Almost every year, a homeowner tells me something like, "I will wait until spring. Nobody buys a house at Christmas." I understand the thinking. The calendar is full, the house is full of decorations and nobody wants strangers walking through while the tree is up. But after 23 years in South Jersey real estate, I do not think waiting is automatically the right call. Here is my honest answer.

The short answer

It depends on your reasons for selling, not on the calendar. If you need to move for a job, a family change or a school year, the holidays can be a perfectly good time to list. If you are flexible and want the widest possible audience, waiting for spring may serve you better. I walk through every season in my post on the best time to sell a house in South Jersey.

What can work in your favor in December

  • Less competition. There are typically fewer homes for sale in the weeks around the holidays than in spring, so your listing can stand out.
  • Serious buyers. People who are out looking at homes in December often have a reason to move, such as a job, a relocation or a lease ending.
  • Cozy appeal. A warm, well-lit home with a little seasonal charm can feel inviting in person.

What to watch out for

  • Fewer showing hours. Families are busy, and there are events nearly every weekend. Being flexible with showing times matters more than usual.
  • Early darkness. Showings after 4:30 PM happen in the dark, so turn on every light, check your exterior bulbs and keep walkways clear.
  • Over-decorating. Buyers need to picture their own life in your home. A wreath and some soft lighting are lovely. Every shelf covered in holiday figures makes rooms look smaller.
  • Travel. If you will be away for part of the holidays, we plan around it so your home is not sitting without showings.

My holiday listing checklist

  1. Price it right from day one. A home priced to the market gets attention even in a quiet week. My post on how to price your house right explains how I use real comparable sales.
  2. Get the photos taken early. Photograph the home before the heavy decorating goes up, or keep decorations simple and neutral.
  3. Handle the fixes that matter. See my list of what to fix before selling and what to skip.
  4. Know your town's rules. Some towns require an inspection and certificate before closing. I explain how it works in Cherry Hill and Moorestown, and in my post on the certificate of occupancy in New Jersey.
  5. Plan the timeline. Closings around the holidays can take a little longer because offices and lenders have reduced schedules. Start early. My timeline for selling a house in NJ shows the steps.

Not ready to decide?

You do not have to commit to anything to find out your options. I am happy to look at your home, show you what similar homes have sold for and help you decide whether now or spring makes more sense. There is no pressure and no obligation. For taxes or other questions about your own situation, check with your accountant or attorney.

I help sellers across New Jersey, and I am licensed in Pennsylvania as well. Call or text me any time.

Jerry Mac
Keller Williams Realty
Call or text 856-220-1874
www.southjerseyrealty.com