Three Tips for Buying a Home During the Holidays

The home buying process is, by nature, a very involved process -- moving locations, adapting to a new environment, finding the needs of yourself and family members… However, buying during the holidays has its own set of obstacles. Here are a few tips for making the most of your move.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Buying a home during winter definitely has its perks, but the cold is not necessarily one of them. To make the most of your time - do the research on what you need from a home before going to look at them.

Research the properties that peak your interest and confirm that it has your "must haves", it fits within your budget and it genuinely looks like a place you could see yourself in. This is a simple way to check houses off the list before making the haul to see them in the cold.

A “Drive By” Showing

Location, location, location! It's cliche, but it's true.

There are many things you can change about a home, but this isn't typically one of them. Drive by your prospective future home during the day (and at night) to determine if it looks like a good fit.

Visiting the same home at various times of day will give you a more rounded idea of the neighborhood and what it's like to actually live there. Along with the location and neighborhood, you might also want to consider if the house is near amenities you would prefer to be close to, what the schools are like, and if it's within a fair commuting distance to work.

Every home has its pros and cons. Find out what is most important to you and what areas are worth living in.

Hello?

Communication is key. Keep in contact with your Realtor to ensure you are always on the same page.

When it comes to buying a house, keeping your Realtor in the know goes without saying. Your Realtor should understand exactly what you are looking for. Let them know what your timeline is for buying, as well as your needs and wants. Giving them this understanding will increase the chances of finding a home at the right time, and having it be one that you really love.

Bonus Tip:

With winter weather delays, plan ahead so you both have extra time to get to your meetings and house showings. Your safety is certainly a priority, but also create space to be present, and not have your mind set on deadlines and other tasks, so you can get a feel for your home.

For more tips and additional information on home buying, take a look at these articles:

Is This Neighborhood Right for Me?

We Can't Sell During the Winter

Home Buying: Don't Let Your Emotions Control You

The 10 Steps to Home Buying

Precision Home Group is based in Anchorage, and provides real estate services to Southcentral Alaska. We will keep you informed on current trends and market dynamics to help you make the best informed decision. if you are interested in purchasing a home, get in touch with our experienced real estate agents! Our team of experts will negotiate great deals for your home and help you navigate the buying or selling process every step of the way. If you are looking to get into a property that makes sense, or need help analyzing a potential property, reach out at 907-302-1011 or email at matthew@precisionhomegroup.com.