Why the Holidays Might Be the Best Time to Make a Move in Denver

Why the Holidays Might Be the Best Time to Make a Move in Denver

Most people assume the worst time to buy or sell a home is between Thanksgiving and New Year’s.

“They say spring is the only good time to move.”
“I’ll just wait until the market ‘wakes up’ again.”
“I don’t want to deal with showings during the holidays.”

Sound familiar?

Here’s the truth: for a lot of buyers and sellers in Denver, the holiday season can actually be one of the best times to make a move—if you know how to play it.

As a full-time Denver REALTOR® who works straight through the season (between cookie trays and holiday concerts), I want to show you why this quieter stretch of the year can work strongly in your favor.

1. Less Competition = More Leverage

Spring is crowded. Buyers flood the market. Sellers rush to list. Everyone is watching the same homes.

But in late November and December?

• Fewer new listings hit the market.

• Many buyers hit pause to focus on travel and holidays.

• The people who stay active are usually serious, not just browsing.

If you’re a buyer, that means:

• You’re competing against fewer offers.

• You have more time to think instead of panic-writing an offer in 3 hours.

• You’re often in a stronger position to negotiate price, inspection items, or concessions.

If you’re a seller, that means:

• The buyers who are out there are highly motivated (relocating, life change, lease ending, divorce, new baby, etc.).

• Your home doesn’t have to fight for attention against 10 new listings on your block.

• You can stand out with great photos, warm staging, and honest pricing.

Sometimes “less busy” equals “more opportunity.”

2. Motivated Sellers, Real-Life Conversations

If a home is on the market during the holidays, there’s usually a reason.

Common ones I see in Denver:

• Job relocation with a specific timeline

• Divorce or separation

• Downsizing after kids move out

• Financial reset (need to unlock equity or lower monthly costs)

• Already under contract on a replacement home

Those sellers are not just “testing the market.” They’re trying to get to the next chapter.

For buyers, that can translate to:

• More openness to reasonable offers

• Willingness to negotiate concessions or closing timelines

• A better chance of having your offer heard instead of ignored

For sellers, this works in your favor too. You know the buyers walking through your door aren’t just killing time between holiday parties—they’re trying to move.

3. End-of-Year Financial + Tax Benefits

The end of the year can be a powerful time to clean up your financial picture.

For buyers, closing before December 31 might mean:

• Potentially being able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes paid that year (talk to your CPA or tax professional)

• Getting a jump on equity growth instead of waiting until spring

• Locking in a payment you can plan your 2026 budget around

For sellers, closing near year-end can help you:

• Settle debts or rebalance investments before the new year

• Time your move and proceeds around business or retirement planning

• Start the new year with a clearer financial picture instead of carrying “sell the house” as mental baggage

I’m not a CPA, but I strongly encourage my clients to loop in their tax professional early when they’re thinking of a year-end move. The combination of real estate + thoughtful tax planning can be surprisingly powerful.

4. Holiday Vibes Make Homes Feel More Inviting

This is one of my favorite points because it’s so human.

During the holidays, homes often:

• Smell like cookies, pine, or simmering soup

• Look warmer thanks to soft lighting and decorations

• Feel more “lived in” and less like sterile showrooms

Buyers aren’t just purchasing square footage. They’re buying a feeling. And few times of year show off a home’s “heart” better than December.

For sellers, this is your chance to:

• Use tasteful, non-cluttered holiday décor to highlight your home’s best features

• Make your home feel cozy and inviting with warm throws, candles (or flameless candles), and soft lamps

• Show buyers how the home lives during real family moments

Pro tip: Go festive but not chaotic. Think “pottery barn catalog” more than “Santa exploded in the living room.”

5. Real-Life Schedules Make Decisions Easier

A funny thing happens during the holidays: as busy as everyone is, schedules can actually be more flexible.

• Many buyers and sellers have time off work.

• Kids are already out of school.

• People are more likely to be in town for longer, uninterrupted stretches.

That can make it easier to:

• Schedule showings during daylight hours

• Have both partners present for walk-throughs and inspections

• Sit down and really talk through decisions instead of firing off texts between meetings

For sellers, it’s also a chance to combine tasks:

• Decluttering in preparation for holiday guests + future showings

• Pre-packing decorations and off-season items you don’t use daily

• Deep cleaning once and getting double benefit (for company and buyers)

If you know you’re going to move in the next 6 months, doing the work now—while you’re already in “house mode”—can actually feel more efficient.

6. You’ll Be Ahead of the Spring Rush

A lot of people think they’re being strategic by:

• Waiting until spring to list

• Waiting until spring to start shopping

But the reality is: if you start during the holidays, by the time everyone else wakes up in March, you’re already two or three moves ahead.

If you’re a buyer who acts during the holidays:

• You can be under contract and closed before the big spring competition hits.

• You can take advantage of slightly less competition and maybe better terms.

