You might be wondering if this festive season is a smart time to list your home. As someone in the business, I’m giving it to you straight: there are solid reasons to consider it, and a few to pause. Let’s walk through the real deal.
The Case for Selling Over the Holidays
1. Less competition = more spotlight
Traditionally, the holiday season (November through New Year) sees fewer new listings. Marin, where winter weather stays mild, that dip in inventory can make a well-priced, well-staged house stand out even more.
Less noise. Less competition. More eyeballs on your home.
Think of it this way: in spring, your listing is one of 20 on a buyer’s tour. In December? You might be one of three.
2. Buyers who show up are serious buyers
Holiday buyers aren’t killing time at open houses for fun, these are the “let’s make something happen” people.
If someone is touring homes between office parties, kids' events, and travel plans, they’re not casually browsing. They’re typically motivated by things like:
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- New job starting in January
- Needing to settle kids before the second semester
- A relocation package with a timeline
- Personal “new year, new chapter” energy
This means fewer looky-loos, more committed purchasers, and often a smoother, more businesslike negotiation.
3. Holiday vibes = emotional appeal
Buyers don’t just buy square footage , they buy the feeling of “I can see us living here.” And the holidays naturally dial up coziness and nostalgia.
When staged with intention, your home becomes the emotional equivalent of a warm hug.
4. Year-end urgency can speed up deal
Timing matters, and the end of the year has built-in pressure points:
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- Some employers require moves before January 1
- Some buyers want to lock in deductions or complete tax planning
- Some simply want to start the new year in a new home
This creates a sense of momentum that doesn’t always exist in slower seasons.
When everyone wants the same outcome, deals tend to move faster and with fewer hiccups.
In a county like Marin, where the market stays active year-round, that year-end push can be a real advantage for sellers who choose to list now instead of waiting for the crowded spring market.
The Downside — Why Many Skip the Holidays
1. Slower market activity overall
Nationally and regionally, the holiday season naturally brings a bit of a cooldown. Fewer buyers are out, and fewer sellers list, which means showings and offers may take a little longer to roll in.
2. You might get fewer offers
Since the buyer pool is smaller, you may not get multiple offers or competitive bidding wars.
3. Scheduling & logistics get messy (but manageable with planning)
Between holiday parties, travel, and seasonal busyness, arranging showings can be tough. Buyers may have limited availability, which could delay things.
So… Should You Sell This Holiday Season in Marin?
If I were advising one of your clients (or your own listing), here’s where I’d land: Yes, but only if the home is staged well, priced right, and you’re flexible with showings.
Marin’s relatively mild winters, unlike snowy or icy climates, give the “holiday-season listing” a fair shot. And with recent signs of healthy interest in the area, you could attract motivated buyers who want to close before the new year.
On the flip side: if the house needs heavy updates, you might be better off waiting until spring when the broader buying audience returns.
The holiday season can be a smart, strategic window for selling but only if you approach it with clear eyes, flexibility, and a bit of holiday flair.
