December 2, 2025 | Mark Luis Foster

To list or not to list. That is the question if you’re trying to sell your condo, townhome or single family house during the holidays. Traditionally, we’ve been told it’s too darn slow and cold to sell a property, especially when the holidays are looming. Silly you. What are you thinking?

But is all that really true?

According to Realtor.com, things are different this year:

Mortgage rates are at 12-month lows, inventory is higher than last year (but growth is slowing), and prices remain steady nationwide. That combination is creating an opening for sellers willing to list when most others are waiting for spring.

I’ve noted before that there are many homes that seem to be sitting for a long time with lonely for-sale signs stuck in lawns, and that has been largely a function of higher mortgage rates that seem to flux in a very narrow band. But there may be an advantage to keeping that sign out front this time of year: The Serious Buyer. After all, people browsing homes over the holidays aren’t in it for the good times. They’re likely motivated.

As a seller, you don’t need to deal with lookie-loos or noncommittal house hunters who end up stringing you along. Winter buyers are often up against hard deadlines themselves: Corporate relocations that need to be completed before payroll and tax calendars reset; school enrollment deadlines before the new term begins; divorcing spouses that need to transfer or purchase property before end-of-year settlement agreements.

What about those mortgage rates?

Buyers often find more flexibility from lenders who are trying to meet year-end volume targets with slightly better pricing, faster decisioning, or more willingness to structure a deal around a buydown or concessions. That can drive buyer activity that only sellers who list before the holidays can benefit from.

Investor activity is sometimes overlooked completely, but investors keep a keen eye on properties this time of year:

Investor activity has shifted meaningfully in the past few years. In 2024, roughly 13% of homes purchased were bought by investors, according to the 2024 Investor Report from Realtor.com®. Today, small investors make up the majority of investor purchases, and they’re relying more on financing rather than cash, which means they are often more sensitive to tax timing, interest-rate changes, and year-end financial planning.

So bottom line: If you’re trying to sell, you may want to keep trying, even through the holidays. Those motivated buyers may want to put your house under their tree this year.

Read the article HERE.