Thinking about decking new halls in 2026? Why selling in Q4 could be the best decision you make.

Most sellers avoid listing during the holidays—and who can blame them? Life is already extra busy (dare I say stressful) with all the holiday engagements, and, frankly, who wants to keep their home show-ready during the hustle and bustle of it all?

But did you know that selling before the end of the year could be the best decision you make? Here’s why:

1) Less competition.

“We are waiting until after the holidays to list.” Many sellers echo this sentiment, thinking spring is more favorable. And while it’s true more buyers are out shopping between March and June, there is also about 20% more inventory during those months. With fewer listings coming to market in Q4—and therefore less competition—sellers often see stronger offers and faster closings in November and December.

2) Q4 buyers are super serious.

Buyers who are out looking for a home during the holidays aren’t just browsing. They’re relocating, downsizing, upsizing, or switching jobs before year-end. The casual weekend shoppers are hibernating until spring, and the buyers we see in Q4 are motivated and ready to make a decision.

3) Corporate relocations are at their peak.

To piggyback off the point above, companies are finalizing next year’s budgets, creating possible shifts in management and/or new positions that need to be filled. These companies want their new hires settled before the new year, so we see a spike in relocation buyers in Q4. These buyers are motivated to settle their families before starting their new endeavor, with a “buy now, not later” mentality.

4) Cash buyers want to close before Dec. 31.

Did you know that the last few days of December are actually a busy time for closings? This is when we see cash buyers and investors making strategic real estate purchases for tax-planning purposes. These buyers are motivated to move quickly and aim to get their transactions closed before December 31.

So while we see fewer buyers in November and December compared to spring, the buyers we do see are serious and motivated. Couple that with a 20% decrease in new listings, and Q4 could be the most strategic time to list.

While other sellers are waiting for the “perfect time to sell,” you could be closed, funded, and decking new halls before we even ring in the new year!