• You can spend spring settling in and enjoying your new neighborhood instead of fighting for it.

If you’re a seller who lists (or at least preps) during the holidays:

• You have professional photos and a strategy ready to go before the rush.

• You can either catch motivated late-year buyers or be positioned to hit the market early in the new year before everyone else.

• You’ll have already tackled the decluttering and repair list that most people procrastinate on until March.

Future You will be very grateful you didn’t wait for the “perfect time” that everyone else is chasing.

7. The Emotional “Fresh Start” Factor

Real estate is about finances and timing…
but it’s also about life.

The holiday season is when people naturally:

• Reflect on what’s working and what isn’t

• Think about where they want to be next year

• Dream about a different commute, a different neighborhood, a different daily routine

If your current home isn’t supporting the life you actually want—too small, too big, wrong location, wrong layout—waiting another year can feel heavy.

Sometimes the best gift you can give yourself is a clean slate:

• A home that fits your actual lifestyle

• A location that matches your routines, hobbies, or kids’ schools

• A payment that makes sense for your long-term goals

The calendar turning to a new year doesn’t magically change anything. Action does. And the holidays can be the exact right time to start.

When the Holidays Might Not Be the Right Time

Let’s be honest: it’s not the right season for everyone.

It might not be ideal if:

• You’re already massively overcommitted with travel, care responsibilities, or major life events.

• Your home needs substantial work before it will show well and you won’t realistically be able to tackle any of it until later.

• Your financial pieces (job, credit, savings) still need time to stabilize.

In those cases, the holidays are still a great time to plan, even if you don’t act yet. You can use this time to:

• Meet with a REALTOR® to map out your timeline

• Talk to a lender and understand exactly where you stand

• Create a realistic to-do list to get ready for a spring or summer move

Holiday Move FAQ for Denver Buyers & Sellers

Q: Is it really a good time to buy a home during the holidays?
For some people, yes—absolutely. There’s often less competition, more serious sellers, and a little more room to negotiate. It’s not about chasing a “perfect” time; it’s about matching the season to your actual goals and budget.

Q: Will my home even get showings if I list during the holidays?
If your home is priced correctly and shows well, yes. The buyers out shopping during the holidays are usually motivated—relocating, on a deadline, or ready for a fresh start. You may not get as many casual showings, but the ones you do get tend to be more serious.

Q: Do I have to move before New Year’s if I start now?
Not at all. Starting the process during the holidays doesn’t mean you’ll be packing boxes by New Year’s Eve. We can structure your timeline so you close after the holidays, or even into early 2026, depending on your needs and the type of move you’re making.

Q: What if I need to sell and buy at the same time?
That’s very common, and it’s all about strategy and sequencing. We’ll talk through your financing, your backup plans, and whether it makes more sense to list first, buy first, or coordinate a same-day close. This is exactly the kind of situation where having a clear, customized plan matters more than the season on the calendar.

Q: How far in advance should I start planning a holiday or early-2026 move?
If you’re even thinking about moving in the next 3–9 months, now is the time to start planning. That gives you room to clean up any financing details, tackle easy prep projects, and position yourself to move quickly when the right opportunity shows up.

So… Should You Move During the Holidays?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s a good rule of thumb:

• If you’re already thinking about moving in the next 3–9 months,

• And you’re motivated to make progress rather than wait,

…then the holiday season might be not just “okay,” but strategic.

You could end up with:

• Less competition

• More negotiating room

• A smoother timeline

• And a fresh start sooner than you expected

Want to Talk Through Your Situation?

Every person, home, and life season is different—and the internet can’t tell you what’s right for you.

If you’re in Denver (or thinking about moving here) and you’re wondering whether it makes sense to:

• List your home during the holidays

• Start house hunting while everyone else is distracted

• Or quietly build a plan for early 2026

…I’m happy to talk through it with zero pressure and zero sugarcoating.

We’ll look at:

• Your timeline

• Your numbers

• Your neighborhood

And your actual life priorities

Not Sure Where to Start? (Buyer vs. Seller)

If this whole idea of moving during the holidays has your wheels turning, but you’re not sure whether you’re closer to buying, selling, or doing both, start with a quick questionnaire.

• If you’re mostly thinking about buying, fill out my Buyer Questionnaire so I can get a clear picture of your timeline, budget, and wish list.

• If you’re leaning toward selling, find out what your home is worth here so I can see your property details, and reach out to discuss your goals and ideal timing.

👉 Buyers: [Fill out my Buyer Questionnaire here]
👉 Sellers: [Find out what your home is worth here]

Once you’ve submitted the one that fits you best (or both, if you’re doing a buy/sell combo), I’ll review your answers and come back with a custom game plan tailored to your situation—not just generic holiday advice.

Then we’ll decide whether it makes sense to move now, soon, or later—and exactly what your next step should be. You can schedule a no stress, nor pressure consultation with me here.

Get a custom game plan scheduled here!