Should You Sell Your Phoenix Home in the Holidays?

By Jason Penrose

Jason has been licensed since 1999, and is currently one of the top 20 agents in Arizona for homes sold.

Picture this: it’s December, your neighborhood is filled with lights, family gatherings are in full swing, and home sales are the last thing on most people’s minds. But while many sellers take a break for the holidays, the few who stay active often find more serious buyers and better offers.

Selling during the holiday season might not sound ideal, but it can actually work in your favor. Here’s why putting your home on the market before the new year can be a smart move.

Less competition in the market. During the fourth quarter, there are typically fewer homes for sale. Many homeowners take their listings off the market during the holidays to avoid the inconvenience, then relist in January or February. The issue with waiting is that when a wave of homes hits the market all at once, inventory rises. If there aren’t enough buyers to match the new supply, prices can begin to soften, and sellers might end up reducing their prices.

Listing your home during the holidays means you’ll face less competition and your property will stand out more to motivated buyers.

Holiday buyers are serious. The buyers who are out looking for homes in the fourth quarter aren’t browsing for fun; they need to buy. Whether it’s for relocation, job changes, or personal reasons, these buyers are on a timeline. Because they have fewer homes to choose from, you gain a slight edge in negotiations. This makes the holiday season an opportunity to connect with highly motivated buyers who are ready to make decisions.

You can control the timing. If the idea of moving during the holidays feels stressful, you can still make the timing work for you. You can postpone your closing until January, giving you time to enjoy the season without rushing the move.

You can also temporarily take your home off the market for Thanksgiving or Christmas and put it back on afterward. Keeping your “For Sale” sign up still helps; holiday visitors often fall in love with the warmer weather and start looking for second homes while they’re in town.

Selling your home during the holidays might seem unconventional, but it can be a smart move. With fewer competing listings, more serious buyers, and flexibility in your timeline, you could find success before the new year begins.

If you’re unsure when to list or need real estate guidance, reach out to (602) 738-9943 or email jason@thepenroseteam.com. I’d be happy to review buyer activity in your neighborhood with you. The trends may show that now is the perfect time to make your move.