Thanksgiving and real estate share an essential theme: the importance of home. It is traditionally a time of gratitude, togetherness, and reflection. While its hallmark symbols may include turkey dinners, family gatherings, and autumnal décor, it also invites us to think deeply about our values and who and what we hold dear. 

For some people, the family home connotes a place of safety, comfort, and community. For others, visiting with family over the holiday can be a contentious and stressful ordeal best avoided. Countless of my friends have severed toxic relationships that can rival an exploding, deep-fried turkey. They have opted instead for dining out or hosting a gathering of food and football with like-minded people.

During Thanksgiving, the idea of “home” becomes particularly poignant. It is more than just a physical structure; it’s where people gather, memories are made, and traditions are passed down. For those involved in real estate — whether as professionals or as individuals embroiled in the market — this emotional dimension of home is a driving force.

When buying a house, it’s not just about square footage or the number of bedrooms. It’s about envisioning a Thanksgiving dinner in the dining room, imagining children playing in the backyard, or hosting friends in the cozy living space. Real estate decisions often tap into our deeper desires for connection, stability, and legacy — values closely tied to the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving falls in the quieter part of the real estate calendar, with spring and summer being the traditionally hot seasons for buying and selling. Yet, for those who choose to list their homes in November, the holiday offers unique opportunities. Sellers can use Thanksgiving’s warm, inviting atmosphere to their advantage, staging homes with seasonal touches like autumn wreaths, a cornucopia of fruits and nuts, the sparkle of a dining room chandelier, and the scent of freshly baked pies.

A well-decorated home during this time can evoke an emotional connection with potential buyers. A cozy environment can help them imagine spending their future holidays in that very space. Additionally, homes listed during the Thanksgiving season often face less competition, as fewer properties are on the market. This can lead to more serious offers from motivated buyers.

For buyers, Thanksgiving can function as a reminder of why they are on the hunt for a new home in the first place. Perhaps they are looking for a bigger space for a growing family. They may be downsizing to retire or to simplify life. They might be looking for home to accommodate both children and aging parents simultaneously. The holiday season underscores the importance of finding a home that aligns with lifestyle needs and future goals.

In our tight real estate market, buyers still face challenges such as limited inventory and higher interest rates; however, Thanksgiving encourages a shift in perspective. It’s a time to focus on gratitude for what is within reach — whether it’s finding a starter home, securing a dream property, or taking incremental steps toward long-term, financial goals.

Interestingly, Thanksgiving weekend has become an increasingly popular time for real estate research. Families can gather around the table and begin discussing the future, including moving to a new city, upgrading their home, or purchasing an investment property. Digital tools like web searches and virtual tours can help buyers and sellers stay connected to the real estate market without disrupting their Thanksgiving traditions.

Whether you are buying or selling, Thanksgiving offers an opportunity to reflect on the role of gratitude in real estate. For buyers, it’s about being thankful for the chance to find a home that meets their needs, even if the journey is challenging. For sellers, it’s a moment to appreciate the memories made in a home while looking forward to new opportunities. 

For real estate agents and other industry professionals, Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude to clients and colleagues, build stronger relationships, and highlight the human aspect of a business often driven by transactions alone.

If you are staying put this Thanksgiving, you have a chance to celebrate your current home, no matter its size or condition. Simple gestures like decorating with fall colors, rearranging furniture for a cozy feel, or preparing a special meal can deepen your connection to your space. Inviting neighbors, friends, or family to share in the festivities can reinforce the sense of community that makes a house a home.

Whether it’s the home you currently have, the one you’re searching for, or the one you are leaving behind, each holds a unique place in your life story. Take stock of the journey so far, recognize the progress made, and look forward to the possibilities ahead.

When buying a house for the first time, people may wonder if their life is going to be like what you see on HGTV or another TV show. Yes, some real estate agents drive nice cars, put photos on social media of beautiful countertops, luscious landscaping, stunning backsplashes, high-end appliances with bespoke details, and price tags that seem like they belong on a television show – stuff that “vision boards” are made of.

Real estate can be sexy. There is also the experience of what I call, “the everyday transaction.” This is the situation where someone may be the first in their family or friend group to buy a property. Or maybe this is the last one of their friends to buy a home. It could be the person that just got a notice from their apartment community that their rent was going up by $500 a month next year, and they decided it was time to start putting this inevitable amount of money into an investment each month. As my previous broker calls it, homeownership is a “forced savings plan.” It can be hard to force oneself to save at times, but your rent payment is going into equity. At some point, you can sell the investment and get back the money you put into it. Rent that is $2,400 a month can easily turn into over $115,000 during one presidential term.  

The cast of characters in a real estate transaction includes:

• The buyer agent and the seller’s agent (if the house is for sale by owner, then no seller agent)

• The lender (mortgage officer) and their team

• The title company (a company of attorneys and staff to help with the legal aspects of transferring ownership, recording the deed with the municipality or state and transferring water utilities, paying off the old mortgage with the proceeds from the sale, etc.)

