Should I Sell My Montgomery County Home During the Holidays?
It can be a smart move. Fewer homes come on the market between Thanksgiving and New Year's, so a well-priced, well-presented Montgomery County home faces less competition, and the buyers still shopping in December are usually serious. The trade-off is fewer showings and a busier calendar for you. If your timing calls for a sale, or you want to sell before buying in spring, a holiday listing can work very well.
Do homes really sell during the holidays?
Yes. Homes sell in Montgomery County every month of the year. Nationally, new listings drop in December as many sellers pull back, and buyer activity slows too. Redfin reported that in the four weeks ending December 7, 2025, new listings fell year over year and its buyer demand index was down 13 percent. Fewer buyers, but also fewer competing homes.
A Redfin study cited by the Washington Realtors found that winter listings were more likely to sell, sold about a week faster, and sold for more relative to list price than listings in other seasons. In the Philadelphia area specifically, Redfin data reported by the Pennsylvania Association of Realtors found winter listings were the most likely of any season to sell above asking.
Who buys homes in December?
People relocating for a new job that starts in January
Buyers whose lease ends soon
Buyers who want to settle in before the new school semester
Buyers who have more time off to tour homes during the holidays
These buyers usually have a reason to move, which can mean fewer casual showings and more focused offers.
What are the downsides of listing during the holidays?
Fewer total buyers, especially the week of Thanksgiving and the last two weeks of December
Busy schedules, travel, and hosting can make showings harder
Shorter days mean less natural light for evening showings
Title companies, lenders, and townships may have holiday closures that affect timelines
Can I limit showings on the holidays?
Yes. You control your showing schedule. Many sellers block off Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, and set specific showing windows the rest of the season. We set up your showing instructions so your home works for buyers and your holidays still work for you.
How should I prepare my home for a holiday sale?
Decorate lightly. A wreath and warm lighting help. Overflowing decorations can make rooms feel smaller and distract in photos.
Keep walkways clear. Salt and shovel the driveway, steps, and sidewalk before every showing.
Turn on the lights and keep the heat comfortable for showings.
Photograph early. Exterior photos look best before snow or after it is cleared, so plan the photo shoot carefully.
Should I sell now and buy in spring?
For many move-up buyers, this is a strong strategy. Selling during a lower-inventory season, then buying when more homes come on the market in spring, can let you shop with your sale proceeds in hand instead of making an offer that depends on selling first. If you need time between homes, we can talk through options like a short rent-back after closing.
How does the Shaina McAndrews Team help holiday sellers?
Our Coming Soon campaign can launch as soon as the day after your listing paperwork is signed, using a front-of-house photo from the street to start building interest while you finish preparing. Once your home is fully ready, we schedule the full professional photography shoot. Every pricing plan we build is centered on what matters most to you: your net proceeds.
Thinking about a holiday sale?
The Shaina McAndrews Team at eXp Realty has more than 10 years of experience in Montgomery County and Greater Philadelphia, a $465K average sale price, and licenses in PA and NJ. We plant a tree for every home we close (more than 1,000 so far). Let's look at your home and your calendar and decide together whether now or spring is right for you.
Schedule a Home Value and Preparation Consultation
Call or text 215.767.7150 or visit MontCoLiving.com.
Sources
Inman, Inventory tightens up as new listings tank: Redfin (December 11, 2025)
Washington Realtors, List and Sell More Homes During the Holidays (Redfin study)
Pennsylvania Association of Realtors, Listing in the winter showing increased chance of quick, financially beneficial sale (Redfin data)
