Why Christmas is a good time to buy a house

As Christmas gets closer, you might want to think about snagging a house—it's a great time for it. Sellers are in a rush to get on with their holiday plans, and that can speed up the whole buying process. Plus, the festive vibes might make sellers more open to accepting deals that seem too good to be true.

Inma Vives, an expert in marketing and sales for the real estate sector, tells us several advantages of buying a home at Christmastime:

• Quick negotiations: sellers want to wrap things up fast so they can focus on their holiday prep. The holiday spirit might even make them say yes to offers that are way below the asking price. So, make your move and close the deal pronto.
• Tax time: check out the tax situation before you make a move. How it affects your taxes could depend on whether you buy before the year ends or kick off the new year with a new house.
• Less competition: with fewer folks shopping for houses during the Christmas break, you might score better prices. Take advantage by checking out properties with dropping prices and throw in your offer with the condition of sealing the deal before the year wraps up.
• Holiday break for paperwork: got some days off saved up? Use them for all the paperwork jazz with banks and other official stuff. Get your utilities sorted, deal with unexpected details, and have it all set before the new year.
• No waiting around: give a heads-up to banks and notaries that you're eager to sign before the year's end. It helps them get their act together without you waiting in line forever.
• Year-end goals for banks: if banks are racing to meet their yearly targets, you could benefit. They might treat you like a VIP and give you some sweet conditions. Shop around different banks and grab the best deal.

For those diving into the house hunt during Christmas:

• Sort your docs: get all your paperwork ready and up-to-date.
• Stay ready: be on standby for revisits or anything needing outside help.
• Flexible appointments: people, including sales folks and pros, are in holiday mode. Be flexible with your time.
• Plan your move: get your move organized so you're chilling in your new spot by the new year.

But hey, don't get too hasty. Check that everything works in your new place to kick off the new year right. And remember, the holiday-decorated streets might look different in January.

Enjoy the holiday vibes, do your own version of Christmas shopping for a house, and go with the flow. As Inma Vives puts it,“ Christmas is a magical time of year and buying a home is one of life's most beautiful moments. Live it as a positive experience, remember to keep the drawbacks in perspective, and chalk up viewings of potential properties as if they were a visit to the fair or Christmas market. If in the end you find your ideal home, you’ll be happy you did it all at this time of year, if even you don't, you will still have combed the market in your area and have enjoyed a Christmas with minimum expenditure."