Should I Sell My Home During the Holidays?

By Rachel Mooney

Rachel has built a reputation for making the complex process of buying and selling homes not only enjoyable but also financially rewarding. Her deep understanding of the local market, combined with her genuine passion for helping families transition through different stages of life, has allowed her to serve hundreds of clients with exceptional care and professionalism.

Should you sell your home during the holidays or wait for spring? Many homeowners think the holiday season is the worst time to sell a home. People are busier, the weather is cold, and it seems like no one’s house-hunting. Yet every year, I meet homeowners who decide to list anyway, and many are surprised by what happens next. Their homes sell faster than expected, sometimes at stronger prices than they imagined.

So what’s really going on in the market this time of year, and could selling now actually work in your favor? Here’s what you need to know.

Less competition during the holidays. One of the biggest reasons the holidays work well for sellers is the drop in competition. Many homeowners take their homes off the market around late October. They don’t want the stress of showings during gatherings or travel, so they pause their listings.

When this happens, inventory goes down, and buyers see fewer options. This gives you a real advantage because you are not competing with several homes in your neighborhood at the same time. When supply is low, your home stands out more and can attract stronger interest from buyers who are still looking.

Increased relocation activity. Another thing many sellers do not realize is how active relocation is during the holidays. In North Metro Atlanta, we see a steady flow of people moving in and out at the end of the year. Major companies bring in new hires and want them settled before January.

This creates a pool of buyers who must find a home during the holiday season. These buyers are not browsing. They need a home and are ready to move fast. If your home is listed, you put yourself in front of a motivated group of buyers who are serious about making a purchase.

Motivated holiday buyers. Buyers who shop during the holidays are different from the buyers you see during spring or summer. No one wants to drive around in cold weather or give up holiday time unless they have to move. So while the number of showings may dip, the quality of those showings goes up.

These buyers are strong, focused, and ready to buy. They often have a deadline, and that urgency helps sellers. When you have motivated buyers walking through your home, you have a better chance of receiving solid offers.

Increased online home searches. Another key benefit of listing during the holidays is online traffic. After Thanksgiving, people spend a lot of time on their phones. They search for gifts, but they also look at homes. The holiday season brings a spike in online real estate searches. Buyers explore what is available and start planning for the new year.

If your home is listed, you capture that early wave of attention. If you wait until after the holidays, you miss that surge of online interest.

Your home also tends to show well during the holidays. Warm lights and simple decorations make a home feel inviting. Buyers picture where their tree might go or how they would set up their own holiday space. This emotional connection helps homes stand out and often makes them more memorable.

Listing during the holidays gives you less competition, more motivated buyers, and higher online visibility. If you’re wondering whether selling during the holidays makes sense for your situation, feel free to call or text me at 678-804-4733 or email me at rachel@rachelmooney.com. I’d be happy to help you create a strategy that aligns with your goals and allows you to maximize the opportunities this unique season offers.