The Pros and Cons of Home Selling During the Holidays

The Pros and Cons of Home Selling During the Holidays



One of the great debates in real estate concerns the prospect of keeping a house on the market during the holiday season. Some argue that the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is busy enough without the worry of buying a home, while proponents like the prospects since those shopping are generally more serious about buying.
A downside for the seller is that the hectic time of year makes it harder to get your home ready at the drop of a hat if a call comes in. People are busy making food, wrapping presents and preparing for a house-full of guests.
However, your house will also be decorated with beautiful lights and decorations and will create a festive elegance to a home that will attract buyers.
Some agents believe that keeping your house on the market will have you appealing to a much smaller inventory of buyers who have very specific needs that your home might not match. Others counter that less inventory over the holidays means less competition and since more people have vacations this time of year, they actually have more time to search for their ideal home.
The holidays can provide a breather for homes that have been on the market awhile, as some use the time to remove property from the market in favor of a fresh start in January. However, you risk losing the buyer who may have been looking in December to capture tax benefits that many consider with their need to buy a home.
What’s the best solution? Of course it’s up to individual homeowners and their respective circumstances. Prospective sellers should discuss their holiday prospects in detail with their Prudential Real Estate agent. Working together, they can make holiday wishes come true.





Prudential Real Estate

TIPS FOR PURCHASING IN A 55 PLUS COMMUNITY

Buying in a 55+ community will be very similar to buying in any community but there are some differences to be aware of.

Assuming you already know the 55+ community you are interested in, just looking within the community itself, here are some questions to explore when buying a home:

1. Find out about the monthly homeowner's association fee; what does it cover, how much is it and when is it expected to go up. If the community is older, find out if any special assessments are coming up or expected.

2. Get a copy of the homeowner association documents. Before you buy, review the rules of the association. Find out the rule for any areas of special interest to you, like pets, additions like building a patio or fence, visitors, children, leasing your property, etc.

3. Find out about the amenities. Remember in this economy many clubhouses and other amenities that were planned will not get build for some time, if ever.

4. Find out about activities offered. How often, what types, any extra fees?

5. Look at resales, not just brand new properties. Maybe you can get a deal on a resale that has been upgraded substantially. Preview listings with a resale real estate agent and ask questions about the property and the community as well.

6. Talk with the current owners/residents to see how happy they are living in the community and how happy you will be living with them. Are they your age? People love to talk, so ask questions.

7. Find out about the cost of utilities and any related cost of ownership.

8. Find out the cost of any upgrades, which appliances, counter tops, floor coverings, etc come with the property.

9. For newer communities, how strong is the builder and/or developer of the community? Is the community just getting started and right after you buy if goes in to foreclosure, will the community be a ghost town? There is less risk in a community that is further along in its development.

10. Remember buyer's agents also handle 55+ homes.

I hope these questions will help in your search process.








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