A new survey finds potential homebuyers in Vancouver’s Lower Mainland are interested in buying a home over the Christmas season, contrary to conventional wisdom that the holidays are a poor time for real estate transactions.
The survey, conducted by Mustel Research Group and sponsored by REW.ca (Real Estate Weekly), found 65% of home buyers and sellers would buy a home in December or January, mainly because they believe there is more negotiating room for lower prices (62%). Survey respondents were from Greater Vancouver 17 communities, ranging from Hope to Pemberton.
Ian Martin, general manager for REW.ca, said, “The usual pattern for sellers and agents during the holiday time is to take house listings off the market.
“But, in fact, there is a real opportunity in the Vancouver Lower Mainland area during December and January for purchasing homes.”
What's changed?
“The survey found that, instead of having to find time to tour real estate listings during busy holiday schedules, 74% of those surveyed use the Internet for their main source of real estate information, telling us buyers are finding it more comfortable to search for real estate,” said Martin.
Jennifer Harrison
@JHarrisonBIV