Before 2023 officially comes to an end, it’s only natural for your thoughts to turn to the most notable resolutions you have for the year ahead. Is buying or selling a new home already at the top of your list? There’s just one catch: Once the kids go back to school after winter break, navigating the real estate process can present some unique challenges you should be aware of from the start.

The good news? By being proactive, flexible, and well-prepared, you can successfully buy and sell during the school year while minimizing unnecessary stress for your family along the way. Here’s our exclusive guide to buying or selling at the same time your kids are soaking up knowledge in the classroom!

Ready to make real estate moves sooner than later? Check out our latest post to find out whether selling your home this winter is a good idea.

Buying a Home

Start Early: The early homebuyer usually gets the “worm”. That’s why we suggest that you begin your home search as soon as possible, so you have time to find the right property and complete the buying process before the clock runs out on 2024!

Research Schools: This might sound like a no-brainer, but it’s wise to prioritize neighborhoods with good schools. Research school ratings, extracurricular activities, and other factors important to your family to ensure you find a location that’s the right fit, both academically and otherwise.

Set Flexible Closing Dates: Negotiating flexible closing dates that align with the school calendar can go a long way in making the transition smoother for the entire family.

Hoping to buy a home soon? Check out these other blog posts for more insights on buying!

• How to Buy a Home in a High-Interest Real Estate Market
• How Many Homes Should I Tour Before Submitting an Offer?
• How to Buy a Home with No Money Down

Do Your Homework: Choose a real estate team that specializes in the local market and school districts you’re focused on. At The Jenn Smira Team, we pride ourselves on arming every client with valuable insights and guiding them through the complexities of the process.

Consider The Commute: Weigh potential commute times to schools and make sure the new location won’t significantly impact your children’s daily routines!

Get Pre-Approved: Our advice? Get pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting; it strengthens your offer and speeds up the closing process, too.

Schedule A Visit: Visiting schools in your new area with your children ahead of time will help them get acquainted and ease the transition.

Keep Up With Market Conditions: Anyone on the hunt for a new home should be informed about their local real estate market conditions. Luckily, our team has a pulse on all the trends and specializes in negotiating and decision-making.

Selling a Home

Prepare Early: Start preparing your home for sale well in advance. Declutter, depersonalize, and make necessary repairs to increase its appeal.

Set a Competitive Price: This just in: A well-priced home attracts more buyers. When you sell with us, we’ll work with you to set a competitive, realistic listing price.

Market Strategically: Time your sale strategically. Our team can help you come up with a game plan tailored to your needs along with market demands — whether that means listing in the spring before your annual vacation or waiting until early summer to attract families planning to relocate during their summer break.

Planning on selling your home in the near future? Check out these other blog posts for helpful tips!

• Should You Hire A Friend To Sell Your Home?
• How Long Should You Wait to Sell Your DC Home?
• Home Selling Mistakes to Avoid

Stay Flexible: Be prepared for a quick sale, but know that we can always help you negotiate a flexible move-out date with the buyers, if necessary, to give yourself ample time to find a new home. If possible, include contingencies in your selling contract that allow you to stay in the house until a specific date.

Communication with Schools: Notify your children’s current school about the potential move, and collect any required documents for enrollment in the new school ahead of time.

Have a Contingency Plan: Sometimes, the best plan is a backup plan, which you should always have when listing in case your home sells faster than expected. Consider temporary housing options if needed!

Looking to buy or sell a home? Get in touch with our team today to schedule your consultation today. Give us a call at 202.280.2060 or email us directly at jsmira@jennsmira.com.