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Video Blog • BuyingWhile most buyers wait for spring, the ones who stay active in November and December often find better deals. For VA buyers, the slower season brings some real advantages.
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Every holiday season, I see buyers quietly securing deals that others overlook. Many buyers step out of the market at the end of the year, but inventory stays healthy. Homes listed in the fall are still available, and relocation-driven sellers often list in November and December.
That gives buyers solid choices without the usual crowd.
“Some of the strongest opportunities come from buyers who stay active while everyone else waits for spring.”
Most people hit pause for the holidays. Those who stay active compete with far fewer shoppers, which means fewer bidding wars and more room to negotiate.
Sellers who stay listed during the holidays usually need to move. Job changes, deadlines and personal timelines make them more flexible, and they tend to prefer clean, smooth deals.
That's good news for VA buyers. A seller who wants certainty is more likely to work with you on closing costs or repairs.
With fewer buyers and motivated sellers, negotiating power shifts toward the buyer. You may find more flexibility on price, closing costs, repairs or timelines.
Holiday decor helps, too. Lights and seasonal touches make a home feel warm and easier to picture as yours.
Take advantage of motivated sellers, be ready to negotiate and move quickly when you find a home that fits.
Scheduling is often easier now, with faster appraisal and inspection timelines. If you're thinking about buying, this may be your best chance to secure a home before spring demand returns.
Motivated sellers are often open to paying closing costs. The VA caps seller concessions at 4% of the home's value, and the buyer's normal closing costs paid by the seller don't count toward that 4%.
A full VA preapproval and your Certificate of Eligibility let you move fast when a motivated seller is ready to deal.
Winter report dates line up well with a quieter market. You may find more choices and less pressure than buyers arriving in spring.
With fewer files in the pipeline, appraisals and inspections can often be scheduled sooner. That helps if you're on a tight military timeline.
Yes. The seller can pay your normal closing costs, plus concessions up to 4% of the home's reasonable value.
Usually not. Inspections and appraisals often move faster because there are fewer transactions. We just plan around office closures.
Spring brings more listings but also more competition. Many buyers do better negotiating with motivated sellers now.


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I'm Troy Doty, a Marine Corps veteran and Principal Broker with 25 years and 1,000+ homes sold across the Portland metro and SW Washington. Let's talk through your plans and your VA benefit so you're ready to move when the right home shows up.
Schedule a Call503.997.4169Portland Veteran Homes is a private, veteran owned real estate company and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Information is general and not legal, tax or lending advice.