If you are a shopper who hates crowds and loves a bargain, the holidays are a perfect time to go house hunting.

Acooling housing market, combined with higher inventory levels and attractive mortgage rates can make a winter home purchase merry.

Late-season sellers might tire of showing their properties and just want it sold. We see more price reductions at this time of year and December is an opportune time to get a good value.

Relocation companies or trusts with vacant homes are motivated to close before the end of the year, as well as new construction home sites who have standing inventory ready to move in.

With many folks so busy over the holidays, fewer buyers in the marketplace means less competition. FHA and VA homebuyers who have had trouble competing with cash and conventional buyers can find sellers much more open to considering flexible terms and possible concessions for closing costs. Contingent offers may even get a serious look by holiday season sellers.

Mortgage rates usually float down at the end of the year as loan demand falls, but this year is different, as the Federal Reserve is expected to continue scheduled rates hikes into 2019.

Conventional 30-year fixed rates are currently 4.875% with FHA/VAright around 4.5%. Rates are expected to hover around the 5% mark, still historically very attractive.

No one seems to remember that mortgage rates averaged 6 percent between 2001 and 2009, before the QE government bond purchases ushered in years of low rates.

Bank statement loans that require no tax returns for self employed borrowers are now available, and although they carry a little higher rate, offer more flexible guidelines for out of the box homebuyers. Lenders aren’t too busy now and can process the 30-day closing on every seller’s wish list.

Home prices may no longer be rising by double digits, but a strong economy and low unemployment should keep home values appreciating in a healthy 3-5% range, according to housing analysts. And don’t expect the year end lull to continue after the holidays.

Demand for SoCal property continues to grow, and unless many more boomers decide to retire and sell, our inventory will stay tight and the market will heat up again come Spring. Take advantage of the seasonal shift and keep your home shopping efforts poised to pick up a holiday bargain.

Adriana Donofrio • Podley Properties Glendora (626) 926-9700 • adrianad@podley.com