Is this true that many realtors take houses off the market for the Christmas? Would it be wiser for a buyer to NOT buy a house in December and to wait for the January instead? I am in London, ON.

I've never taken a home off the market during the holiday season. At most, perhaps restricted showings to accommodate for family events. If a buyer is looking through the holidays, that tells me they're serious buyers so from a listing perspective, I want that buyer to view the home I'm offering for sale.
From the perspective of a buyer I don't really see the point in waiting for something magical to happen in January. If a home worth seeing comes up for sale in December, then why not got take a look at it? It might be easier to coordinate the timing as well since people may be off work.

Well there are less buyers during holiday season,and there is less inventory of properties So odd are in your favor, and buyer looking for properties are serious one, so Keep your house in market

Some sellers prefer not to have showings over the Christmas holidays, so some realtors may suspend viewings. But if a Seller is truly motivated the house will probably continue showing..Homes also look quite beautiful when they are decorated for the Holidays.Buyers who are out house hunting at this time of year are are most likely serious buyers. December can be a great time to buy a home as there are fewer buyers looking during the holidays. Also if the right house comes up, why wait until January when everyone else is back looking. Don't miss out on a good opportunity.

David and Sharon have said it all. If you see a house you like then buy it, whatever the season.

I don't know if they are taking them off the market. If they have expired the sellers may wait to relist after the holiday season.

I suggest continuing to sell a home during Christmas. I have sold four(4) homes between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Less homes on the market and serious buyers. Two of the buyers were "home for the holidays" and decided to house shop in preparation for their spring move.

Sometimes, Sellers don't want the hassle of showings through the holiday season, and for them, it's a good idea to focus on listing in late January or February in anticipation of the spring market. For others, being on the market through the holidays isn't a bother. They may be under more pressure to sell sooner. If you do have your house listed through the holidays, you may find that showings are somewhat scarce compared to other times of the year, but it only takes one person to come through the door and fall in love and you could have an offer! Buyers looking this time of the year are typically more serious in their intent. I have done offers on Christmas eve, Christmas day, and right through the holidays in my 25 years in the industry. There are arguments both for and against, it really comes down to each individuals unique circumstances and preferences.

The sooner you check for homes the better opportunity for you to find it before someone elses falls in love with it and makes an offer.

Happy holidays for you and enjoy the visits of your future Home!

Lina Castro, Real Estate Broker and Realtor that you trust!
ADRESZ Reseau Immobilier, Siege Social
To committed Buyers and Sellers in Montreal, QC subscribe to my VIP Members now by sending your email to: linacastrosells@hotmail.com or to: linacastrovende@hotmail.com
and be ahead from the competition!

From a buyers perspective by waiting and not looking in december, you may miss a really good house.
From a sellers perspective, the people looking in december are serious and taking your home off the market may mean you miss a prospective buyer.
As a Realtor, i expect fewer showings on my listings December 23 to January 1st, and I tell my clients to expect less activity, however, I also tell my buying clients that I am available to assit if they wish to view homes.

yes it is true.
The holidays is a very heavy on people's wallets and when you need to buy a house you want to do it after all the holiday expenses are done with.
Also people have the conception that the closing date has to be 60 to 90 days after signing the contract. hence they do not want to buy in December and move in Feb.
This is clearly a mistake but you have to deal with it. It is always slower on the winter time (also due to less will to do open houses at -20C).
It is better to wait to Early Feb.

If you have found a house that you like, why not putting an offer? I never put the house off the market. Right now there's not enough invenory on the market, so it's more difficult to find something decent;

Chances are homes for sale during the holidays are people that must sell or are serious about it! Find something you like and put in your offer!!!

Many people would prefer to clear up their business before the holidays. That may mean selling at a lower price, better terms or it may mean just pulling it off for the holidays. As a buyer, I wouldn't concern myself with what the other side is thinking. Your Realtor will help you decide if what is available is reasonable for YOU. If it is the right buy, then move forward, if not keep searching. Best of Luck

If you find your dream home in December, then it stands to reason that you should buy it. However, if you have not found it, do not feel pressure to put in an offer on a house just to have one - it has to be the right fit for you! More homes will appear on the market in the spring, so rest assured if you and your Realtor work together, you should be able to locate the best home for you. Good luck!