Can you close on a house in December?
Yes, and plenty of people do. But banks, title companies and many offices close or slow down on the holidays. Build in a buffer day or two on both sides of every holiday.
The last six weeks of the year have fewer working days than any other stretch on the calendar. A closing that would take three weeks in October can feel tight in December. Here's how to plan around it.
Know the days that don't count
The Federal Reserve observes Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day as holidays and banks generally don't move money on those days. Many title companies and lenders also close early or close completely on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Jeanie Marten Real Estate keeps normal business hours through the season, except for these four days:
- Christmas Eve, Thursday, December 24
- Christmas Day, Friday, December 25
- New Year's Eve, Thursday, December 31
- New Year's Day, Friday, January 1
Where holiday delays happen
- Funding. Your lender has to send the money by wire. A wire that misses a cutoff on Wednesday before a holiday may not land until Monday.
- Paperwork. Underwriters, appraisers and HOA management companies take vacations too. Ask early who will be out.
- Signers. If someone on the contract will travel for the holidays, plan for a mail-away or remote signing well ahead of time.
- Repairs. Contractors book up before the holidays. Schedule option-period repairs as soon as they're agreed.
Plan the move
- Book movers early. The weeks before Christmas fill up fast.
- Avoid the Friday before a holiday. If anything slips, you lose the long weekend.
- Set up utilities a week ahead. Electric, water, gas and internet providers also run on holiday staffing.
- Watch the weather. North Texas ice storms can show up in late December. Have a backup date.
- Pack the holiday decorations last or not at all. Moving them twice in a month isn't worth the effort.
The upside of a holiday move
There are real advantages. Many buyers and sellers step back from the market during the holidays, so the people still looking are often serious. And if you're relocating for a job, settling in over a slower work week can make the transition easier.
FAQ
Can I close on Christmas Eve? Sometimes, if your title company and lender are open and funding happens early. Many offices close early or don't open at all, so confirm before you pick the date.
What if closing gets pushed past December 31? It can affect your tax year, your property tax proration and possibly your loan terms. Talk to your lender and tax professional as soon as a delay looks likely.
Do movers charge more in December? Demand rises before the holidays, so get quotes early and book as soon as your closing date is set.
Final takeaway
A December closing works when you plan around the calendar. Count the real business days, ask who will be out and give every holiday a buffer day on each side.
Buying or selling over the holidays?
Jeanie will map your timeline against the holiday calendar so there are no surprises. Call (972) 414-0719 or visit martenteam.com.
Related posts
- 8 Mistakes People Make When Moving "Just a Few Miles" Locally
- What Actually Happens Between Under Contract and Closing Day
Sources: Federal Reserve holiday schedule
