Xmas and New Years Investing Tips

The holiday season is an amazing time to invest in real estate.  Why is this?  It may be because most people are not looking to buy property at this time.  Depending on where you live, it may also be that the temperature is too cold to go out to see properties, or that the weather is miserable.  Perhaps other real estate investors have family obligations or are set on not working during the time they are off.  All of these factors accumulate to some great investment opportunities.  

During the holiday season, there will still be distressed properties and motivated sellers.  Of course there will be other buyers/investors, but most of your normal competition won't be there.  Sometimes you'll even be able to snag a good deal just by using online real estate websites and the MLS.  

The most success I've had during the holiday season has been for properties that don't have a lot of pretty pictures in the listing.  It numbers look great on paper, but you have no clue what it looks like.  Fortunately and unfortunately, you'll have to arrange a viewing to be able to see what the property condition is like.  This is great because the weather may keep a lot of other potential investors/buyers indoors and they may just bypass the listing because there are no pictures provided.  Just don't let the weather be a factor in keeping you from jumping at these opportunities.  

If you happen to find a great property that is priced a little too high for the ROI you are looking for, then be fearless and make an offer with the price you want to buy at.  Your realtor may think you are wasting their time, so make sure to find a realtor who is okay with this strategy.  You'll be surprised that a lot of the offers you make will probably be countered, and some may even be accepted.  My personal strategy is to offer lower than what I am okay with (but not lowball) and anticipate that the seller will counter.  Then when the seller counter offers, I can do a final counter offer with the price I originally wanted to buy at.  

In summary, if you have the time and motivation, then take advantage of the holiday season to snag some amazing real estate deals.  Be safe and don't let the weather hold you back.  Make offers and start the new year with an investment property that will make you money!

Please feel free to comment if you have used this strategy during the holidays and how it has worked out for you.