As we noted in our previous post, there are good opportunities for buyers right now. Likewise, this is a great window of opportunity for sellers in the Pleasanton and Tri Valley real estate markets. Check out the items below to find out why listing your home during the holidays is sometimes a savvy decision:

By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many houses are on the market for less money. This will allow you to sell high and buy low.

You can sell now for more money and we will provide for a delayed closing or extended occupancy until early next year.

Even though your house will be on the market, you still have the option to restrict showings during the six or seven days around the Holidays.

January is traditionally the month for employees to begin new jobs. Since transferees cannot wait until spring to buy, you need to be on the market during the Holidays to capture that market.

Some people must buy before the end of the year for tax reasons.

Buyers have more time to look for a home during the Holidays than during the regular work week.

Buyers are more emotional during the Holidays, so they are more likely to pay a higher price than any other time.

Houses show better when decorated for the Holidays.

Since the supply of listings will dramatically increase in January, there will be less demand for your particular home. Less demand may mean less money for you.

Serious buyers have fewer houses to choose from during the Holidays and less competition may mean a higher sales price for you.

People who look for homes during the Holidays are more serious buyers.

If you are considering selling your home, contact us. We’ll discuss the reasons why it makes sense for you to sell in this market.

No doubt about it. There are some tremendous buying opportunities out there in the Pleasanton real estate market and in the Tri Valley area. Perhaps you are a first time buyer, ready to purchase your first place. Or maybe you are a move up buyer, ready for more a little more space. Regardless of your situation, you may be feeling hesitant about the market right now. Here are some things to consider as you make your decision:

Uncertainty regarding loan programs and limits that may not be available in 2009 or after we have a new President in the White House.

Because there are less buyers shopping for a home at this time, you may be in a stronger negotiating position.

With fewer buyers on the market during the holidays, there may be less multiple offer situations, especially regarding REO properties and Short Sales.

The transaction load is lighter for lenders at this time, so your file may be handled quicker, more efficiently, and more accurately.  This is true for Title and Escrow as well.

It’s nice to get a feel for a home when it’s decorated for the holidays.

You may have more vacation or free time instead of having to take time from work to look at homes or complete paperwork, signings, etc.

You can show your visiting friends and family your prospective new home.

With fewer buyers on the market at this time, it may be easier to schedule inspections, etc., allowing you to shorten a contingency period in exchange for a more favorable price or lock in on an interest rate on your loan.

You’ll be enjoying your new home in the spring as opposed to waiting to move in.

January is typically the best time of the year to buy decorating items or home improvement items as the retail industry doesn’t want a huge slump after the surge in holiday shopping.

If you have kids, they can transfer to their new school at the start of the new semester and avoid “getting behind”.

What could be a better gift for the family than a NEW HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Questions about buying in this market? Call or email us.  We’ll address the 3 current buying scenarios in this market and how to strategically succeed in any of them.