Well, here we are. Boating season on the Mississippi River is pretty much wrapped up, football season is in full swing, and before we know it, trick-or-treaters will be making their way through our neighborhoods.
That can only mean one thing. The holidays are right around the corner!
It’s hard to believe we’re already at this point in the year. Seems like just yesterday we were enjoying summer, and now we’re thinking about Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the cold Iowa winter ahead.
But if you’ve been thinking about buying a home, I’ve got some good news.
There’s still time to make it happen before the holidays!
A lot of people assume that once fall arrives, the real estate market starts shutting down for the year. They figure they’ll just wait until spring when the weather warms up and more homes hit the market.
But here’s something I’ve learned over the years: some of the best opportunities in real estate happen when everyone else decides to wait.
Traditionally, spring and summer are the busiest times of year for buying and selling homes. But as we head into the colder months, things tend to slow down a little.
And for buyers, that can actually be a really good thing!
With fewer people actively searching for homes, you may find yourself competing against fewer buyers. Sellers who have had their properties on the market for a while may be more willing to negotiate, whether that’s on price, closing costs, repairs, or other terms.
I’ve seen plenty of situations where buyers were able to negotiate a better deal simply because they were willing to purchase during a slower time of year.
Of course, every property and seller is different, but this time of year can definitely create some opportunities.
And what better Christmas gift to give yourself or your family than a new home?
But is there actually enough time to close before Christmas?
Absolutely, depending on the property and financing!
Here in Southeast Iowa, these are the approximate closing timelines we typically see:
- Cash purchases: Around 30 days
- Conventional financing: Around 45 days
- FHA and VA financing: Closer to 60 days
These are averages, and every transaction is a little different. Inspections, appraisals, title work, lender requirements, and holiday schedules can all affect the timeline.
But the point is, if you start looking now, there’s still an opportunity to find a home and get moved in before Christmas. Especially if you’re prepared and working with a good local lender and real estate agent.
And let’s be real for a minute. Winter is coming!
If you’ve lived in Southeast Iowa for any length of time, you know exactly what that means. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, and what sometimes feels like a winter that lasts forever.
Wouldn’t that long Iowa winter be a little more enjoyable if you were spending it in your cozy new home?
Maybe you’ve been dreaming about a bigger living room for the family, a fireplace to enjoy on those cold evenings, or a kitchen with enough space to host the holidays.
And here’s something else I’d encourage buyers to think about this time of year: the garage!
It might not be the first thing on your wish list when you’re house hunting in July, but when the snow starts flying and you’re scraping frost off your windshield at 6:30 in the morning, you might be pretty thankful you bought a home with a garage big enough to actually park your car inside!
Sometimes those little things make a big difference in how much you enjoy your home.
One thing I love about our market here in Southeast Iowa is the variety of homes available at different price points.
At Thrive Realty, we have listings for all kinds of buyers, whether you’re looking for an affordable starter home, something with a little more room for your growing family, or that dream home you’ve been waiting for.
And if you’re not seeing exactly what you’re looking for on the market, don’t assume it isn’t out there.
Our agents can sometimes help buyers find opportunities that aren’t even publicly listed for sale. That’s a whole different topic I’ll have to dive into another time, but it’s one more reason why working with a knowledgeable local agent can really make a difference.
Another thing I’d encourage buyers to do is get connected with a local lender early in the process.
Knowing what you’re comfortable spending, understanding your financing options, and having your preapproval ready can make a huge difference when the right home comes along.
There are also some great financing programs available for qualifying buyers in Iowa, including low down payment loans and down payment assistance programs.
And that’s where your favorite Thrive Realty agent comes in.
We can help you understand what’s available in our local market, connect you with knowledgeable local lenders, schedule showings, negotiate favorable terms, and guide you through the process all the way to closing.
Of course, I would never encourage someone to rush into buying a home just to make a holiday deadline. Buying a house is a big decision, and finding the right one is always more important than getting moved in by a certain date.
But if you’ve already been thinking about making a move, I certainly wouldn’t rule out this time of year.
There may be some great opportunities out there, sellers may be a little more negotiable, and you could find yourself spending the holidays in a home you absolutely love.
So before you decide to put your home search on hold until spring, give us a call at Thrive Realty.
Let’s see what’s out there!
Who knows? You might just be hanging your stockings over the fireplace in your new home this Christmas.
Don’t just live. Thrive.
John Mercer
Broker/Owner, Thrive Realty
