Why Homes Still Sell During the Holidays in Texas
Why Homes Still Sell During the Holidays in Texas – Hill Country & Houston Insights
Yes, homes do sell during the holidays in Texas. In fact, for serious buyers and sellers across the Texas Hill Country, Greater San Antonio, and the Houston metro area, the holiday season can bring unexpected advantages. Fewer listings mean less competition, and motivated buyers often make quicker decisions to settle in before the new year. According to the National Association of Realtors, homes listed in December often sell for close to list price, and serious relocation buyers remain active through January. In Texas, where mild winters keep the market moving, the holiday season is far from a downtime.
I’m Emilie Hamby Irvine, Realtor® and A.I. Certified Agent™ with Texas Providence Real Estate. My focus is helping clients find peace of mind and purpose in every move, guiding families, retirees, and relocators to the next chapter with warmth, clarity, and insight. Let’s look at why this festive season may actually be the best time for your real estate goals.
Is the holiday season a good time to sell a home in Texas (Hill Country and San Antonio)?
Yes, it can be an excellent time. The biggest advantage of listing in November through January is reduced competition. With fewer homes on the market, your listing stands out more easily. In markets like Boerne, Kerrville, and San Antonio, many sellers wait until spring, leaving motivated buyers fewer options. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A&M University, listings drop by roughly 30% during the holidays, but median sale prices remain stable. This shows that serious buyers are still out there.
Texas weather also plays a role. Unlike colder northern states, our mild winter temperatures mean showings and open houses are still comfortable. This helps maintain strong buyer activity well into December.
Why do Texas buyers and sellers stay active during the holidays?
Holiday buyers are some of the most serious and qualified of the year. Many are relocating for new jobs starting in January or making family-driven moves to be closer to loved ones. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s migration data, December and January are peak months for interstate relocations due to work transfers and school calendar resets. Sellers, too, often have clear goals: to move before the year ends or start fresh in a new home by spring.
Because there are fewer listings and less casual shopping, buyers who are looking tend to act quickly. Homes in desirable communities like Fulshear and Weston Lakes may still see strong offers even in December, as confirmed by Houston Association of Realtors’ Monthly Housing Market Update. These reports show consistent buyer demand throughout winter months across Greater Houston.
How does holiday timing affect competition and pricing in Texas markets?
Texas markets don’t freeze up in winter; they simply shift in rhythm. While national transaction volumes may dip, Hill Country and Houston listings often remain steady, with homes that are priced and presented well attracting real attention. Lower inventory means pricing can stay stable, even as the year winds down. According to the Texas A&M Real Estate Center (https://www.recenter.tamu.edu), many Hill Country areas saw average days on market stay within 5–10% of spring levels in 2024. In short, motivated buyers keep values consistent.
What should Texas upsizers, downsizers and relocators consider before January?
Every buyer and seller group has a unique advantage during the holidays:
Upsizers: You may find sellers more flexible on terms, allowing time to coordinate your sale and purchase smoothly.
Downsizers: With fewer competing listings, your well-staged home can shine and attract serious buyers seeking move-in-ready properties.
Relocators: Holiday listings can help you settle before work or school starts in January, and some sellers may prefer quick closes this time of year.
For each, the key is planning and understanding what you truly want while timing your move for comfort and value. According to NAR’s 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers (), 63% of buyers who purchased during off-peak months reported smoother negotiations and faster closings.
How can you make your Texas home stand out during the holiday season?
A little strategy goes a long way:
Stage with subtle warmth. Use minimal, tasteful decor, like greenery, soft lighting, and cozy textures that appeal to buyers’ emotions.
Price smartly. Work with your Realtor® to price competitively yet confidently for current demand. Zillow’s Winter Market Report (https://www.zillow.com/research) notes that homes priced within 2% of market value in December sell 17% faster.
Market actively. Many buyers are scrolling listings during their holiday downtime; professional photography and targeted digital marketing make your home impossible to miss.
As I often tell my clients, “Buyers who are out looking in December aren’t window shopping. They’re ready.”
How Emilie Hamby Irvine’s A.I. Certified approach helps Texas buyers and sellers succeed
As an A.I. Certified Agent™, I use technology to amplify human connection, not replace it. Through my AI-driven marketing tools, I can:
Target the most likely buyers for your Texas home with precision.
Optimize your online visibility during the slower months.
Save you time with automated insights, freeing me to focus more on guiding you personally.
This means your listing reaches the right eyes faster, and your buying journey gets expert guidance every step of the way. Technology gives us an edge, but it’s my experience and relationships that turn interest into results.
Wrapping up: Your Texas holiday move can be your best move
The holidays bring warmth, reflection, and often, new beginnings. For buyers and sellers in Texas, this season offers opportunity disguised as calm. With fewer listings, serious buyers, and steady values, your perfect timing might just be right now.
Call Emilie at 832-731-3124 or email emiliehi@texaspre.com to schedule a private showing.
Let’s talk about your goals and find the right fit together.
Reach out when you’re ready – I’ll guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will my home sell slower if I list during December in Texas?
A: Not necessarily. While national averages dip slightly, Texas markets stay active thanks to mild weather and relocation trends. According to the Texas Real Estate Research Center, many homes listed in December still go under contract within 30–45 days, similar to spring levels. With less competition and serious buyers, sellers can still expect strong offers.
Q: Are holiday buyers in Texas less serious or just fewer in number?
A: There may be fewer buyers overall, but they are far more motivated. Most holiday shoppers are relocating or finalizing end-of-year moves, meaning they’ve already been pre-approved and are ready to buy. NAR’s 2024 Housing Market Report found that buyers active during December close on homes 12% faster than average. This makes the holiday season ideal for efficient, serious transactions.
Q: Do relocation buyers behave differently during the holidays?
A: Yes. Many corporate relocations occur in December and January, so buyers are working on tight timelines. According to Atlas Van Lines’ Relocation Survey, nearly 30% of corporate transfers happen in the last quarter of the year. These buyers are ready to close quickly, making them ideal prospects for sellers seeking a fast sale.
Q: What holiday staging tips work best for Texas homes?
A: Keep it simple and cozy with neutral décor, soft lighting, and natural elements like pine or magnolia. A HomeLight survey found that properly staged homes sell 20% faster and often at higher prices, regardless of the season. In Texas, understated holiday warmth helps buyers imagine themselves living comfortably year-round.
Q: Should I wait until spring to list my Texas home?
A: Not if you’re ready now. Spring brings more listings, which increases competition. Listing in December positions you ahead of the curve, giving your home more visibility. According to Realtor.com’s Winter Market Study, 24% of December sellers receive offers above asking price due to low inventory. Waiting may mean missing those motivated early-season buyers.
Categories
Home Buying Advice & Local Market Insights, Home Selling Tips, Lifestyle & Retirement
Tags
AI Certified Agent Texas, Austin Real Estate, Best Real Estate Agent, buying a home in Texas, buying a house in Texas, Hill Country homes for sale, HillCountryLife, Hill Country Real Estate, Home Value Hill Country, Home Value in Texas Hill Country, Houston-West Metro, moving to West Houston, relocating to Houston, seller guide, Smart Home Buying Decisions, Smart Money Moves, SOW, TexasEconomy, Texas Hill Country homes, TexasHillCountryHomes, Texas housing market, Texas Housing Trends, TexasProvidenceRealEstate, TexasRealEstate, Texas Real Estate, Top Real Estate Agent, Upsizing in Hill Country