Every year, I write the same thing at Halloween: The period between now and Thanksgiving is the best time to buy a house! People who want to sell before the end of the year for tax reasons, people who have already moved (or are about to move), people who are trying to avoid the increased maintenance and expense that winter brings, and others who may just want to check a sale off their to do list, are all itching to sell before the true cold weather sets in and the calendar turns to another year.
Buyers who have been waiting should gear up when they read this, because it can often be easier to reach agreement when the clock is ticking, even if it's only a psychological clock. In addition, rates tend to drop around this time (though we may not see that this year, even a pause would help) and go up in the spring season, so there's another reason to buy now.
Even something as mundane as the inspection can be simpler in the time of year when the heat is on and the hot water is flowing often. And, since many workers look to earn extra money during the holidays, it may even result in a faster repair or maintenance appointment. Mortgage brokers as well want to close before the end of December, as results are usually compared by quarter, and bonuses accrued for that period as well.
So what are you waiting for? Ready, set, BUY.
