Holiday home buyers are out there. November starts the time of year we go from feeling like a car going from zero to 60 mph. More things get squeezed in this time of year because of all of those lists we check twice. We’re moving faster and spending less time on any given thing. There’s no time to waste. We use our time more intentionally.
Holiday home buyers in Austin: Fewer Showings, Better Traffic: Quality Over : Quantity
Real Estate this time of year is no exception. There are fewer holiday home buyers in Austin because only those who intend to buy are looking at homes. They aren’t “just looking” because they have nothing better to do on a Sunday afternoon. Everyone has something to do this time of year, even if that means taking a nap.
The Season of Ready Buyers: Who’s Actually Shopping Right Now
You need one buyer. While the amount of traffic for any given home for sale isn’t going to knock the socks off anyone right now, the quality of the traffic is better. People are fitting a home tour into their to-do list because seeing that house is essential. They aren’t just people looking, they are buyers.
While they aren’t just window shopping, buyers aren’t going to tour every home on their list either. They don’t have time. Sellers need to stay aggressively priced, not only from resale competition but also from new homes. ‘Tis the season for new home builders to pull out all of the stops.
Why Builders Are Offering Big Incentives This Time of Year
Builders have a different financial model than everyday homeowners. They’re running a business with set budgets, quarterly goals, and inventory they need to move. That’s why they can offer incentives and price reductions this time of year that individual sellers simply can’t. This year is proving to be a heavy year for price cuts. A record 41% of builders reported cutting prices in November, a post-COVID high and the first time this measure has exceeded 40%.
Locally, there is a Sleigh the Savings event from M/I Homes in Dripping Springs, a 4.99% fixed rate incentive from Highland Homes in Kyle and a .99% year one mortgage rate buydown special from D.R. Horton. And those are just a few for holiday home buyers.
How Even a Small Price Adjustment Can Change Everything
I had two homes go from sitting on the market for over 6 months, to multiple offers in the same week. Like people this time of year, homes on the market can go from zero to 60 too. The key is to stay fresh. Even the smallest price drop can mean a fresh set of eyes, which leads to a head turn. That home that was for sale just went on sale, and that’s when it sells.