Many estate agents and sellers may have limited availability during the holidays, which can make searching for a home over the December break somewhat challenging. Patience and flexibility are key for those who want to make their home owning dreams come true over the festive season.
READ: 3 sustainable features to add to your house hunting checklist
“Searching for a home over the holidays can have its challenges. But, some sellers may also be more motivated to negotiate during this time so that they can close a deal before the year is over – giving you a potential edge during your negotiations,” says Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.
If you do happen to finalise a sale during the December season, he reminds buyers to keep in mind that the Deeds Office typically closes for a week or two over the festive season, which can delay any transfers that are in the pipeline.
Apart from this, RE/MAX of Southern Africa shares a few tips to help make holiday house hunting a little less stressful:
- Schedule viewings well in advance to avoid last-minute disappointments. As much as you can try to plan ahead, holiday plans and house hunting can often clash. Be prepared to adapt your schedule to fit in viewings.
- While festive decorations can add charm, ensure you focus on the property’s actual features – size, layout, and condition – not just the holiday ambiance.
- During school holidays, homes with children may not be as tidy as usual. Focus on the property’s potential rather than being distracted by toys or holiday mess. It’s the space and structure that matter most.
- Use the holidays to explore various neighbourhoods. Festive activities, like local holiday craft markets, can give you an insight into the community vibe.
- Don’t try to tackle this on your own – a trusted agent can streamline your search by narrowing down options to fit your needs, saving you time and reducing stress during the busy holiday season.
As a final word of advice, Goslett warns that as hectic as the holidays can be, never rush the house hunting process. “Take your time to evaluate properties thoroughly. A rushed decision could lead to buyer’s remorse later,” he notes.
By planning carefully and keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy a stress-free house-hunting experience and potentially start the new year in your dream home.
SEE | Property24 101 - Buyer and Seller specific advice
Pam Naidu, Director of Sales and Marketing at Devmco Realty, shared some key learnings, in an article published on 11 May 2023, which every first-time buyer should know when deciding to purchase their dream home.
1. Location, location, location! Also known as the Three L’s:
There are three micro locations that define the actual location of a property on a macro level. If the property you want to purchase is in an estate for example, you may want to find out what area of the estate it sits in and what that actual area provides, such as a good sea views, etc.
2. Financial stability is important:
Get your credit card payments and debts in order.
3. Budget:
Establish a realistic budget to determine your affordability. Create a budget and try to stick to it so that you can enjoy the process and not put yourself under too much pressure.
4. Find a trustworthy real estate agent:
This is the person that will assist in picking out your potential home and exploring your new neighborhood and is also responsible for scheduling tours and negotiating important contracts on your behalf. Ensure that this is someone you trust, to have your best interests at heart.
5. Get approved:
Get a pre-approval letter before you start shopping! This will help you have realistic expectations on what you can afford.
6. Be mindful of transfer and closing costs:
First time buyers usually tend not to factor these costs in, and it comes as a huge surprise at the end. Doing your homework is a very vital part of house hunting.
Becoming a first-time homeowner can be an overwhelming experience and requires careful consideration of several factors. With the expert advice from Devmco Realty, first-time home buyers can make an informed decision and successfully unlock the door to their dream home.
Read: First-time homebuyers' fears - how to overcome them
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Print
