Think fall isn’t a good time to buy or sell? Think again—this season can offer some of the best opportunities of the year for those ready to act. Here are a few of the benefits to buying or selling in late fall or early winter.

Tax advantages. From mortgage interest deductions and capital gains exclusions to 1031 exchange opportunities, closing before Dec. 31 could make a year-end move financially strategic.

Motivated sellers and serious buyers. Often, buyers and sellers who are looking for a move this time of year are eager to get the deal done. For sellers, you can have confidence that buyers are seriously evaluating your property, and for buyers, you can potentially benefit from a homeowner who wants to move quickly.

Less competition. For those selling properties, you’ll find fewer homes competing against yours, and for those buying, you’ll have less prospective buyers shopping, giving you stronger negotiating power.

Potential price advantages. With fewer consumers shopping for properties, buyers could benefit from better prices or sales terms—such as covered repairs or credits, as well as a fast or flexible closing date.

As always, market conditions depend on where you live, but the best first step is working with a professional agent like those at Long & Foster Real Estate. As part of Long & Foster, your agent not only provides in-depth local market knowledge and negotiation expertise, but also connections to partners in mortgage, title, insurance, inspection and moving—making it easier to buy, sell, rent and own real estate.

Find your agent today at LongandFoster.com.