When you think about the holidays—Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s—you might wonder: Is it a good idea to buy or sell a home during this time?

The answer might surprise you.

Selling During the Holidays: A Smart Move?

Contrary to popular belief, selling your home during the holidays is not a bad idea. In fact, it can work to your advantage.

Why? Because most sellers take a break during these months. The result? Less competition for your home.

• Fewer listings means your home stands out to the buyers who are looking.

• There are always motivated buyers with urgent needs—maybe they’re relocating for work, starting a new school, or their lease is ending.

• These serious buyers appreciate that you’re ready to sell, even when others aren’t.

So, if your timeline allows, listing your home during the holiday season can actually help you attract more focused buyers.

Buying During the Holidays: Opportunities and Challenges

As a buyer, the holiday season means less inventory to choose from. Most homeowners wait until spring to list their homes, so you might see fewer options in November and December.

But here’s the silver lining:

• Fewer buyers in the market means less competition.

• If a great home does come on the market, you could be the only serious buyer looking at it.

• This can give you more negotiating power and potentially a better deal.

The Bay Area Reality: Low Inventory Year-Round

For buyers and sellers in the Bay Area, one thing remains constant: low housing inventory. There simply aren’t enough homes on the market for the demand we see year-round.

This makes the holidays an even better time to buy or sell:

• Sellers get more attention because fewer homes are available.

• Buyers face less bidding war pressure, which is rare in this market.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “wrong” time to buy or sell, even during the holidays. If you’re motivated and ready, the holidays could actually give you a strategic advantage.

If you’re thinking about making a move this holiday season—or just want to learn more—message us at Ask Brendan. We’re here to help you navigate the Bay Area market with confidence.