Should You Sell Your Home During the Holidays?

Is listing your home during the holiday season in Greater St. Louis a smart move or a risk?

The short version: Yes, there are meaningful advantages to selling around the holidays in St. Louis—especially given current market trends—but you also face some trade-offs you'll want to weigh carefully.

Why Timing Still Matters in a Shifting Market

In the St. Louis metro area, the local housing market has shown strong price appreciation, even in the winter months. For example:

• In December 2024, the median sold price was $260,000, up about 9.2% from the previous December.

• Homes are still selling relatively quickly: single-family homes in St. Louis County spent a median of just 10 days on the market from June 2023 through June 2024.

• Inventory is lower during the holiday season, which means less competition for your listing.

That all adds up to this: if your home is market-ready and priced well, listing in the holiday season could give you a solid edge.

✅ Pros of Selling During the Holidays

1. Less Competition from Other Sellers

Many homeowners wait until spring to list, so the market tends to be less crowded around the holidays. That gives your home a better chance to stand out—especially in a low-inventory area like Greater St. Louis.

2. More Motivated Buyers

Buyers who are active during the holidays usually have a reason to move fast: job transfers, major life changes, or a desire to settle in before the new year. That urgency could work in your favor.

3. Steady Price Growth

Despite slower activity in winter months, prices continue to rise. December 2024 saw nearly a 10% increase in home values compared to the previous year. That means you're not sacrificing profit by listing now.

4. Your Home Can Shine

With fewer homes on the market and the right prep, your listing could get more attention. Cozy staging and quality photos can help your home feel inviting during the colder months.

⚠️ Cons of Selling During the Holidays

1. Fewer Buyers in the Market

While buyers are more motivated, there are fewer of them. If you're hoping for a bidding war, you might have better luck in spring or summer.

2. Scheduling Showings Can Be Tricky

Between holiday travel, shorter daylight hours, and unpredictable weather, showing your home can be more complicated this time of year.

3. Closing Logistics May Be Slower

Lenders, title companies, and other vendors often have limited hours during the holidays. That could delay your closing timeline.

4. Presentation Matters More

Homes that sit during the holidays often do so because they weren’t priced correctly or didn’t show well. With fewer buyers, you can't afford to miss the mark on staging, marketing, or photography.

Smart Tips for Holiday Home Sellers

If you're thinking about listing now, here's how to make it work:

• Start early: Get photos and staging done before decorations go up.

• Price it right: Don't overprice based on spring market expectations.

• Be flexible with showings: Buyers may want to see your home outside of normal hours.

• Create a cozy vibe: Think warm lighting, seasonal scents, and a clean, clutter-free space.

• Plan for next steps: If you don't sell before New Year's, be ready to re-energize your listing in January with fresh marketing.

Final Takeaway

Selling your home during the holidays in Greater St. Louis can be a smart, strategic move—if you're prepared. You'll face less competition, attract more motivated buyers, and tap into a market that continues to see steady price growth. But it also means making sure your home is priced right, well-presented, and easy to show, even in a busier season of life.

Let's Talk Strategy

Curious whether a holiday-season sale is the right move for your home? Let’s talk. I’ll help you review your goals, market timing, and what a sale could look like this season—or help you prepare for a strong launch after the holidays.