The holiday season often makes one think of cozy gatherings, twinkling lights and festive cheer — not real estate transactions. Yet, beneath the sparkle of holiday décor lies one of the most overlooked opportunities in the housing market.
While many homeowners assume November and December are slow months for selling, it is actually quite the opposite. These weeks can offer a strategic advantage for sellers and a golden window for buyers.
The latest RE/MAX report on the Greater Phoenix housing market reveals clear signs of accelerating momentum as the year enters its final quarter. Home sales in the Phoenix metro area saw a notable 11.2% jump year-over-year in September 2025, culminating in a total of 5,599 closed transactions.
Concurrently, the median sales price climbed 2.1% annually to $439,000, extending the area’s streak of consecutive year-over-year price gains to 27 months.
This vigorous market activity is supported by a significant boost in active listings, which were up 22.2% compared to last year. The combination of steadily increasing prices and a surge in sales volume, even with higher inventory, signals strong, continued demand for housing across the Arizona market.
LOCAL NEWS: Phoenix housing market outpaces national trends again in 2025
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Why the Holiday Season Works for Sellers
Serious, Motivated Buyers
While there may be fewer overall buyers, those who are actively house-hunting during the holidays are typically highly motivated and have a compelling reason to move, such as job relocation, end-of-year tax benefits or other life changes. This means less “window shopping” and more serious offers.
Reduced Competition
Many sellers remove their homes or hold off on listing until after the new year, which results in lower housing inventory. With fewer homes on the market, listings stand out and attract more attention from motivated buyers.
Ideal Timing for Families
School breaks make November and December an ideal time for families to transition without disrupting routines. Moving during the holidays often means settling in before the new semester begins.
Arizona’s Snowbirds
The state’s mild climate and influx of winter visitors keeps the market active. Buyers seeking warm-weather retreats often start their search when temperatures drop elsewhere, making winter listings thrive.
New Year Closing Incentive
Buyers frequently schedule their first mortgage payment for January 1st. This allows them to celebrate the holidays in their new home without the immediate financial stress of a mortgage payment looming, providing a psychological incentive to close before the end of the year.
Tips for Sellers
List after Thanksgiving
The optimal time to list is often right after Thanksgiving through the first two weeks of December. This window captures the serious buyers who want to close by the end of the year and beat the rush of new inventory that typically floods the market in January and February.
Stage, Don’t Clutter
Decorate tastefully and minimally. Holiday décor should enhance your home’s best features and create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, not distract or clutter. Focus on creating a warm feel.
Be Flexible with Showings
You can instruct your agent to temporarily pause showings on peak holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas Day to minimize stress, while remaining available for buyers throughout the rest of the season.
Highlight Seasonal Features
Showcase your home’s winter appeal. Mention the warm weather, energy-efficient windows or a cozy fireplace in the listing description.
Offer Flexible Closing
If moving during the holidays isn’t ideal, offer a closing date in early January. This can be a strong incentive for buyers.
Tips for Buyers
Be Ready During the Holidays
For buyers, mid-November through December offers less competition and potential negotiating power, as some sellers are motivated to finalize deals before the calendar flips.
Get Pre-Approved Now
A current pre-approval letter is your strongest negotiating tool. It signals to a motivated seller that your offer is serious, and the closing is less likely to face financing delays.
Plan for Holiday Delays
Remember that lenders, appraisers and title companies may have reduced staff during the holidays. Build a little extra time into your closing schedule to avoid undue stress.
Focus on Value, Not Décor
Don’t let tasteful holiday staging distract you from inspecting the essential features and structure of the property.
Ask About Year-End Tax Benefits
Consult with a tax professional, as closing before January 1st may allow you to take advantage of tax deductions for mortgage interest and property taxes for the current year.
The holiday season is often seen as a time to pause, but in real estate, it can be a time to prosper. While many homeowners wait until January to list, those who act now can take advantage of a unique market dynamic filled with motivated buyers, reduced competition and a sense of urgency that drives faster decisions. These factors combine to create an environment where well-prepared homes can sell quickly, and often at a premium.
Don’t let the holidays deter you from making a move. Whether you’re buying or selling, this festive season can be the perfect backdrop for achieving your real estate goals. With the right preparation and guidance, the holidays aren’t a hurdle — they’re a hidden advantage.
Author: Melissa Dierks is a Managing Partner of RE/MAX Fine Properties and the Director of Operations for the West Valley. She’s been a full time Realtor® for 15+ years and is in the Top 1% of Arizona Agents in Production. Through the years, her team has received numerous awards through RE/MAX International including the Platinum Club Team, Platinum Club Individual, 100% Club, RE/MAX Hall of Fame and RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement.
