Lots of homeowners assume selling a house during the holidays is a mistake. They picture empty open houses, buyers who've checked out until January, and a house that has to stay spotless while the family is in town.
One of our Carteret County sellers, Robbie and Karen Bass, expected exactly that. They listed on November 15th, were under contract the next day, and closed on December 18th for well over asking. Here's their story, in their own words.
Why they didn't wait for spring
Robbie and Karen had already found their next home. Waiting a few months for the "right" season would have meant carrying two houses and putting their plans on hold.
"We didn't want to carry two houses or put our plans on hold for months. We figured serious buyers keep looking through the holidays, and with fewer homes on the market in our area, ours would stand out."
That instinct was right. On the Crystal Coast, fewer listings in November and December means less competition, and the buyers still shopping are usually the ones who need to move.
What they expected vs. what happened
They went in bracing for a slow sale:
"We thought we'd be keeping the house show-ready through Thanksgiving and Christmas, working showings around family plans, and probably not seeing real interest until after the new year."
It went the opposite way:
- November 15: Listed the home.
- November 16: A buyer came in with a strong offer. They were under contract within 24 hours, well over asking price.
- December 18: Closed, about a month after listing.
- Through January 31: The buyer let Robbie and Karen stay in the house, so they could spend the holidays at home with their kids and move on their own schedule.
Why holiday timing made it easier, not harder
When we asked what turned out easier than expected, their answer was "almost all of it."
- No weeks of holiday showings. The house sold before showings could pile up.
- A serious buyer from day one. Holiday buyers tend to be motivated, so everything moved quickly.
- No choosing between moving and celebrating. Staying through January meant they could enjoy the season at home.
- No double mortgage. With the sale done, Robbie and Karen moved into their new home without a pending sale hanging over them.
A fresh start in the new year
While most sellers spend January getting ready for the spring market, Robbie and Karen were already done.
"It felt like a true fresh start. Nothing was hanging over us. We went into the new year with the sale behind us and could just focus on what came next."
Should you wait until spring to sell?
Not necessarily. Selling in winter often means less competition from other listings and buyers who are ready to move, which can lead to a faster sale and a stronger offer.
Their advice to anyone holding off because of the holidays is simple:
"Don't. The right buyers are out there, and you may end up with less competition and a better result. Mary Cheatham and her team made it easy and kept everything on track during the busiest time of year. We couldn't have asked for a smoother experience."
If you've been waiting for spring, it's worth a conversation now. Reach out to the Mary Cheatham King Real Estate team HERE, and we'll walk you through what your home could do on the Crystal Coast market this holiday season.
Find out what your home could be worth in today's market HERE
Selling a house during the holidays: FAQ
Is it a good time to sell a house in winter?
It can be. Fewer homes are listed in November and December, so yours faces less competition. The buyers still shopping are usually motivated, whether they're relocating for work, chasing a year-end deadline, or ready to settle before the new year.
Should I wait until spring to sell my house?
Not if waiting costs you. If you've already found your next home, spring could mean months of carrying two houses. A holiday listing can get you sold and moved while other sellers are still prepping for spring.
What should I expect when selling a house in November or December?
Expect fewer, more serious showings. Buyers who tour homes during the holidays usually mean business, so things can move quickly once an offer comes in.
Can I stay in my home after closing?
Sometimes. You can negotiate post-closing occupancy, often called a rent-back, with the buyer. Our sellers stayed through January 31st, more than a month after closing, so they could enjoy the holidays at home.
What are the benefits of selling during the holidays?
Less competition, motivated buyers, and a head start on the new year. Your sale can be wrapped up before most sellers have even listed.