It's true. You can get a good deal sometimes if you make an offer to buy a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year's.

I had this happen, last year. My client and I (actually, just my client) made an offer on a high-end property, on Friday, December 23rd. The developer said he had never discounted the offering price on any unit, ever.

My client got it for $75,000 less than full-asking. It was a great deal.

If you're looking at new construction, something that might not be done until next year, consider making an offer, now.

Tips:

* BEFORE SHOPPING FOR A HOME, SHOP FOR A MORTGAGE - (make your offer appealing to the seller)
* WORK WITH AN EXPERIENCED BUYER'S AGENT - (um, yeah)
* EXPECT YOUR BUYER'S AGENT TO PREPARE A "CMA" BEFORE MAKING YOUR PURCHASE OFFER
* KEEP YOUR PURCHASE OFFER SIMPLE - (no messy contingencies, just the typical ones)

Complete story: Best time of the year to be a home buyer - By Robert J. Bruss, Inman News, by way of The Boston Globe