Homebuyers

Buying or Selling a Home During the Holidays? Here’s How to Make the Most of the Season

The holidays are usually a time for shopping, decorating, and gathering with family. Buying or selling a home may be the last thing on your mind.

However, the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day can offer unexpected opportunities in the housing market.

With fewer people shopping for homes, homebuyers may face less competition and find sellers willing to negotiate. Homeowners looking to sell may also benefit from fewer competing listings.

Here’s how to make the most of the holiday housing market, whether you’re buying or selling.

Why the holidays can be a good time to buy a home

With fewer people attending open houses and scheduling showings, homebuyers may have more room to negotiate.

“The main opportunity for buyers is to avoid a bidding war and get a good price while everyone else is taking a break during the holidays,” said John Solaegui, broker and team leader of Haven Group at Compass in San Francisco.

Some sellers have compelling reasons to close before year-end, including relocations or family circumstances.

However, holiday discounts aren’t guaranteed.

David Sanchez, a real estate agent and owner of Living CA Realty, brokered by eXp Realty, in Long Beach, Calif., has seen mixed results. Of seven transactions he personally closed between Thanksgiving and New Year’s over five holiday seasons, four sold above asking price, two below, and one at asking.

Yet all four of his January closings negotiated in December sold below asking. Although his experience represents a small sample, it suggests that the timing of an offer may matter.

“The holiday season isn’t the time to sit on the sidelines,” said Sanchez. “I recommend at least looking, and if you find a home you like, even if it seems a little overpriced, this may be your chance to get a better deal.”

Where to find the best holiday deals

Homes that have been sitting on the market for months may offer some of the best opportunities for negotiation.

Andrew Hurlburt, broker and owner of Bozeman Real Estate Group in Bozeman, Mont., recommends focusing on properties that have been listed since the summer, when sellers may be more flexible on price and closing dates.

“Get fully pre-approved before Thanksgiving, watch the ones that have been sitting, and make a fair offer backed by what comparable homes have sold for,” said Hurlburt.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can help homebuyers understand their budget and be ready to make an offer.

How to negotiate a better holiday deal

Price isn’t the only consideration when negotiating a holiday purchase. Closing dates and seller concessions may also be on the table.

Trey Langford, founder of Build Idaho, said understanding a seller’s timeline can give homebuyers an advantage.

Some homeowners may want to relocate before Christmas, move their children during winter break, or close before December 31.

“Buyers that have flexibility to help sellers meet their holiday goals, may also have more bargaining power,” said Langford.

A homebuyer who can accommodate a seller’s preferred closing date may be able to negotiate more favorable terms, including help with closing costs.

What homebuyers should know about winter inspections

Cold weather can complicate home inspections, particularly when temperatures prevent inspectors from safely testing air conditioning systems.

Andrew Fortune, owner of Great Colorado Homes, which serves Colorado Springs and Denver, recommends negotiating a credit when an older AC unit can’t be tested.

“I encourage my buyers to ask for a $1,000 to $4,000 credit towards the AC being serviced, in case there is an issue with it later on,” said Fortune.

Homebuyers should also confirm that their agent, lender, inspector, and title company will be available during the holidays.

Solaegui warned that vacations and office closures can delay transactions, making advance planning important.

Why sellers shouldn’t overlook the holidays

Selling during the holidays may mean fewer competing properties.

“The number of listings hits the lowest point of the year during the holidays, and it can be advantageous to be the only listing in a neighborhood,” said Solaegui.

A modest January price reduction generated multiple offers.

“If you need to sell now, price your home competitively from day one,” said Sanchez. “If you overprice it, you’ll likely be taking a price drop in January.”

How to make your home stand out during the holidays

Winter weather can make homes harder to show, especially in colder climates.

Solaegui recommends maintaining curb appeal and creating a warm, inviting interior.

That means clearing snow and ice from walkways, improving exterior lighting, and keeping rooms comfortably heated.

Fortune also recommends updating listing photographs to reflect the season.

“For sellers, I make sure to update their exterior listings photos showing light snow on the ground,” said Fortune.

He believes seasonal photos can make a property appear freshly listed, especially when competing listings still feature summer landscaping.

Holiday decorations can help create a welcoming atmosphere, although sellers may want to keep them simple so homebuyers can appreciate the space.

Whether you’re buying or selling, the holidays can be a useful time to make a move. Understanding the local market, preparing ahead, and staying flexible can help you take advantage of opportunities before the new year.