There’s no place like a new home for the holidays!

As Thanksgiving fades and twinkling lights go up, a common question fills my inbox: Is it smart to buy or sell a home during the holidays?

I know the traditional real estate agent might tell you to wait until spring, and in some ways I might agree – but there are some unique opportunities in Arizona for buyers and sellers in the “winter” months. (Not to mention, a new house would make for an epic Christmas gift!) 

While current market trends show a shift toward more balance and longer days on market, the holiday period often draws the most serious, highly-motivated parties.

Are you considering a new home for the holidays? Let’s unwrap the pros and cons of buying and selling a home in Arizona during the festive season. 

Holiday home selling tip: Don't wait for the New Year

Many sellers hesitate to list between November and January in fear of inconveniencing their family or worse, that the constant need to have your home “showing ready” could make you miss out on the joy of the holiday season. These are totally valid concerns, but they can also be the reason why you should list your home in the winter months if you’re serious about attracting a strong buyer! 

Pros for listing a home during the holiday season: 

• Less Competition, More Attention: This is the single biggest advantage. Use supply and demand to your advantage! With many sellers pulling their listings or delaying until after January 1st, your home will stand out. Low inventory means your well-priced, well-presented property captures a larger share of the active buyer pool's attention.

• Highly Motivated Buyers: The people actively house hunting during the holidays are not "looky-loos." They often have an urgent need to move due to a corporate relocation, a desire to secure year-end tax benefits, or a specific closing deadline before the new school semester begins. This motivation often results in quicker decisions and cleaner offers.

• The Power of Presentation: A tastefully decorated home focusing on warmth, comfort, and good lighting (think a cozy fireplace or beautifully lit patio) creates a powerful emotional connection. Buyers can easily envision spending their own holidays in the space, which can be a strong sales motivator. 

Pro tip: DO NOT include Christmas or holiday decorations in your listing photos! On the off chance your home doesn’t sell during the holiday season, you’ll be left with a listing that appears “stale.” Wait to bring out your holiday decor until after your home has been photographed and listed. 

• "Snowbird" Season Buyers: The influx of seasonal visitors and winter residents to AZ keeps buyer activity buzzing. Many are looking to purchase a warm-weather retreat and want the deal closed before the new year.

Holiday listing cons:

• Scheduling Hassles: I won’t sugarcoat it… Showings during the holiday season can be inconvenient. You’ll need to work with your agent to block off any major holidays or dates that are a no-go for your personal schedule. 

• Slower Transaction Pace: Lenders, title companies, appraisers, and inspectors often operate with reduced holiday staffing, which can stretch closing timelines. Be mindful of this! Your agent needs to proactively manage these schedules.

• Decor Must Be Tasteful: Remember that pro tip I just shared? While decorating is a pro, over-decorating is a con. Too much clutter or overly personal items can make it difficult for a buyer to see past the decorations and imagine the home as their own.

The advantage for holiday home buyers

If you're looking to purchase a property, the holiday slowdown can work in your favor. With less listings available and longer average time on the market, you could have more leverage during the holiday season than at other times of the year. 

The ‘nice list’ for buying during the holidays:

• Fewer Bidding Wars: Just as sellers face less competition, buyers do, too! A lesser number of active buyers in the marketplace means you’re less likely to find yourself in a frustrating, overpriced bidding war.

• Motivated Sellers = Negotiation Power: Any home listed during the holidays often belongs to a seller with a strong sense of urgency (see the pro list for sellers above for reasons why). This motivation gives you more room to negotiate on price, closing costs, or even asking for specific seller concessions.

• Year-End Financial Incentives: Closing before December 31st can potentially offer tax advantages, allowing you to deduct certain costs like mortgage interest and property taxes for the current year. (Always consult with a qualified tax professional for personalized advice.)

• Greater Agent Availability: While some agents take time off, those who are working (Hiiii!) are typically less busy overall, meaning you often receive even more personalized, dedicated attention throughout the search and negotiation process.

The naughty list for buyers: 

• Limited Inventory: You’ll probably have fewer home options to choose from compared to the spring rush. This makes getting pre-approved and being ready to act quickly the moment the right home hits the market absolutely essential.

• Potential for Closing Delays: Just like with sellers, the reduced staffing at various offices can lengthen the closing process. Plan for extra time and work with a proactive, local lender.

• "Winter" Curb Appeal: Arizona doesn’t have snow, but yards can look a little less vibrant during the holiday season. You’ll need to use more imagination to envision the home's landscaping potential once spring arrives. Ask the sellers for reference photos if you’re curious!

The bottom line…

Don't let the holidays put your real estate goals on ice! (See what I did there?) The holiday season in the Arizona housing market is often mislabeled as a slow time. In reality, it’s a period of high efficiency! This time of year filters out the casual players and leaves you with the most serious, qualified parties.

If you are a serious buyer in search of a motivated seller and less competition, now is your chance to secure a home before the rush of new inventory hits in the new year.

If you are a motivated seller who wants to stand out, listing now means your home avoids the post-holiday inventory rush and is seen by a pool of qualified buyers.

Can we get you into a new home by the New Year? Let's connect to make some holiday housing magic happen!