Every year about this time, we hear the same thing from homeowners in West Des Moines and across the Des Moines metro: "We'll wait until spring to list. Nobody buys a house during the holidays."
It sounds sensible — but it's one of the biggest myths in real estate. The truth is, November through January can be one of the smartest windows of the year to sell. Here's why.
- Your home has less competition
Most sellers do wait for spring, which means the homes that are on the market right now stand out. Fewer listings means your home isn't one of forty similar options in Waukee, Urbandale, or Johnston — it might be one of a handful. Less competition often means stronger offers and a faster sale. - Holiday buyers are serious buyers
Nobody tours homes in an Iowa winter just for something to do. People looking this time of year usually have a reason: a job relocation, a new position starting in January, a growing family, or a life change that won't wait for warmer weather. Motivated buyers make cleaner offers and smoother closings. - Your home shows at its best
Homes feel warm and inviting during the holidays — soft lighting, a wreath on the door, the smell of something good in the kitchen. Buyers don't just evaluate a house this time of year; they picture their own family celebrating in it. That emotional connection is hard to create in any other season. - You stay in control of the timing
Listing now doesn't mean moving on Christmas Eve. We can set showing windows around your family plans, and closing dates are negotiable — many holiday sellers list in November or December and close in January, starting the new year with the sale behind them.
A few tips if you list this season
- Keep decorations simple and tasteful — a wreath and some warm lighting go further than a yard full of inflatables.
- Keep walkways and the driveway clear of snow and ice, and turn the lights on for evening showings.
- Make it comfortable — a warm home on a cold day feels like exactly that: home.
- Price it right from day one — serious buyers are watching new listings closely, and a well-priced home gets their attention fast.
The bottom line
While everyone else is waiting for spring, the sellers who list during the holidays get the attention of the most motivated buyers of the year — with a fraction of the competition. If a move is in your plans for 2027, getting ahead of the spring rush might be the smartest move you make.
Thinking about it? Mitch & Sheila Dunn with RE/MAX Precision would be glad to walk through what your home could sell for in today's market — no pressure, just a straight answer. Reach out anytime through Dunn-Realtors.com.
— Mitch & Sheila Dunn, RE/MAX Precision