Could December be the Best Month to Purchase?

When people think about buying a home, they often picture spring or summer…longer days, warmer weather, and plenty of listings to choose from. But what many don’t realize is that December can quietly be one of the best months to buy. While the holiday season may seem like an odd time to start house hunting, it can work in a buyer’s favor for several reasons.

For starters, there’s usually less competition. As the year winds down, many potential buyers put their search on hold to focus on family gatherings, travel, and holiday festivities. With fewer people actively looking, sellers who keep their homes on the market tend to be more serious and more willing to negotiate. That shift in motivation can open the door to better pricing, favorable terms, or even some extra flexibility during the closing process.

There’s also a practical side to it. Sellers who are listing their homes in December often have a reason they want to move before the new year. Maybe they’re relocating for a job, wrapping up a personal goal before January, or hoping to take advantage of certain tax benefits. Others might simply be ready for a fresh start in the new year. Whatever the reason, that motivation can translate into opportunity for buyers.

And let’s not forget the financial side of holding onto a home through the winter. Between property taxes, utilities, maintenance, and insurance, the costs of keeping a house on the market can add up quickly, especially if it’s vacant. Many sellers would rather make a deal in December than carry those expenses into another year.

Another subtle advantage of buying during the holidays is how smooth things can move. With fewer transactions happening, lenders, inspectors, and title companies often have lighter workloads. That means the process can be quicker, more responsive, and less stressful overall.

There’s even an emotional element at play. The holidays often bring out a sense of goodwill and cooperation. Sellers may be more open to working together to make things happen so both parties can start the new year on a positive note.

So, while the idea of buying a home in December might seem unconventional, it’s worth keeping an open mind. With motivated sellers, less competition, and the potential for a smoother transaction, the holiday season can offer unique advantages that don’t always come around in busier months. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, it might just be the perfect time to take a closer look.

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About Gershman Mortgage

Communities, families, and homes are at the heart of what we do at Gershman Mortgage. Our founding principles are based on the core values of honesty, integrity, the entrepreneurial spirit, and putting our customers first. We are passionate and committed to customer service and strive to ensure that we exceed the expectations of our customers. We are a customer-centric company devoted to creating and maintaining long-lasting relationships.

NMLS #138063 16253 Swingley Ridge Road Suite 200 Chesterfield, MO 63017 (800) 457-2357 Equal Housing Lender. Serving borrowers in: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin