For those with busy jobs, Christmas can be the one time of year when there is time to spare to think about relocating, and to start shopping around. Often, this applies to investors.
Over Christmas, there is generally ten percent less stock on the market than at other times of year. With this in mind, one opinion is that there is more competition amongst buyers, which can mean a stronger result. No matter what time of year it is, there are always those out there that are in a position where they must buy or sell a home before a particular deadline.
If you live in a home that's popular with holidayers, Christmas can be the ideal time to place your property on the market. Those looking for a holiday home are far more likely to purchase in summer rather than winter.
In terms of presenting your property at its best, the warmer months are ideal. There is lots of light, gardens look great after spring, and the days are longer.
There's also disadvantages involved. During late December, many people are flat out with Christmas preparations, and shopping for a new home gets put on the back burner.
Selling over Christmas can be the cause of a lot of inconvenience. Rather than preparing for holidays or spending time with your family, you can instead find yourself cleaning out gutters and constantly tidying up before inspections. In this already busy time of year, selling can certainly put a strain on things.
Christmas decorations can often clutter up a home. While a few tasteful items can help a home look inviting, if your home is for sale over Christmas, it's a good idea to keep decorations to a minimum. You may like to opt for a smaller tree, and keep presents out of sight during any inspections.
No matter what time of year it might be, if a property is priced right and marketed well, it will achieve an excellent result.
If you are looking at buying a home during the Christmas holidays, it's a good idea to speak to your mortgage broker beforehand. Over Christmas, some banks and financial institutions will have reduced hours, or be working with a skeleton staff, so being prepared in advance can save a lot of time and inconvenience later on.