Looking at your calendar during the holidays can be stressful. You have holiday parties on top of traveling and family visits, along with gift shopping and holiday card making. For both buyers and sellers, prioritizing showings can be difficult, so the pace naturally slows in real estate. Homes stay on the market a little longer, prices soften, and fewer people schedule showings. This shift creates a more focused environment for buyers and sellers, where serious buyers are ready to act, and sellers can highlight their home’s best features with care and intention.

Sellers often wait until the new year, preferring a fresh start when the market picks up again. Yet, sometimes life has other plans. Relocations, financial deadlines, and personal situations can require homes to be listed before the end of December. When these sellers’ homes hit the market, they attract serious buyers who aren’t window shopping. These buyers come ready to make decisions.
Fewer properties available means less competition for buyers, and sellers may be more willing to negotiate, offering concessions or flexibility that isn’t always available during peak spring months. But sometimes it can be difficult to find said buyers.

Foot traffic slows during the holidays, so sellers need to adapt their strategies. The digital world keeps the market alive during this season, so online presence is crucial to reach these motivated buyers. Buyers continue scrolling through listings from grocery lines, their offices, or even the airport, even if they aren’t walking into open houses. A well-presented online listing, such as one with high-quality photography featuring seasonal touches, such as a simple wreath or garland can help a home feel inviting and allow
buyers to envision themselves celebrating in the space. Additionally, virtual tours provide buyers with the convenience of exploring a property from anywhere, which is particularly valuable when families are traveling or schedules are unpredictable.

The holidays also bring some notable financial advantages. For buyers, one of the most common benefits is the mortgage interest deduction. Interest paid on a mortgage during the current tax year can often be deducted, which may reduce taxable income. And sellers, on the other hand, can benefit from careful planning around property tax payments or other closing-related expenses. Additionally, both buyers and sellers can leverage charitable giving around the same time as a home transaction to maximize
deductions. With thoughtful planning and attention to deadlines, which are especially important during a slower, holiday-paced market, these financial perks can make a holiday-season transaction particularly rewarding for everyone involved. Although, it is always advised to consult with a professional on these matters.

The holiday market is a uniquely rewarding opportunity. Motivated buyers and sellers along with well-prepared homes create an environment where transactions still happen, but with a little more intentional thought and planning than during the busy spring months. For anyone willing to navigate this slower season, the holidays can become a surprisingly effective time to buy or sell a home. Let’s turn the holiday hustle into your home sweet home.

Until next time,
Dee Dee Guggenheim Howes

Sources:
https://www.virtuallatinos.com/blog/holiday-season-real-estate-slowdown/
https://www.foxessellfaster.com/blog/house-hunting-during-the-holidays-heres-why-its-the-smartest-move-you-can-make/
https://www.har.com/blog_131587_how-to-sell-your-home-during-the-holiday-season-a-comprehensive-guide