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The holidays are one of the most hectic times of the year. You know that. But few life events generate more stress than worrying about moving into a new home. Now imagine combining the two.
If you’re trying to buy a home before the end of the year, you need to plan ahead. It’s very important to determine a timeline for completing your transaction. That way, you can spend Christmas morning with eggnog in front of a cozy, blazing fireplace instead of packing boxes of dishes in a home whose heat has already been turned off.
Luckily, there are two easy steps you can take to make sure you’ll be in a warm and cozy new home in no time. Here’s how to buy your dream home in time for the holidays.
Work Backwards to Your Move Date
To minimize the anxiety of buying a new home, let’s plan backwards from your desired move date. (This is a great strategy any time of the year. Need to move in time for a new school year or starting date at a new job? Follow these steps!) If negotiations go according to plan, we can estimate when you need to have your offer approved in order to close on schedule.
STEP 1: CHOOSE YOUR MOVE DATE
Moving on Christmas Day is both sad for you and expensive if you’re planning to hire a moving company. Trust us. Plus, there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to find the box with your holiday decorations or baking supplies. Much less the gifts that are supposed to be under the tree! It’s also a good idea to give yourself a small buffer in case there are closing or moving delays, like bad weather or banks that shut down early for the holidays.
When picking a moving date, be sure to pad in a couple days for emergencies and contingencies. For this exercise, let’s pick December 20 as your move date.
STEP 2: SUBTRACT 45 DAYS
For an average transaction, properties close about 45 days after offer negotiations. Depending on the nature of those negotiations and the number of things both you and the seller are responsible for before you close, this period could take more or less time. Whatever you do, trust that your EXP agent is there to help you every step of the way. Ask your agent whether this timeline affords you enough time for the due diligence inspections you need.
If you’re still worried, give yourself a productive distraction. Use this time to organize and pack.
Now, let’s do the math.
Working backwards from your moving date, your offer needs to be approved by November 6.
Don’t forget to give yourself a buffer between when you make your first offer and when final negotiations are approved. With the tight market we’re experiencing now, negotiations will play a big role in your home buying process. But don’t worry—your EXP agent can help with that, too! Now you know you should have your offer in by November 1 in order to close on a house and move before Christmas.
That means there’s only one more thing you need to do in order to buy your dream home in time for the holidays …
Start Submitting Offers for your Dream Home!
What are you waiting for? You’re starting to cut this calendar a little close. Get out there, find your dream home, and make an offer. Your cozy new fireplace is waiting for your cute fall decor.
Our experts at EXP Realty are here to help you search for and purchase your next home. Don’t delay—speak with a EXP real estate agent now about buying your dream home in time for the holidays. Contact your EXP agent today!