Buying a home in Massachusetts and planning to close in December or early January? Congratulations! A holiday closing can be a wonderful way to start the new year in a new home. It also comes with a few extra wrinkles: office closures, travel schedules, short business days and the occasional snowstorm on moving day.
I have helped buyers close in every season for over 30 years, and the holiday closings that go smoothly have one thing in common: a plan. Here is yours.
Map Out the Holiday Calendar Early
Banks, attorneys’ offices, town halls and moving companies often run on reduced hours between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Some close entirely on certain days.
- Ask your lender and closing attorney about their holiday office hours right away.
- Avoid scheduling your closing on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve or the day after a holiday unless everyone has confirmed.
- If you are traveling, tell your team now. Ask your attorney whether any documents can be signed in advance.
- Leave a little cushion in your timeline in case something takes an extra day.
Keep Your Finances Steady Until the Keys Are in Your Hand
This is the big one in December. Holiday sales and store credit card offers are everywhere, and it is tempting to shop for your new home before you own it.
- Do not open new credit cards or finance furniture or appliances before closing.
- Do not change jobs or move large sums of money without talking to your lender first.
- Keep records of any deposits, including holiday gifts of money, and ask your lender how to document them.
- Respond quickly when your lender asks for updated paperwork. Holiday delays add up.
I always tell my buyers: the couch can wait until January. Lenders often check your credit and employment again right before closing, so keep everything exactly as it was when you were approved. Then celebrate with that new furniture.
Rose’s tip
Plan the Final Walk-Through for Winter Conditions
Your final walk-through, usually within a day or so of closing, is your chance to confirm the home is in the condition you agreed to. In a Massachusetts winter, add a few items to your list.
- Confirm the heat is on and working, and that the home has been kept warm enough to protect the pipes.
- Run faucets and check under sinks for any signs of leaks or freezing.
- Look at ceilings near exterior walls for water stains that could point to ice damming.
- Make sure agreed-upon repairs are done and any items included in the sale are still there.
- If the home has a septic system, ask your attorney or agent about any Title 5 paperwork tied to the sale.
Line Up Utilities, Heating Fuel and Snow Removal
Winter closings need a few extras that a June closing does not.
- Schedule electric, gas, internet and water transfers so service starts on closing day.
- If the home heats with oil or propane, ask how the fuel left in the tank will be handled. Your attorney can explain how this is typically addressed at closing.
- Arrange snow removal for the driveway and walkway so you and your movers can get in safely.
- Book movers early. Holiday weeks fill fast, and winter moves can need extra time.
Closing Day: What to Bring
Your attorney and lender will confirm the exact list, but most buyers need the basics below. Check road conditions the morning of closing and allow extra drive time if snow is in the forecast.
- A valid government-issued photo ID
- Your certified funds or confirmed wire for closing costs and down payment, as instructed by your attorney
- Proof of homeowner’s insurance
- Your checkbook, a pen and a little patience
A quick word of caution: wire fraud scams can spike around busy times. Always confirm wiring instructions by calling your attorney at a number you already know, never one from an email.
Still searching for the right home before the new year? You can browse every listing with my free home search.
Your Holiday Closing Checklist
- Confirm holiday hours with your lender, attorney and movers
- Keep credit, job and bank accounts steady until after closing
- Document any gifted funds with your lender
- Do a winter-ready final walk-through
- Set up utilities, heating fuel and snow removal
- Verify wiring instructions by phone
- Check the weather and leave early on closing day
Quick answers
Is it hard to close on a house in December in Massachusetts?
Not at all, but it takes planning. Offices may have shorter hours around the holidays, so confirm schedules with your lender, attorney and movers early and leave a little cushion in your timeline.
Can I buy furniture before closing on my house?
It is best to wait. Lenders often recheck credit before closing, and new debt can cause problems. Check with your lender before making any large purchases.
What should I check at a final walk-through in winter?
Make sure the heat works, run the faucets, look for leaks or ceiling stains, and confirm that agreed repairs are finished and included items are still in the home.
Every home and every situation is different. For a more in-depth discussion about yours, call or text Rose at 781-248-6069.
30+ years helping Massachusetts families
Smart moves start with a plan.
I specialize in helping first-time buyers and in guiding families through the sale of an estate or a long-time family home. Both take solid education, experience and care, and I bring all three, along with a trusted team of lenders, attorneys and inspectors.
Every client gets an individualized plan, built around your goals, your timeline and your circumstances.
- Call or text: 781-248-6069
- Meet on Zoom from wherever you are
- Meet in person: I’ll come to you
Rosemary Kelleher, Realtor®
Helping People Make Smart Moves in Real Estate for 30 Years
Direct/Text: 781-248-6069 · roseterrykell@gmail.com