• Any employees of a city or county that might be brought in (e.g. a down payment assistance loan funded by a municipality)

• A home inspector (if an inspection is requested by a buyer)

• Any contractors that are brought in for estimates for repairs or work projects.

These are the people that are brought into the transaction to help bring it to completion.  A good agent usually has recommendations on title companies and attorneys, home inspectors, lenders, may have contacts with city or county departments for processing permits, etc. and will utilize the network they have built over the years to help coordinate a smooth transaction (as smooth as possible) and result in a happy seller and a happy buyer.  

Who you work with matters. If you have more questions about this, please do not hesitate to ask. Yes, real estate CAN be sexy, but you also want competent people working on your behalf, who know how to navigate the process smoothly. 

Joseph Hudson is a referral agent with Metro Referrals. Reach him at [email protected] or 703-587-0597.

A VA loan is a mortgage loan guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and is available to eligible service members, veterans, and, in some cases, their families. The VA doesn’t directly lend money; instead, it provides a guarantee on loans made by approved lenders. This guarantee enables lenders to offer favorable terms and less strict requirements than conventional loans, also allowing the loan to be assumed by a subsequent buyer. 

Currently, we are seeing renewed interest in the assumption of VA loans from buyers seeking a lower interest rate from what is currently available on the market. In fact, I represented sellers involved in such a transaction earlier this year.

While often a slow and paper-intensive process, an assumption of the seller’s loan balance, interest rate, and length of loan can lead to substantial savings for borrowers, as well as a reduction in up front settlement fees. 

Assuming a VA mortgage, however, is not without its complexities and potential pitfalls. Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of assuming a VA mortgage to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.

Advantages of a VA Mortgage Assumption

Lower Interest Rates. If the seller has a VA loan with a rate that’s lower than offered in the current market, the buyer could benefit significantly. Assuming an older VA loan with a lower rate could mean long-term savings on monthly payments and total interest paid over the life of the loan.

No Down Payment Required. Assuming a VA mortgage typically means that this no-down-payment feature can be transferred to the buyer, assuming the lender allows it.

No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI).  With conventional loans, a downpayment of less than 20% triggers the addition of PMI. VA loans do not require PMI, so assuming a VA loan can help the buyer avoid this expense and can make monthly payments more affordable.

Other Reduced Costs. Since the mortgage is simply being transferred from the seller to the buyer, certain fees associated with originating a new loan may not apply. 

Expanded Loan Limits. A seller with full VA entitlement (no outstanding VA loans) and is otherwise qualified can purchase a home without a down payment for up to $766,550 nationwide (2024 figures) and up to $1,149,885 in certain high-cost areas, including DC and several counties within the suburbs of Maryland and Northern Virginia. 

Disadvantages of a VA Mortgage Assumption

VA Entitlement Tied Up. While most assumptions take place between buyers and sellers who are veterans or active-duty military, if the new buyer does not have VA loan eligibility, the seller’s entitlement remains with the assumed loan until it’s paid off or refinanced. This can limit the seller’s ability to obtain another VA loan in the future while continuing to be liable for the original loan balance if the buyer defaults; therefore, most sellers will only agree to assumptions by others who have VA eligibility.

Equity Gap Requirement. When assuming a VA loan, the buyer must pay any difference between the contract price and the loan amount. Many lenders do not allow a second mortgage with an assumption, so this is often paid in cash. For example, a buyer assuming a $550,000 loan on a home with a contract price of $600,000 will need $50,000 plus applicable closing costs to assume the loan. 

Fees and Other Costs. Although closing costs are generally lower in an assumption, there are still fees involved, including a VA funding fee of 0.5% of the loan amount for assumptions, which may add to the upfront cost.

Qualification Process. The seller must make a written request to the lender to begin the process. After preliminary approval by the lender’s Assumption Department, the buyer must demonstrate VA eligibility, if applicable, and submit a loan application and supporting documents needed to meet the lender’s credit, income, and debt-to-income requirements. The assumption can take anywhere from 30 days to a year to complete, depending on the lender, the buyer’s situation, and the complexity of the loan. On average, it takes 60 days to close; the transaction I participated in took 100 days from contract ratification to settlement.

Assuming a VA mortgage can be a great financial move if the interest rate on the existing loan is lower than current rates and if the buyer has the cash to cover any equity gap; however, it’s essential to weigh the eligibility requirements, the potential cash needed upfront, and any liability issues carefully. Consulting with a lender and possibly a financial advisor is always wise when considering the many ways to buy a home.

Valerie M. Blake is a licensed Associate Broker in DC, MD & VA with RLAH Real Estate / @properties. Call or text her at 202-246-8602, email her at DCHomeQuest.com, or follow her on Facebook at TheRealst8ofAffairs.