Who exactly is buying or selling homes during the holiday season? The holidays are time for cozy gatherings, festive decorations, and relaxation, right? But as we’ve discovered through our experience, the real estate market doesn’t exactly take a holiday break. In this article, our team shares insights on whether it’s a good idea to dive into the real estate market during the holiday season and who it might be good for.
Is It a Good Time to Sell?
Many sellers hesitate to keep their homes on the market during the holidays. It’s understandable – who wants the constant hassle of keeping their home showing-ready during a time meant for relaxation? However, sellers do have options. You can block out specific days when you don’t want your home to be shown. Negotiating possession and move-out dates can also be tailored to align with your holiday plans.
The December Real Estate Trends
One interesting phenomenon we’ve noticed in the real estate market is the surge in activity during December. While there are typically fewer new listings during the early part of the month, there’s a notable influx of motivated buyers. It seems that some people are eager to purchase a home just in time for Christmas.
Buyers often set a personal deadline to complete the home buying process before the year’s end. This could be attributed to the desire to move into a new home for the holidays or take advantage of tax incentives. The result? A surge in motivated buyers actively looking for homes during this time.
Less Competition in December
One advantage of selling during December is the reduced competition. Many sellers tend to wait for the spring market, believing it’s the only time to make a profitable sale. However, current real estate trends suggest otherwise. December and January often see spikes in both sales and new listings.
In fact, 2023 threw a curveball with an early spring market that started as early as February. This anomaly highlights the ever-changing nature of the real estate market. Agents and sellers alike often strive for a strong MLS number at the beginning of the year, leading to increased activity in January.
A Word of Advice
Bottom Line, our advice based on experience is simple: don’t automatically assume that waiting for the spring market is the only option. The buyers and sellers in the market during the holiday season are highly motivated. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, there are strategies in place to make the process smooth and efficient while ensuring your holiday plans go off without a hitch.
Keep in mind that real estate isn’t governed by rigid rules. Each year can bring its own unique set of circumstances and opportunities. Your decision to buy or sell a home during the holidays should be driven by your individual situation and goals.
As we embrace the holiday season, it’s reassuring to know that the real estate market can be surprisingly active and promising. So, if you’re considering making a move, take our advice and explore the possibilities that December offers. Happy holidays, and may your real estate endeavors be both prosperous and festive!
Join Michele, John, and Randolf as they dig into the topic in this weeks video!