best course of action. Either way, plan on six months to sell your home

Find a good Realtor to assist you in the entire process. If you are a buyer, commit to one Realtor. This will get you the best service, guidance, and dedication from your agent. If you have a home to sell, ask your Realtor to take a brief walk though your home to look with the eyes of a buyer and point out repairs that should be made prior to marketing your home. In fact, to have a whole-house inspection done at this point is a fantastic plan. By spending the $250-300 now, you can know exactly what your home needs, shorten the time frames on the purchase contract, and provide potential buyers the reassurance they may need to actually write an offer to purchase your home as opposed to another.

As the new year approaches, keep in mind the goals you may have, make a plan to achieve them, and take the steps to make them reality. Perhaps next Christmas you will be celebrating with family and friend in your new home!

Sally Leach is a licensed Realtor in Ohio and Kentucky; she can be reached at 258-6100. Sally is a resident of Milford and a regular contributor to milford-miami.com.

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