Is December a Good Time to Buy a House in Los Angeles or Culver City?

Is December a good time to buy a house in Los Angeles or Culver City? Yes, and if you are ready to buy this year, I would start now, because the weeks around the holidays favor the buyer who already has financing in place and a clear list of priorities.

There are typically fewer people shopping for a home in December, since so many are shopping for holiday gifts instead. If you are a buyer in December with a goal of opening escrow, that means less competition. With less competition, a buyer has more room to ask for a credit toward closing costs, a closing date that suits the buyer, or a few extra days to think through an inspection report, and the showing itself is usually calmer.

Sellers who list in the winter also tend to have a reason to sell that does not depend on the season: a job that starts in January, a purchase of their own, or a house that has already spent some time on the market. A seller in that position will often listen to a well-prepared offer, and the price history and days on market in the listing tell you which sellers those are.

Four steps cover it, and I would take them in this order.

1. Get pre-approved. Talk with a local lender about what you would qualify for and how long approval takes. I can introduce you to lenders I trust.
2. Know your monthly number, not just the price. Add taxes, insurance, and any HOA dues to the payment. I cover that in how much money you need to buy a home in Los Angeles.
3. Write down your non-negotiables. A short list helps you tell a good house from a flashy one.
4. Look at homes that have been on the market for 30 days or more. Those are the listings where a buyer is more likely to be able to negotiate a great deal.

If you want to buy before the end of the year, let’s start now. I offer a complimentary 30 minute buyer consultation, so get in touch.

Are prices lower in December in Los Angeles?

Sometimes, and the home matters more than the month. The price history and days on market tell you more than the calendar does, and I will pull both for any house you like.

Will I get a better deal if I wait until January?

I would buy when the house and your finances are right, which can be now. Waiting for January trades a quieter market for a busier one, since more buyers return after the holidays.

Do I need to be pre-approved before I tour homes?

You do not need it to look. You need it before you make an offer, and getting it early lets you move quickly when the right house shows up.