While the holiday season sparks thoughts of festive lights, carolers at your door, and cookies for Santa, it’s important to remember that for some, the holidays are still a busy period filled with real estate transactions. Sellers may be motivated to close before year-end for tax reasons, buyers striving to move into their dream home in time to trim the tree, and agents hustling towards finalizing deals.
However, coordinating real estate transactions during the packed weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years poses some unique challenges that call for proactive planning and compromise.
Showing properties can prove difficult with owners on vacation and holiday parties filling up calendars. Buyers need flexibility scheduling showtimes amid their own holiday travels and family commitments. Paperwork and requests from lenders, appraisers and inspectors inevitably take longer with staff shortages over the holidays. Realtors and transaction coordinators must prepare for delays and tighter timeframes.
Closings themselves often get pushed to the days between Christmas and New Year’s to squeeze in before buyers lose interest or sellers’ tax goals. This means working through the hustle and bustle distracting everyone during this period.
The key is proactive communication, compromise and diligence from all parties. Sellers must keep their holiday decor tasteful during showings. Buyers should schedule viewings as early as possible. Agents need patience as deals take longer but focus harder so clients can celebrate in their dream homes.
While buying or selling amid “decking the halls” poses challenges, adapting expectations and allowing some holiday magic can result in a present under the tree for everyone involved – the perfect new abode coming off a smooth closing!
Don’t let the tinsel or fruitcake get in the way of your real estate dreams this season. Contact SimpliSettled today to get your holiday deal wrapped up in a bow!
