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December Housing Market Updates

Picture of Jackie Crawford-Ross

How staging your home increases the sale price and energy saving tips. 

Welcome December - This month we're celebrating the warmth of the holidays, time spent with friends and loved ones, reflecting on this year and goal-planning for 2024. I hope you've been well - I'm excited to share what's going on in our state and the local real estate market. As always, if there's anything I can assist with, send me a message, I'm always here to be a resource!

What's new?

This month I'm looking forward to celebrating the Holidays with my boys! They are at such a magical age and I want to enjoy every minute of it!

On a professional front, I am happy to have helped a few families find home for the Holidays! Seeing the joy in their faces when I told them Santa got them a house for Christmas was wonderful.

How to snag a deal on your next home

Cancellations - Not every sale crosses the finish line, and when they don't, it's your opportunity to swoop in. These homes are like items left in the shopping cart—someone didn’t complete the purchase, and now it's up for grabs, often with an attractive price tag.

Higher Days on Market - You know those houses that seem like they've been on the market forever? Maybe they're overpriced, or the listing photos didn't showcase their potential. A keen eye and patience can unveil their true value. Plus, the longer a house stays on the market, the more likely the seller is to negotiate on the price.

Fallen Out of Contract - When one deal falls through, it might pave the way for a better one. Owners of these homes are typically eager to sell, giving you the upper hand in negotiations.

Pause your house hunt this December? Here’s why you shouldn’t

Real estate is cyclical and having traveled around the calendar many times, here’s what I always see in the last month of the year: 

  • Fewer buyers in the market
  • Greater negotiating power for buyers
  • Sellers eager to close ASAP


With that in mind, here are a few questions to ask yourself or your agent during your December house hunt:

  • Are the driveways and walkways well-maintained? Does the exterior of the property exude a welcoming and well-lit ambiance?
  • Has the home been adequately insulated, and is the HVAC system in sound working order?
  • How is the natural light in the home? Given the shorter winter days, ample natural light can significantly enhance your emotional well-being and overall mood.
  • Is there any evidence of storm damage within the property, such as water spots, frozen pipes, or roof issues?
    Are the neighbors decorating their homes for the holidays? This is a good indicator of a warm and inviting community.

    If interested, reach out for more thoughts on the nuances of purchasing a home during the winter season!

    Happy holidays!

 

 

December Home Maintenance Checklist

  • Clean or replace HVAC filters.

  • Check holiday lights are in working order.

  • Inspect fire extinguishers.

  • Clean baseboards.

  • Winterize your sprinkler system.

  • Remove clutter and excess toys, decorations. Donate anything you no longer need.

  • Check attic vents.

  • Check insulation and add where needed.

 

 

Have questions about real estate?DSC_2031-Edit-1

Whether you're interested in purchasing your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing, my team and I are here to be a resource to you.

Let's find you a new home. And it all starts here. Tell us a bit about your situation – buying, selling, and so forth – and one of our team members will be back in touch to discuss the details directly.
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