Everyone else is at the mall. With other potential home buyers busy with holiday festivities, you’ll find you have less competition for your dream home. Plus, sellers have fewer buyers to choose from, meaning you might get a better deal.

Tax gifts from the treasurer. Buying a home at the end of the year may offer tax advantages, so it could be beneficial for you to close before January 1. There are additional factors at play here, such as potential conflicts with other deductions you hope to take, so if this is a key reason for buying now, be sure to talk to your tax professional first.

Holiday sales on interest rates. Often interest rates are lower during the holidays, thanks to a decline in demand during this time. Securing a loan now might save you a bundle in the long run.

Resolutions for a quick close. Finally, for buyers seeking a quick closing, this can be a prime time to shop. Typically, all parties involved in a year-end transaction are motivated to complete the sale before the start of 2017: sellers want to get resettled, and so do buyers, particularly if the kids will be switching schools and need adjustment time.

This year’s crop of great tech gifts, gadgets, and gizmos come with amazingly low prices. So, whether you’re buying for clients or friends and family (or indulging in a little retail therapy for yourself), consider these convenient, useful, low-cost items.

Video Streamers: At under $50, Google’s Chromecast is one of the most affordable video streamers on the market. For just a few dollars more, the Fire TV Stick adds a dedicated remote control so you don’t have to use your phone or tablet. The Roku Streaming Stick offers a wider selection of channels.

Audio Streamers: An audio streamer, such as the Chromecast Audio, enables you to beam music from your phone, tablet, or PC to any speaker in your house via Wi-Fi – for under $50. For travelers, consider a small, lightweight, economical Bluetooth audio streamer, such as the modestly priced Logitech X100.

Item Trackers: This year’s hottest gift item may be a tiny, thin, lightweight device with a GPS receiver that attaches to keys, cell phones, wallets, bags, or even pet collars. Press a button and your item tracker emits a sound to help you find it. Choose from many brands, including Tile and TrackR Bravo, for less than $50.

For the diehard griller, spend a bit more on the Grillbot Automatic Grill Cleaner. It’s similar in feel and function to the Roomba vacuum – no elbow grease required.

There are literally thousands of low-cost tech items to choose from this holiday season, including economical fitness trackers, headphones, tools, accessories, and toys. So, happy shopping!

Inactivity may be a sign of intelligence.

According to an article in the U.K.-based Independent newspaper, new research from Florida Gulf Coast University suggests that brainy people tend to spend more time lazing around than their more active, and less brainy, counterparts.

Researchers found that individuals with high IQs generally don’t bore as easily, which leads them to spend more time lost in thought. On the flip side, people who are more active tend to get the additional stimulation they need by engaging in activities. The researchers suggested that this need for stimulation may be because these people are avoiding blue-sky thinking or because they get bored faster and easier.

The study consisted of a small participant pool of thirty “thinkers” and thirty “nonthinkers.” Both groups wore devices on their wrists that monitored their movements and activity levels for a week. The results: the thinkers were far less active over seven days than their nonthinker counterparts.

But if you find yourself in the lazy-but-smart category, take a moment before you start boasting about your intellectual prowess. The downside of these findings is that even though being lazier may put you in the “thinkers” group, it also may lead to a sedentary lifestyle, and that could be affecting your health in a number of less-than-positive ways.

Although the study’s results may seem odd, they could have value, according to the Research Digest of the British Psychological Society.

“Awareness of their tendency to be less active, coupled with an awareness of the cost associated with inactivity, (means) more thoughtful people may then choose to become more active throughout the day.”

Perhaps anecdotal evidence may help here. Apparently, many people say they have good ideas while walking or swimming. It may not be as pleasurable as out-and-out lazing, but for the thinkers in the crowd, it does kill two birds with one stone!

If you’re wondering what’s happening to prices in your area, or you’re thinking about selling your house, I’ll be able to help.

Click the market report below or select San Antonio Real Estate Market and complete the requested information about your home!

But it’s important to take a step back and take the time to evaluate the perhaps less-exciting details. These often overlooked details may ultimately lead to significant, costly issues. Here’s what to look for and how to get beyond the WOWs:

• Windows: Does every window open? For emergency reasons, every room needs a window that can be opened. Do they close and lock securely? Is the glass intact? Is there a tight thermal seal (which is important to regulate temperature)?
• Flooring: Look for cracks, stains, holes, and warping. Ask if there’s another layer of flooring under carpet, tile, or laminate. Is the floor level? If not, it might be an indication of water, or worse, structural problems.
• Basement: That beautifully finished basement could be hiding a plethora of problems, from leaks to mold to holes to critter infestations. Use a powerful flashlight to carefully examine corners and walls and look behind and under finishings.
• Roof: Roof replacements are costly. Find out when the roof was last addressed, and whether it was a patch or a replacement. Look for signs of damage from the street.
• Neighborhood: Look beyond the obvious into the details: Is local traffic a nightmare in rush hour? Is there reliable transit nearby? Is the home near green space, schools, and recreational facilities?
• Parking: If the house doesn’t have a garage, will the driveway accommodate your vehicles? Is there good on-street visitors’ parking?

Even after you’ve checked the details, make your offer contingent on a home inspection. A reliable home inspector can dig deeper into the details. Isn’t your peace of mind worth it?

Discover some easy things you can do by requesting my free guide, “50 Tips to Prepare Your Home for a Speedy, Top-Price Sale.”

Just reply to this email for the answer.

What’s the meaning of “Auld Lang Syne,” in the New Year’s Eve song?

Remove from heat. Add chocolate, marshmallows, peppermint, and vanilla. Stir to melt and combine all ingredients, then beat for 1 minute until consistency is smooth and even. Pour into prepared pan and spread to even out surface. Sprinkle with candies, cover, and refrigerate for two hours or until firm.

Your environment will be completely different. If you decide to move downtown, you’ll find that urban landscapes have their own opportunities for adventure. For example, you’ll likely be closer to more arts and entertainment options as well as the local supermarket.

On the other hand, you will lose some physical space. But smaller can be better: no maintenance, plus having everything, including the laundry, on one level can be incredibly convenient. You may be uncomfortable with heights; if so, look only at low-rise condo buildings. You’ll probably never get used to living too far away from the ground.

You’ll also have close neighbors, and may find you hear them occasionally, but condos can offer good opportunities to meet new people, especially in the common areas such as the pool or library. You’ll fit in before you know it.