Why do a large number of experienced and savvy Purchasers buy in December and January?

For a few reasons, some people have no time limit (expiration of lease, etc.)and so they really wait until they find something they love before purchasing, which can come at any time, including the dreary winter months.

Also, if a property has not sold over the busier season (spring and summer), owners as well as realtors tend to drop the asking price a little to attract more buyers to the property. So sometimes, you can get a better deal on a property in the winter months as opposed to the months where the most buyers are searching the housing market.

If a seller has placed a conditional offer on a new home and theirs is still not sold by the winter, you may also have an easier time negotiating as they have deadlines to sell their home.

Each selling and purchasing decision is based on a variety of different motives. It's often case by case.

Well...one good reason is that there are fewer sales and fewer buyers in these months so some buyers see that as a great time to get a deal. Some houses are going to hit the 20 year plus mark and fall off the radar of prospective buyers who want houses under 20 years, therefore sellers are more motivated.

Don't be fooled though, some of the statistics I have seen have shown that December is also a good time to sell because less inventory on the market means less competition. Sometimes good houses do not sell because the competition is fierce and even though they may be priced competitively, they fail to sell because if excess inventory levels. Over 60% of the houses listed in Cambridge last year in December sold. This made it the number 1 month to sell if you want to have an edge on the market inventory.

Most of my clients save up and buy this time of year. Most buyers do not want to be bothered over the Christmas season but investors know that offers at this time of year are scarce at best. This is the time of year when those of us agents that represent investor buyers are the busiest. Feel free to contact me if you wish to explore the investor market, there are a lot of great deals out there right now that my clients are snapping up!

Another good reason is that only serious sellers remain in the market just like serious buyers and price the property well to sell and ready to make a deal. Negotiations take place well when both parties are motivated. An experienced Realtor can get you a great deal in winter.

Buyers think that there is a possibility of better deal to be had....but, many times it is not so....

I sell mostly farms and rural properties. December thru February are usully great months for both buyers and sellers. For buyers, farmers have more time to search for properties when they are not putting in or taking off crops etc. Hobby farmers are usually less distracted with other activities in life and are casually looking for properties for the spring as do professional farmers. For sellers, as described in the other responses, there is usually fewer properties available so competition is not as intense as many of the listings have expired or folks are waiting for the spring market to list. It'S a great time to buy or sell.

This time of the year is usually more quiet (less Buyers, but also less listings), so it's easier to negotiate for a good Buyer at this time.