Should I Sell My Home During the Holidays?

I explain why it still makes sense to sell your home during the holidays, from motivated buyers to lower housing inventory.

Do you need to sell your home soon but are afraid no one will want to buy during the holidays? Conventional real estate wisdom says that no one is looking to purchase a house this time of year. After all, everyone’s kids are home from school, and they must be incredibly busy from the holidays, right? 

The truth is that most people move when they need to, not when they want to. You can still get a great deal during the holiday season for your home sale; in fact, there are even a few key advantages. Here are three reasons why you should consider selling your home during the holidays: 

1. People have more time off during the holidays. It’s true that people are busy on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, but you have to remember that those are only three days out of the year. For the rest of the holiday season, most people have extra time off to look at homes and plan out a move. A three-day weekend or extended break is just the excuse some buyers need to get out and look at your home.

2. Inventory is low. When you list your home, you want there to be the least amount of competition possible so that you’re in a stronger negotiating position with buyers. Fortunately, December and January are when homes for sale hit a year-long low. This means buyers don’t have as many choices, and you might be able to ask for more concessions during negotiations. 

“Lower inventory means less competition for home sellers.”

3. Buyers are highly motivated this time of year. You don’t have to worry about window shoppers this time of year. If a buyer is interested in your home during the holiday season, it probably means they need to move as soon as possible. This could be because they need to get a new job, they need to move soon for tax reasons, or anything else. Whatever their motivation is, you can be sure they’re more likely to be serious about buying your home and following through with the deal. 

4. The Election is behind Us, and with it, a major hurdle for many buyers. "We're waiting until after the election" was a common refrain throughout the year. Regardless of which candidate claimed victory, the market thrives on certainty. My team observed a noticeable surge in sales activity immediately following the election, and this momentum has carried through mid-December. With the uncertainty in the rearview mirror, buyers are regaining confidence and making decisive moves in the market.

5. The best is yet to come.  Many homeowners hold off until spring to list their properties, creating a surge in competition later in the season. However, listing your home earlier can offer significant advantages. Historically, the first quarter of the year has consistently shown the highest appreciation rates, with an impressive 8-10% increase on average over the past decade. By getting ahead of the spring market, you can position yourself to benefit from less competition and stronger appreciation trends.

If you want to sell in Q1 next year, please call or email me for a free pre-listing consultation. It always pays to plan ahead, and I’ll go over everything you need to make sure you get the best deal possible. I look forward to hearing from you!