Pros & Cons of Listing Property End of Year

Dallas, Texas
Rehabbing & House Flipping
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Pros & Cons of Listing Property End of Year

Kay Sam
Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes

Hey all!! Looking for input on the Pros and Cons of listing a SFH at the end of year. I'm hoping to get into a deal and have it rehabbed ready to go by end of November! However, going into it, I want to manage my expectations for listing during the holidays. I have to get a property rn, otherwise some cash I have tied up will be lost.

That said, does selling a house at the end of the year have more hurdles than usual? Are sales slower etc.? 

What do I need to be aware of as a newer investor with listing at end of the year?

Thanks in advance!!

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Scott Chilton
Real Estate Broker · Belmont, MA · Member since 2025 · 150 posts · 65 votes
1y

Kay, selling toward the end of the year can still work out well if you plan it right. The main challenge is that buyer activity tends to slow a bit during the holidays, but the good part is that the buyers who are still looking are usually serious and ready to close fast. If your rehab is clean, priced right, and shows well, you can still get strong offers. You might also face less competition since many sellers wait until spring. The key is to price smart and stage it to stand out. That can help you move the property faster and protect your returns even in a quieter season.

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  • Ricardo R.Pro Member
    Property Manager · Michigan Ctr, MI · Member since 2016 · 663 posts · 581 votes
    1y

    Hey Kay,

    Good question — and props for planning ahead. Listing at the end of the year definitely has some quirks, but it’s not all bad.

    Pros:

    • Less competition — fewer homes hit the market around the holidays, so your listing can stand out.

    • Buyers looking in December are usually serious (relocations, tax timing, year-end closings).

    • Contractors and stagers are easier to schedule right before winter slows them down.

    Cons:

    • Foot traffic slows — fewer casual buyers touring.

    • Weather can kill curb appeal depending on your market (gray skies, snow, etc.).

    • People mentally check out around Thanksgiving through New Year, so marketing has to work harder.

    If you finish rehab by end of November, I’d list right away. Just make the photos warm and inviting — lights on, holiday-neutral décor, and keep the place looking move-in ready. If it doesn’t get traction by mid-December, hold off on price cuts and relaunch it strong in January when buyer activity spikes again.

    My advice: it’s not the worst time to sell — just manage expectations and focus on standing out when everyone else is hibernating; Kay I really hope this helps you, seeing a pro/cons list usually helps me, I sent you DM on BP... it's one of the reasons I do this, I hope you can assist. Thank you.

    [email protected]810-844-1104
    2Reply
    • Kay Sam
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Ricardo R.:

      Hey Kay,

      Good question — and props for planning ahead. Listing at the end of the year definitely has some quirks, but it’s not all bad.

      Pros:

      • Less competition — fewer homes hit the market around the holidays, so your listing can stand out.

      • Buyers looking in December are usually serious (relocations, tax timing, year-end closings).

      • Contractors and stagers are easier to schedule right before winter slows them down.

      Cons:

      • Foot traffic slows — fewer casual buyers touring.

      • Weather can kill curb appeal depending on your market (gray skies, snow, etc.).

      • People mentally check out around Thanksgiving through New Year, so marketing has to work harder.

      If you finish rehab by end of November, I’d list right away. Just make the photos warm and inviting — lights on, holiday-neutral décor, and keep the place looking move-in ready. If it doesn’t get traction by mid-December, hold off on price cuts and relaunch it strong in January when buyer activity spikes again.

      My advice: it’s not the worst time to sell — just manage expectations and focus on standing out when everyone else is hibernating; Kay I really hope this helps you, seeing a pro/cons list usually helps me, I sent you DM on BP... it's one of the reasons I do this, I hope you can assist. Thank you.


       Thanks Ricardo! I'll check it out.

      1Reply
  • Scott Chilton
    Real Estate Broker · Belmont, MA · Member since 2025 · 150 posts · 65 votes
    1y

    Kay, selling toward the end of the year can still work out well if you plan it right. The main challenge is that buyer activity tends to slow a bit during the holidays, but the good part is that the buyers who are still looking are usually serious and ready to close fast. If your rehab is clean, priced right, and shows well, you can still get strong offers. You might also face less competition since many sellers wait until spring. The key is to price smart and stage it to stand out. That can help you move the property faster and protect your returns even in a quieter season.

    3Reply
    • Kay Sam
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Scott Chilton:

      Kay, selling toward the end of the year can still work out well if you plan it right. The main challenge is that buyer activity tends to slow a bit during the holidays, but the good part is that the buyers who are still looking are usually serious and ready to close fast. If your rehab is clean, priced right, and shows well, you can still get strong offers. You might also face less competition since many sellers wait until spring. The key is to price smart and stage it to stand out. That can help you move the property faster and protect your returns even in a quieter season.


