So you've saved up your down payment, rates are about as low as you think they'll go, and you're ready to start home shopping, but it's November - and your pals are telling you that you've missed the home buying window for the year. Shopping for a home in November and December might be somewhat less than ideal, as there are fewer homes to choose from and not as many open houses to peruse in the season's cold, wet weather. But a couple of things are working to your advantage, for one, less competition with other buyers and more desperate sellers can mean a great deal.

Here are other reasons now is the time to buy:

Sellers tend to avoid the end of the year due to the short days, wintry weather and conventional wisdom that says buyers are otherwise occupied. But those who do choose to sell at year-end will deal with sellers who are very committed to selling, real estate and mortgage professionals able to give you their full attention, and less competition for good-value listings. This lack of competition should mean you get more for your money with less hassle, more personalized service from real estate and mortgage professionals, and time to make confident decisions. According to Realtor.com, prices are typically at a 12-month low in December.

Join the swarms of buyers who are active during traditional "good weather" home shopping months - starting with the spring frenzy of home buying - and this competition for properties can mean buyers pay more, lose out on good-value listings, and receive less attention from swamped real estate and mortgage professionals

Determined house-hunters can take advantage of sellers' urgency during these slow times. Are you ready to turn "the worst times for home buying" into the best time for your successful real estate transaction.