While spring and summer grab attention with curb appeal, the holiday season may be one of the best times to get a good deal on a home in the DFW area.

Less Competition with Fewer Buyers

According to the National Association of Realtors, existing home sales can fall by as much as half between their spring peak and their winter trough. With fewer people in the buying pool, you are likely to have less competition when house-hunting and could avoid bidding wars. Sellers with fewer offers are often more likely to negotiate on price.

Motivated Sellers

While not universally true, properties can cost less in winter months. Why? Many of the homes on the market in late fall and early winter are holdovers from spring and summer. After so many months, homeowners may become increasingly motivated to sell their properties.

How much longer do homes sit unsold in the winter months? Dallas-area homes frequently exceed the usual 60-day median, remaining on the market for as long as 72 days in December and January.

Faster Transactions

During peak months, agents, inspectors, title companies, and escrow officers typically have full calendars. You’ll likely have to wait for their services. In the slower winter months, however, more-available professionals can accelerate the home-buying process.

Stress Test Your Home

Touring a home in winter is the ideal time to test the heating system, check for drafts around windows, and evaluate insulation. While spring flowers and lush summer lawns may be beautiful, the raw landscapes of winter can be better for inspecting the foundation and grading. With the sun lower in the sky, a winter home tour can show natural interior light in a worst-case scenario.

Tax Advantages

Closing on a home before December 31 may allow you to deduct mortgage interest and certain related costs on that year’s tax return if you itemize your deductions.

The Trade-Off of Holiday Buying

Shorter daylight hours typically mean shorter showing windows. Even with the mild DFW winters, bad weather could delay inspections. The biggest drawback could be inventory; as sellers favor listing homes during spring and summer months, you’ll likely have fewer homes to choose from in winter.

Are you thinking of giving yourself the gift of a new home during this holiday season? We can help you take advantage of this ideal time to buy. Call a member of the Decker Group at (214) 908-6792 or connect with us online.