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Expert Advice for Buying a Home During the Holidays

Buying a house during the holidays can be done—and done well—with a little planning and an expert real estate agent by your...

  • Annie Clougherty
  • November 28th, 2022
  • 4 min read
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Buying a house during the holidays can be done—and done well—with a little planning and an expert real estate agent by your side.

House hunting in December might seem like a chaotic idea, but there are some key advantages to buying now. December is one of the slowest months for home sales, so you have a better chance of landing your dream home at a great price. Even if you have cookies to bake and houseguests to manage, you deserve the best gift for yourself and your family—a new home.

How do you minimize stress and buy a house during the holidays? These are our top tips.

Plan ahead

Everyone is busy during the holidays, but that doesn’t mean you have to put buying a home in December on the back burner. Instead, you'll have to plan ahead. You may have numerous people in town, so book house hunting time with your real estate agent around those visitors. You'll also want to add some flexibility into your schedule, since homeowners and other key players in the process may go out of town, causing delays in response times.

Get preapproved and watch your finances

When buying a house during the holidays, you’ll need to keep an eye on your finances. Gift shopping and large purchases often take center stage this time of year, but it's important to not add debt to your debt-to-credit ratio when you're about to apply for a mortgage.

Get preapproved for a mortgage through your lender as soon as possible—before lenders take time off for the holidays. That way, the home purchase transaction is faster and smoother for you, which means less time applying for loans or chasing down documentation of your taxes from last year.

Understand your leverage

There are usually fewer buyers in the market during the holiday season. That means sellers who want to sell quickly are more likely to take an offer that favors you. That provides you with an opportunity for lower home prices, mortgage buydowns, and other favorable terms. Work with your real estate agent to create an offer that's competitive while taking advantage of the buyer-friendly time of year.

Remember the tax breaks

Should you purchase a home in December or wait until next year? If you're on the fence, the tax breaks for being a homeowner might motivate you. Though it’s best to talk to your tax professional about the specifics of your situation, homeowner tax deductions typically apply to the year in which the home was purchased. Those deductions include:

  • Mortgage interest
  • Discount points
  • Property tax deductions
  • Mortgage insurance deductions
  • Necessary home improvements

These will apply any year you purchase your home—but why not get a tax break this year instead of waiting? If you find your ideal home and the price is right, there’s no reason to hold back.

Hire the right real estate agent

Hiring the right real estate agent is one of the most important moves you can make any time you purchase a home—but discussing your year-end home search is especially crucial. You need someone who is engaged and focused to find the home you need at the price you want, stay on top of communication, and help your process run smoothly. Someone who will be out of town or has too many other obligations this time of the year may not be the best choice.

Choose a real estate agent who can tap into their network, too, helping you find homes that may not be listed on the MLS. You deserve the perfect property that checks off all your must-haves and nice-to-haves, and the best agents will find it even when the market is slow.

Let's chat

Reach out to a member of our team to discuss your holiday home buying plans. 

We'll make sure you have a low-stress, highly-successful house hunt so you can be in your new home by New Year's.

Get in touch

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Annie Clougherty

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With over 20 years of experience, Annie Clougherty has built a reputation as one of the top real estate agents in Orange County, California, and nationwide. Representing both buyers and sellers, Annie’s expertise spans across coastal Orange County, where her deep understanding of the community and market trends sets her apart. Recognized by both her peers and industry leaders, Annie has been listed as one of the top agents in the country by the Wall Street Journal’s “Real Trends” report, ranking in the Top 1½% of agents nationwide for sales volume from 2019 to 2024. She has also consistently been ranked among the top 100 real estate agents in California. Joining Compass in its early days, Annie has been a part of its growth from 2,200 agents to over 30,000 nationwide. This network gives her unparalleled resources and connections, benefiting her clients at every stage of their real estate journey. Annie’s strategic approach, honed through years of navigating competitive markets, ensures her clients achieve the best outcomes. Whether marketing high-end properties in Newport Coast or negotiating contingent offers, her professionalism and dedication shine. Beyond real estate, Annie stays active in her community. From participating in the Newport Beach Distinguished Citizens Program to raising funds through events like Air Band, she values giving back and strengthening community ties. Annie Clougherty combines local expertise, a nationwide network, and a proven track record of excellence to deliver exceptional results for her clients.
With over 20 years of experience, Annie Clougherty has built a reputation as one of the top real estate agents in Orange County, California, and nationwide. Representing both buyers and sellers, Annie’s expertise spans across coastal Orange County, where her deep understanding of the community and market trends sets her apart. Recognized by both her peers and industry leaders, Annie has been listed as one of the top agents in the country by the Wall Street Journal’s “Real Trends” report, ranking in the Top 1½% of agents nationwide for sales volume from 2019 to 2024. She has also consistently been ranked among the top 100 real estate agents in California. Joining Compass in its early days, Annie has been a part of its growth from 2,200 agents to over 30,000 nationwide. This network gives her unparalleled resources and connections, benefiting her clients at every stage of their real estate journey. Annie’s strategic approach, honed through years of navigating competitive markets, ensures her clients achieve the best outcomes. Whether marketing high-end properties in Newport Coast or negotiating contingent offers, her professionalism and dedication shine. Beyond real estate, Annie stays active in her community. From participating in the Newport Beach Distinguished Citizens Program to raising funds through events like Air Band, she values giving back and strengthening community ties. Annie Clougherty combines local expertise, a nationwide network, and a proven track record of excellence to deliver exceptional results for her clients.

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