The Holiday Season Brings Unique Challenges to Home Buyers

Dec 5, 2017Real Estate Tips

A 100-year-old, faded, one-armed Santa.

Christmas trees in every room of the house.

Photos of the current homeowners wearing nothing but their birthday suits and a few Christmas accessories.

Aftermath of a New Year’s Eve party including passed out guests complete with open and spilled adult beverages.

These are just a few of the responses received when the National Association of Exclusive Buyer Agents (NAEBA) asked their members, real estate brokerages that only represent home buyers, about the challenges of shopping for a home during the holiday season. While NAEBA hopes that home buyers don’t run into anything like the above this holiday season, there are a few unique challenges that home buyers should take into consideration when shopping for a home this month.

Many NAEBA members reported that the biggest challenge is getting into a home to see it. One NAEBA member stated, “Many sellers have limited showing times during the holidays, particularly on weekends – hard to get into houses when people are entertaining, have visitors, etc.” Another member reported, “Sellers reluctant to show because house is a wreck or too much company in house.”

Other challenges were reported as well. Many cited even lower inventory due to sellers temporarily taking their homes off the market. Another challenge mentioned was that the decorations can alter a person’s perception of the house. Decorations may cover flaws or make a room look smaller than it actually is. A few members reported difficulties in meeting deadlines when financial institutions or other offices are closed or industry personnel (loan officer, inspector, etc.) take time off around the holidays. Those members in colder climates also mentioned the challenge of getting to a home when the homeowners haven’t cleared away the snow from the entrance and the need to be cautious on icy sidewalks and steps.

Not all members pointed out challenges, however. One member stated, “Not a challenge but an opportunity for buyers. Since we know anyone whose home is on the market during the holidays is highly motivated, we can be more aggressive in offering price and terms of the contract.”

States NAEBA President Dawn Rae, “While buying a home during the holiday season can pose extra challenges, NAEBA members are aware of those challenges and can help a home buyer overcome them.” For a full list of the NAEBA members’ survey responses, visit www.naeba.org/2016HolidayReport.

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