'Tis the season to buy a home

With unemployment rates still high and looming holiday expenses, many home sellers are extremely motivated to sell immediately and are more willing to negotiate a lower home price. "Properties that are on the market over the holiday season usually have very serious sellers," says Sherry Chris, president and CEO of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate in Parsippany, N.J.

Lori Bowers, a broker with The Lori Bowers Group Desert Properties in La Quinta, Calif., agrees.

"Many owners are anxious to get the home sold before the end of the year because it helps on their taxes," she says. Moreover, a serious seller means more negotiating power for the buyer, especially if the home has been on the market for several months.