Everybody is about timing the market and often times I am asked, “When is the best time of the year to buy a home?” The top two days are ones that a person would never even think about wanting to make an offer, but believe it or not, it can be a very successful moment.

Every spring, as flowers begin popping through the dirt, we get very busy with homes coming on the market, as well as buyers looking for homes.  Almost as soon as the For Sale signs are mounted on the posts, our phones are ringing off the hook with people wanting to go see homes.

There is nothing like a spring real estate market. Fax machines are jammed up, emails come pooring in, the conference rooms are booked with buyers and sellers, and every agent has decided to show up to work.

Everybody wants a deal, and everybody wants to sell. Typically the marketplace is flooded with inventory. There is more on the market in the spring than any other time of the year.  Do you think that makes it a good time to buy?

Actually, I think you’ll be suprised to find that the lowest prices and  best deals come to those of you that buy in the winter months.

1. Christmas Day:  Almost nobody looks at homes on Christmas Day. However, buying on Christmas Day is a smart move. If you scout out the homes on which you’d like to make offers just prior to Christmas, you’ll be better positioned. You may ask “Why is Christmas Day so attractive?”
• People are in good moods, celebrating, opening presents, enjoying family.
• People are more inclined to be generous, even if it means coming down on the price. “Hey, it’s Christmas, hon; just sign it.”
• Few buyers are out looking at homes during Christmas week, so the chance of multiple offers or any competition whatsoever is very low.
• Home prices are at a 12-month low in December.
• If a person has their home on the market over Christmas, that person is definitely serious about negotiating and selling that home. You can bet on it. Better yet, why not write an offer?
2. The First Snow: People don’t want to get out and look at homes when it snows, so the competition is little to none.  Keep in mind this is the winter time, so the people that are selling their homes are generally the people that are very serious.  They tend to be Short Sales or Bank Owned for the most part.  The trick to this is that the investors that own the loan for the banks will panic.  When they hear snow, they think about the risk of pipes freezing, water damage, etc.  This will often times allow them to take a considerable low offer, preferrably with a fast closing date.
3. Easter Sunday: This is one of the few days that you’re going to get a great opportunity to buy in the Spring.  If you can get past any religious beliefs you have and are willing to get out and look at homes on Sundays, Easter is going to be a great choice for you.  People are with families, flowers are blooming, and things are so cheerful.  This brings out good moods, and once again, your competition is low to none.
4. Thanksgiving: Once again, another family holiday making a great choice for getting out while the competition is low and investors are beginning to realize the risk of winter, right around the corner.  People are with their families on this day, and several have given up until spring is here, again.
5. The Day You Find the Perfect Home: Last but not least, any day can be the best day to buy a home.  I’m not saying that you should buy a home just to buy a home.  I’m saying that if you do your homework, you’re going to find a great deal on any of those days.  However, when the perfect home comes along, you should be ready to jump on it, because homes are once again selling with multiple offers.  Rates are at record lows, along with prices approximately down to where they were in September of 2004.

Of course, the key to all of these options is to find a real estate agent who will a) work on holidays and b) be aggressive enough to worm their way into the seller’s home without batting an eyelash. Those agents are out there, and I’m one of them, If ever I’m not able to help, I have a team of agents willing to work on holidays and snow days, or just about any day of the year.  The only thing you need to do is pick up the phone to give us a call.