       Hi Scott!!  I'd be trying to do the rehab a little lighter and maybe not super high end finishes.  From what I've been seeing, it seems like 50/50 of the remodeled houses in DFW area are high end finishes and some not.  How do you think formica countertops would go over? Not the best?

      0Reply
  • Dan H.Pro Member
    Investor · Poway, CA · Member since 2015 · 7k+ posts · 8k+ votes
    1y

    Not only do sales fall in the winter months, but so does price.  The actual price decline varies from year to year but I question if there has ever been I higher national average sales price in December than the following April.   At a minimum, it would be rare.

    I recommend you avoid placing a flip on the market in late November or December.  I recognize you have holding costs, but I suspect the price differential will more than cover the additional carrying costs.

    Good luck

    2Reply
  • Jules Aton
    MD/DC · Member since 2024 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    I have frequently watched and waited until the week after Thanksgiving to make an offer with excellent results. My guess is if you are estimating late November completion it will probably be December. I would hold until after Jan 1st when market-at least in my area- tends to pick up. As for finishes in a resale you should definitely ask your Realtor prior to going with Formica. Best wishes. 

    0Reply
  • Milena Garcia
    Member since 2022 · 11 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    I agree with what others have said - while I haven't been doing this as long as some, I've listed flips toward the end of the year for the past two years and successfully sold each time. Good luck!

    0Reply
  • Peter MckernanBusiness Member
    Residential Real Estate Agent · Irvine, CA · Member since 2013 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    These seasons of real estate is real after 2020-2021. During that phase of real estate just list it and it will sell. Now the seasons are really hitting all of the markets. Sales are slower, prices decline a little bit (they have already declined a lot due to the market/inventory). 

    I would think about still listing because, yes spring is a way better national and local market average in sales prices; however, holding it increase your hold time for 3-5 months, and that would hurt the ROI. I would even suggest to list a little lower, or be prepared to drop the price quickly with no offers. This sets the tone for getting a sold sign in the yard for the house, and getting to the next flip.

    What I would do is calculate the holding costs from December 1 to March 1 and see what that is for amount of cash lost, and then be prepared to take that hit in price if you need to get it sold. The cycle of money in flips is key, so I would go to list and then reduce if need or go into the market a little less than expected.

    One thing, go back last year and the year before in your market and look at DOM for the market to see what you could expect in December/Jan for market time. 

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    • Kay Sam
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Peter Mckernan:

      These seasons of real estate is real after 2020-2021. During that phase of real estate just list it and it will sell. Now the seasons are really hitting all of the markets. Sales are slower, prices decline a little bit (they have already declined a lot due to the market/inventory). 

      I would think about still listing because, yes spring is a way better national and local market average in sales prices; however, holding it increase your hold time for 3-5 months, and that would hurt the ROI. I would even suggest to list a little lower, or be prepared to drop the price quickly with no offers. This sets the tone for getting a sold sign in the yard for the house, and getting to the next flip.

      What I would do is calculate the holding costs from December 1 to March 1 and see what that is for amount of cash lost, and then be prepared to take that hit in price if you need to get it sold. The cycle of money in flips is key, so I would go to list and then reduce if need or go into the market a little less than expected.

      One thing, go back last year and the year before in your market and look at DOM for the market to see what you could expect in December/Jan for market time. 


       That's a great idea to go back & look at last year's DOM for Dec/Jan!  Thanks.

      0Reply
  • Andy Gonzales
    Residential Real Estate Broker · Poway, CA · Member since 2017 · 73 posts · 23 votes
    1y

    Selling at the end of the year can definitely work, but buyer activity does tend to slow down a bit with the holidays. For a newer investor, the key is to price competitively, have your listing and marketing ready early, and be flexible with showings since schedules can get tricky. It’s a good opportunity to stand out with less competition, but just be realistic with your timeline and expectations.

    0Reply
    • Kay Sam
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Andy Gonzales:

      Selling at the end of the year can definitely work, but buyer activity does tend to slow down a bit with the holidays. For a newer investor, the key is to price competitively, have your listing and marketing ready early, and be flexible with showings since schedules can get tricky. It’s a good opportunity to stand out with less competition, but just be realistic with your timeline and expectations.


       Thanks Andy!  Pricing competively seems to be the key!

      0Reply
  • Chris Forbush
    Investor · Member since 2023 · 66 posts · 37 votes
    1y

    Thank you for posting this Kay. I am a beginner investor myself here in Utah, working towards my first deal, which will be a small multi family property in Salt Lake County. 

