By Jeanette Joy Fisher

While driving to the home improvement store today for party decorations--flags, plants, flowers, and umbrellas, we noticed that the usual "Open House" signs were missing. The real estate offices were closed. No one wants to work on the 4th of July holiday week. In fact, I called two real estate agents about listing a property last week and another agent about a home we wanted to see. They all put me off until July 5th!

Besides, it's too hot in our area today to go house shopping.

However, these are the conditions that mean you can pick up a deal. Home shoppers put off looking for a home because of holiday decorating, shopping, and parties. Plus, the hot weather makes home buyers prefer to stay home. Get the edge with little competition from other buyers.

• Home sellers who didn't sell during the recent buying frenzy are worried that their home will not sell. Any seller offering their home for sale during the holiday season is motivated.
• Interest rates continue to creep up. Who knows what the rates will rise to next month?
• Lenders threaten to tighten up qualifications. Last summer, loan officers were able to get through almost any loan. Today may be your best shot to buy real estate and get a decent rate with the easiest qualifications.
• Appraisers need work. Too many people became real estate appraisers when there was too much work. It used to take a week or more to schedule an appraisal. We just ordered an appraisal and the appraiser wanted to come out the same afternoon! Also, appraisal fees cost less today than last month.

Clear some time from your busy holiday schedule and go find a bargain house. Make many offers. You won't get this break until Labor Day Weekend.

Beginner's Real Estate Investing Guide: How to Buy Fixers

Copyright © 2006 Jeanette J. Fisher