If you are thinking about moving into a new home before the holidays, August may seem early to start planning. It isn’t.
The holiday season will be here before you know it, and buying or selling a home can take longer than expected. Starting now gives you time to make thoughtful decisions instead of feeling rushed as Thanksgiving and Christmas approach.
Why Start Your Move Now?
A successful move involves much more than putting a home on the market or finding a house to buy. You may need to prepare your current home, determine your budget, secure financing, find the right property, negotiate an offer, complete inspections and handle all the paperwork required to close.
Starting several months ahead gives you more flexibility throughout the process.
If you are selling, beginning now can give you time to address repairs, improve curb appeal, declutter and make sure your home is positioned properly for the market.
If you are buying, starting early gives you an opportunity to understand your financing options, determine what you can comfortably afford and watch the market for the right property.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Sell
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is waiting until they are ready to move before thinking about selling.
If you know you want to be in a new home before the holidays, your selling strategy should begin well before moving day.
Your home’s price, condition, marketing and exposure all play an important role in how quickly it sells. A professional evaluation can help you understand what improvements are worthwhile and what your home may realistically sell for in today’s market.
Buying and Selling at the Same Time
For many homeowners, the biggest concern isn’t simply selling or buying. It’s figuring out how to coordinate both.
You may wonder:
How do I buy my next home if my current home hasn’t sold?
What happens if my house sells before I find another one?
How can I avoid moving twice?
How much home can I afford after selling my current property?
These are important questions to answer before you start making offers.
A well-planned strategy can help make the transition from one home to the next much smoother.
What You Can Do Right Now
If a pre-holiday move is your goal, August is a great time to start laying the groundwork.
Start by determining what your current home could sell for. Review your finances and determine what you would like to spend on your next home. Make a list of repairs or improvements that may be needed before listing. Begin decluttering rooms, closets and storage areas. And if you need to sell before buying, discuss your options with an experienced real estate professional.
The more preparation you complete now, the fewer surprises you are likely to encounter later.
Your Holiday Move Starts With a Plan
Moving into a new home before the holidays can be exciting, but trying to accomplish everything at the last minute can create unnecessary stress.
Whether you are moving across Greenwood, buying your first home, moving up to a larger property or downsizing, having a plan can make a significant difference.
At Kellar Lawrence – Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty, we help homeowners develop a strategy for selling their current home and moving toward their next one.
Our Your Home Sold Guaranteed or I’ll Buy It program is designed to give qualifying homeowners additional confidence when selling their property.
If you are thinking about making a move before the holidays, don’t wait until November to get started.
The best time to plan your holiday move is now.
Visit kellarlawrence.com to learn more or contact Kellar Lawrence to discuss your options and find out what your next move could look like.
