Buying A Home During The Holidays And Winter

If you're planning on starting the home buying process this winter and during the holiday season, don't be too put off. There are many right there along with you. You'd be surprised how many home buyers come out during the one month of the year that everyone thinks is totally dead for real estate. If you've already been looking for a home in Ohio and are continuing your search into December, here are a few things to consider and be aware of while shopping for a home.




Many sellers think that no one will want to see their home during the Christmas holiday season and at New Years. Wrong. Serious home buyers like perhaps yourself, are out and about and ready to finalize their search. Some sellers may choose to shut down at this time and focus on family, holiday gatherings and the winter bury. You have to look past this and push on. Every seller, family, selling situation and property is unique. You may pick up a few tips from the Selling A Home During The Holidays article.

Don't ever feel like you're inconveniencing anyone by viewing their home during the holidays, evenings or weekends. Remember that their home is for sale, and without home buyers like you coming in to see it, there's no point of having a sign in the yard. Most want to sell now and will do whatever it takes. Don't feel like you're intruding on someone's home when you stop by and walk through.

It is considerate at this time of year to be a little more selective with your choices and make sure it's a home you really want to see on the inside before scheduling an appointment. This is the proper thing to do anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays. Remember to take off your shoes if there are mounds of snow or mud outside and if you have ruled out the home when you first walk in the door, try to finish the tour quickly. It's a waste of everyone's time to linger unnecessarily. Honesty and bluntness work best in most life situations; real estate included.

You must have an open mind and try to overlook decor. As much as real estate agents try to talk to sellers about the holidays, personal items or clutter, it's almost impossible for everyone to comply and listen. You will see many homes over-decorated and under-spaced. Rooms jammed with holiday items, trees and furniture out of place. Exterior loaded down with rainbows of lights and large holiday items on roofs and yards. Just remember if you see anything that isn't to your liking or taste, it's only temporary. Make sure you view the home for its features and mechanicals and not the decor.

Be careful when viewing homes in the winter and around the holiday season. Things won't quite be the same in and on properties. Exteriors will likely be covered in hazards including exposed cords and wiring, display items, ice and snow. Insides may potentially be awkwardly rearranged to accommodate holiday decorating and parties. Take your time to avoid accidents.

Have fun while home shopping and enjoy the idea that you will soon have your own home or the home of your dreams to share and make your own holiday memories. It's sometimes difficult to view properties when others are living their lives inside, or when homes are completely empty and there's nothing to see as a holiday example. Try to be open minded, creative and look at the bigger items rather than paint colors, Christmas trees and Santa hand towels.

To browse all properties for sale in the Cleveland area, Search The Ohio MLS.