While the holiday season is traditionally not the most popular time to buy or sell homes, the real estate industry is in motion year-round in the Lowcountry, so looking now might be the best gift for those in the market for a new home.
“The holiday season can be a hidden sweet spot,” said Debra Jadwin, a Realtor with Pam Harrington Exclusives. “Whether you’re buying or selling, strategic timing and the right guidance can help you take advantage of reduced competition and motivated parties on both sides.”
If they have the time, buyers tend to pause their home-buying search until after the New Year when life is not as chaotic, so Jadwin explains that buyers may face fewer competing offers which gives them stronger negotiation power.
A slower holiday season
Tricia Peterson, broker-in-charge at Island Real Estate, explains that the real estate market traditionally cools down between November and mid-January, but listing your home during the holidays might still be a smart strategy.
“There is a significant drop off in real estate listings coming on and also a slow down in buyer activity,” she said. “After the first of the year, more inventory starts to come back on the market. However, in 2025, the market has been a little different. Houses have been sitting on the market longer, and buyers have been on the sidelines due to higher interest rates and low affordability. We have seen a decrease in interest rates, and buyers are looking through minimal inventory.”
In December 2024, for example, there were only nine new listings of single-family detached homes in a total of almost 300 of the same listings for the year.
Melissa Harrington, also a Realtor with Pam Harrington Exclusives, said that this is traditionally a quiet time of year for primary home buyers, mainly because of the busy holiday season.
“However, for the second home buyer or investor, this is a good opportunity to view and get a sense of the market and purchase before the end of the year,” said Harrington. “With time off from work, there may be more last-minute showings and beneficial open house opportunities.”
Realtor Cortney Franklin, who also represents the locally-owned real estate agency Pam Harrington Exclusives, encourages buyers to take advantage of off-peak viewing. However, she reminds buyers that holiday plans can affect timelines for negotiations or closing, so maintaining flexibility can be advantageous.
“Many families are busy with holiday activities, leading to fewer showings,” she said. “This presents an opportunity to view homes without the pressure of competing buyers.”
The inventory has been low over the past few years, but the good news is that Harrington says that now there are more choices on the market, and sellers are negotiating.
“If you are in the market, look and see how long a property has been sitting,” she advises. “Either it was overpriced or has ‘warts.’ Every day we are seeing price reductions — so make an offer.”
Once you find a home that piques your interest and you do want to make an offer, it’s time to look at it more closely, just like you would at any other time of year. Therefore, Franklin says to inspect the home with a seasonal lens. Although Charleston winters aren’t typically harsh, it’s important to know that your prospective home can handle cold nights or rare snowstorms.
“Pay attention to how homes perform during winter months,” says Franklin. “Check for heating systems, insulation efficiencies, and exposure to potential weather conditions.”
It might seem that the real estate market is always about fast sales, but during the holiday time, it might be possible to slow down your decision-making time.
“Use the slower pace of the season to thoroughly consider your options,” said Franklin. “Take time to reflect on what you want in a home and ensure that it fits your long-term goals. Determine your preferred method of purchasing the property and arrange your financing in advance. And finally, always evaluate the long-term value of any property you’re interested in to ensure it’s the right choice for you.”
“Lender and inspectors often tend to have a lighter schedule during the holiday season, so the process may be smoother and quicker,” Jadwin added.
Sellers: Stay flexible
When it comes to being available for showings, it’s important to be flexible for buyers who are interested in taking a peek, especially because of their busy holiday schedules.
“Be open to last-minute showings,” Harrington said. “Even if your house is full of guests and the oven is going. You have to be flexible if you want to sell. It’s not about your time, and the more showings you have, the more possibilities of selling.”
Keep in mind that those who are searching for homes aren’t just casually browsing either.
“Fewer people are casually browsing during the holidays, so the buyers looking may tend to be highly motivated and serious buyers,” said Jadwin. “Because there also tends to be fewer listings on the market, your home may stand out.”
“People looking at homes in December tend to be relocating for work, or planning ahead for the new year, and are motivated by timing,” Tyler added. “These are not ‘tire kickers.’ Sellers should expect fewer showings in December, but when your house does show, these are generally serious buyers. Holiday buyers are educated and decisive. Homes in Charleston that ‘feel’ over-priced often get passed by until January or February. A strategic, realistic price always wins.”
Be positive and patient
If a buyer puts a bid on a home, it’s accepted, and the closing is around the holidays, Tyler advises to have the to-do list completed in advance because someone integral to your transaction is likely on vacation.
“Don’t wait to coordinate the inspector, surveyor, lender, attorney, insurance, contractor, yard, maintenance, etc.,” he said.
Most importantly, Franklin reminds buyers and sellers to stay positive and patient.
“Understand that the market may slow down; maintain a positive attitude and be patient throughout the selling process,” she said.