    I'm not one to give advice on things I don't know about so I'm here to learn. I hope the feedback you're getting from other, experienced investors will be helpful and I wish you the very best of luck. 

    I'm looking forward to learning how this works out for you. 

    Thank you once again for posting this and have a great weekend! 

    1Reply
  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Agent · Columbia, SC · Member since 2022 · 41 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    Hi @Kay Sam,

    The market does tend to move a bit slower during the holidays, mostly because people get distracted with travel and family plans. That said, serious buyers are still out there actively searching during that time.

    The key is to price the property properly and make it stand out. Make sure it has curb appeal, the necessary interior updates, and features that draw potential buyers in. Even during the holidays, well-presented, move-in-ready homes can still sell quickly, especially when inventory is tight.

    1Reply
    • Kay Sam
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Account Closed:

      Hi @Kay Sam,

      The market does tend to move a bit slower during the holidays, mostly because people get distracted with travel and family plans. That said, serious buyers are still out there actively searching during that time.

      The key is to price the property properly and make it stand out. Make sure it has curb appeal, the necessary interior updates, and features that draw potential buyers in. Even during the holidays, well-presented, move-in-ready homes can still sell quickly, especially when inventory is tight.


       I am starting to hear the same thing about making sure finishes are top-notch and priced right. Thanks for your feedback!

      0Reply
  • Account Closed
    Real Estate Agent · Columbia, SC · Member since 2022 · 41 posts · 14 votes
    1y

    You're welcome!

    0Reply
  • Diego AlvaradoBusiness Member
    Real Estate Agent · Flower Mound, TX · Member since 2016 · 298 posts · 140 votes
    1y

    Hi @Kay Sam

    The housing market is currently in a unique phase, and this month's activity will be a crucial indicator. While the DFW area has recently seen an increase in buyer interest, this has not yet translated into a significant reduction in available inventory.

    Ultimately, your property's value will depend on its specific location and the demand within that neighborhood. My recommendation is to list your property before Thanksgiving, as this is a key period when buyers' focus typically shifts toward the holidays.

    [email protected]214-833-8911
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    0Reply
    • Kay Sam
      OP
      Member since 2025 · 123 posts · 41 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Diego Alvarado:

      Hi @Kay Sam

      The housing market is currently in a unique phase, and this month's activity will be a crucial indicator. While the DFW area has recently seen an increase in buyer interest, this has not yet translated into a significant reduction in available inventory.

      Ultimately, your property's value will depend on its specific location and the demand within that neighborhood. My recommendation is to list your property before Thanksgiving, as this is a key period when buyers' focus typically shifts toward the holidays.


       Hi! What would you look for in this month's activity as a crucial indicator?  

      Thanks!

      0Reply
    • Diego AlvaradoBusiness Member
      Real Estate Agent · Flower Mound, TX · Member since 2016 · 298 posts · 140 votes
      1y
      Quote from @Kay Sam:
      Quote from @Diego Alvarado:

      Hi @Kay Sam

      The housing market is currently in a unique phase, and this month's activity will be a crucial indicator. While the DFW area has recently seen an increase in buyer interest, this has not yet translated into a significant reduction in available inventory.

      Ultimately, your property's value will depend on its specific location and the demand within that neighborhood. My recommendation is to list your property before Thanksgiving, as this is a key period when buyers' focus typically shifts toward the holidays.


       Hi! What would you look for in this month's activity as a crucial indicator?  

      Thanks!

      You have to look at the inventory and what kind of market is in that particular neighborhood/subdivision/city.
      There isn't one fit all indicator. There are many variables that we have to take in mind depending on the location, local market, house conditions and price.
      [email protected]214-833-8911
      Alvarado Realty Group522 Reviews
      WebsiteView Page
      0Reply
  • Marcus Auerbach
    Investor · Milwaukee - Mequon, WI · Member since 2010 · 5k+ posts · 7k+ votes
    1y

    The holiday season is definitely the worst time to sell a house. 

    Just look It always takes a little longer, so you'll probably wrap up a month later anyway and the beginning of January is already so much better, because people make plans to buy a house "next year" and "after the holiday"- you can see it in the data: guess when the lows happen every year. 

    Nice price consolidation BTW..

    0Reply
  • Basit SiddiqiBusiness Member
    Accountant · New York, NY · Member since 2015 · 8k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    Less people are moving or looking at houses at the end of the year. More people are focused on celebrating the holidays(which costs money).

    People are less likely to want to move their child out of their school in the middle of the year.

    Can you sell a home at the end of the year - yes. You may just get less than you wanted / expected.

    I normally wait to the end of the year to get the best deals on an investment property.

    [email protected]917-280-8544
    Basit Siddiqi CPA4.880 Reviews
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