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The holiday season is one of the most misunderstood times in real estate. Many sellers assume showings come to a halt, buyers disappear, and the market freezes until spring. But as a full-time Southwest Michigan Realtor who works straight through the season, I can tell you—the holidays don’t shut down showings… they simply change the type of activity you see.
If you’re thinking about listing or wondering whether now is still a good time to sell, here’s the real truth about what happens to buyer traffic between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.
🎯 1. Buyer Motivation Goes Way Up
While the overall number of showings may dip slightly, the buyers who ARE out shopping are typically far more serious.
Think about it—no one casually looks at homes between Christmas programs, holiday travel, and year-end work deadlines.
Holiday buyers are motivated buyers.
They’re often:
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Relocating for a job starting in January
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Moving to be closer to family
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Working with time-sensitive lease end dates
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Taking advantage of year-end tax benefits
These buyers have a reason to move, and they don’t want to waste time. That’s great news for sellers.
🏡 2. Your Home Can Feel More Inviting This Time of Year
The holidays create a natural warmth and coziness that sellers simply can’t replicate in July.
Soft lighting, subtle décor, and a clean, festive entryway make a home feel welcoming and lived-in. Buyers connect emotionally with a home faster when it feels:
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Warm
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Spacious
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Comforting
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Bright against the winter weather
The key is simple, tasteful décor—nothing that overwhelms the space or blocks windows.
✨ 3. There’s Less Competition on the Market
A major advantage of listing during the holidays is reduced inventory.
Many sellers wait until spring, assuming it’s “the best time,” which means the homes that are listed in November and December often get more attention.
With fewer listings, your home has a better chance to:
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Stand out online
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Appear on more buyers’ showing lists
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Receive stronger, more serious inquiries
It’s a classic supply-and-demand perk that many sellers don’t realize.
📦 4. Relocation Activity Actually Increases
Companies schedule job transfers during year-end transitions more often than most people think.
Between December and January, relocation activity tends to spike.
That means motivated buyers coming into the area with:
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Deadlines
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Relocation assistance
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Pre-approved financing
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A clear timeline to get under contract
These buyers don’t have the luxury of waiting until April.
🔍 5. Showings May Be Slightly Fewer—but They Matter More
Yes, the number of weekly showings might be lower than peak spring months. But the quality of buyers is significantly higher.
Holiday showings tend to produce:
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Faster offers
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More qualified buyers
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Less “just looking” traffic
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Fewer no-shows and cancellations
In real estate, quality beats quantity every single time.
🗝️ So, Should You List During the Holidays?
It truly depends on your home, your price point, and your goals—but the holidays are often an incredibly strategic time to hit the market, especially in Southwest Michigan.
If you want:
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Less competition
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Urgent buyers
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Warm, inviting showings
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A strong start to the new year
…then the holiday window might be perfect.
And if waiting until spring makes more sense, I’ll tell you that too.
🎄 Thinking About Listing or Want Personalized Advice?
If you’re wondering whether your home would perform well during the holidays, send me a message. I can give you a clear, honest breakdown of what to expect in your neighborhood and price range.
I’m always here to help you make a smart and confident move—no matter the season.
