It could be the fondest daydream of every holiday shopper: you show up at your local mall at the crack of dawn for an early bird, “door buster” sale, and you’re the only one at the door. For a few golden hours, you have the store all to yourself, and you get your pick of the very best bargains. While this dream will likely never come true for the retail shopper, in the real estate market – where buyers are typically scarce around the holidays -- it could come close to reality. Here are seven reasons why you should wake up and think about shopping for a home now:
1. Serious sellers
The real estate listings may not be stocked like a department store shelf on Thanksgiving eve, but the houses that are on the market are meant to move. Most sellers don’t want the hassle of showing a home around the holidays, so the ones that are doing it are probably highly “motivated,” as they say in the real estate biz.
2. Yes, Virginia, you do have the time
You may be feeling like you’re in a Christmas scheduling crunch, but you probably have more time than you think. For many people, work slows down this time of year, and it’s a great time to take a few days off. Spend the time looking at houses while the rest of the world converges on the mall.
3. A non-competitive advantage
With fewer buyers out there, you are less likely to be drawn into one of those dreaded bidding wars, which often result in buyers paying too much for a house.
4. Holiday home appliance sales
The purchase of a new home often means the purchase of at least one new appliance – possibly a washer, a dryer or a refrigerator. This is a great time to take advantage of holiday specials on such items.
5. Tax time bonus
Buying before Dec. 31 may mean a little extra present this spring during tax season. You may be able to deduct your first month’s interest payment and any points you pay at closing from your 2007 taxable income. Consult your tax advisor to find out how the mortgage interest deduction could benefit you.
6. See how the neighbors deck their houses
You can tell a lot about a house by what the houses around it look like. During the holiday season, you can tell even more. If the homes near the one that you’re considering are well kept and nicely decorated, that’s a sign that the owners take pride in their homes and have a sense of community spirit. And that’s the kind of neighborhood into which you want to buy.
7. Better service
Real estate agents, lawyers, inspectors, appraisers and mortgage brokers have probably seen a slowdown in their workload this time of year. That could translate into better service for you, their valued holiday-season customer.
Visit www.LendingTree.com to start shopping for a home loan this holiday season.
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