Are the Holidays Really a “Bad” Time to Move?

Eva Swersey
Nov 14
3 min read

If you’ve ever heard “never buy or sell a home during the holidays,” you’re not alone. It’s one of those real estate “rules” that gets repeated so often people assume it must be true.

But here in Vienna and across Northern Virginia, the market doesn’t shut down when the holiday lights go up. Homes still sell. Buyers still relocate. And for the right situation, the holiday season can actually be a strategic time to make a move.

Let’s break it down. You can also watch my video here.

Why Sellers Shouldn’t Automatically Wait for Spring

The classic argument for waiting until spring is that “there are more buyers.” That’s often true—but there’s also more competition from other listings.

During the holidays, you tend to see:

Fewer homes on the market – which means less competition for you.
More serious buyers – people who are out touring homes between Thanksgiving and New Year’s are usually motivated, not just browsing for fun.
Year-end relocations – job transfers and military moves don’t follow the school calendar, and they often happen at the end of the year.

Last December, one of my listings sold for the highest price ever in that neighborhood. The success wasn’t about the date on the calendar—it came down to condition, location, pricing, smart updates, and thoughtful staging.

In other words: buyers didn’t discount the home because it was December. They responded to the value and presentation.

A Note on Holiday Décor (Less Is More)

Holiday staging can be a little tricky, especially in a diverse area like Northern Virginia where not everyone celebrates the same holidays.

A few simple guidelines:

Keep décor neutral and minimal. Think cozy, not crowded.
Avoid blocking light or key features. If a tree hides a beautiful window or fireplace, it’s working against you.
Leave space for buyers’ imagination. Too many personal or themed items make it harder for people to picture themselves living there.

The goal is to make the home feel warm and inviting, without turning it into a holiday showroom.

Why Buyers Shouldn’t Dismiss the Holiday Market

On the buy side, I often hear, “We’ll just wait until spring when there are more options.” That can work—but it can also mean more competition and more bidding wars.

Buying during the holidays can offer:

Less buyer competition. Fewer house hunters can mean more negotiating room and less pressure.
Sellers who are ready to move. If a seller is listed during the holidays, there’s often a real reason behind the timing.
Opportunities tied to job changes. Northern Virginia sees a steady stream of relocations and government/contractor moves, and those don’t pause for the holidays.
Potential tax and financial timing advantages. Depending on your situation, closing before or after year-end can make a difference—always a good idea to loop in your lender and tax professional.

The key is to be prepared and realistic: get pre-approved, understand the local market data, and be ready to move when the right home appears.

So…Is the Holiday Season a Bad Time to Move?

Short answer: not by default.

The time of year is just one factor. In my experience, your results have much more to do with:

The condition of the home (including updates and staging)
The location and micro-neighborhood
Pricing and strategy
Your timeline and flexibility

For some people, waiting until spring makes the most sense. For others, the holiday season is a quieter, less competitive window where they can achieve their goals without as much noise.

Thinking About a Move in the Next 3–6 Months?

If you’re in Vienna or Northern Virginia and you’re wondering whether to move during the holidays or wait for spring, the best place to start is with your situation—your home, your timeline, your numbers.

I’m always happy to walk through the pros and cons and help you map out a plan that feels calm and doable, whether that’s a December move or a spring refresh.

You don’t have to decide it all today—but you can start getting clear on your options. Feel free to schedule a quick call with me to chat about your situation,