There's an old rule of thumb that says nobody sells a house between Thanksgiving and New Year's. Take the sign down, wait for spring, try again when the azaleas bloom.
We've been selling homes in the Oklahoma City metro since 1987, and we can tell you that rule is only half true. Selling your home during the holidays does change a few things. But plenty of homes go under contract in November and December, and the sellers who do well are the ones who know exactly what's different and plan for it.
Here's what actually changes, what doesn't, and how to decide if a holiday listing makes sense for you.
What changes: fewer buyers, but more serious ones
Yes, there are fewer people house-hunting in December than in May. The National Association of REALTORS® says activity is typically less robust from December through February because of the holidays and the weather.
But NAR also points out that winter buyers are typically motivated. They're moving for a new job, a growing family, or some other deadline that doesn't care what's on the calendar.
That lines up with what we see. The person touring your home on December 12 isn't browsing for fun. They gave up a Saturday of holiday shopping to be there.
NAR's economists found the same pattern in the national numbers. Historically, existing-home sales tick up about 3.9% from November to December, even in the middle of the winter slowdown. They point to year-end tax planning, January job relocations, and families who want their kids to start the new school semester in a new home.
What changes: less competition from other sellers
Here's the part most sellers miss. Buyers slow down in the winter, but sellers slow down even more.
According to that same NAR analysis, December is usually the month with the fewest homes for sale all year nationally, with inventory dropping roughly 9.4% from November to December.
We see a similar rhythm in Oklahoma. In the statewide reports from Oklahoma REALTORS®, January 2026 had the fewest listings of the year so far, at 20,620. By July that number had climbed to 26,381.
Fewer listings means your home has a better shot at standing out to the buyers who are looking. In spring, it's one of many. In December, it might be one of a handful in its price range and area.
Figures are statewide from the Oklahoma REALTORS® / RPR® monthly reports, not metro-only.
What changes: shorter days and colder weather
Daylight saving time ended on November 1, so it's dark before dinner for the rest of the year. That matters for showings.
A few simple fixes go a long way:
Turn on every light before a showing, including lamps, under-cabinet lights, and the porch light.
Replace burned-out bulbs inside and out, especially along the front walk.
Keep the house comfortably warm. A chilly house feels empty and uninviting.
Plan for ice. Keep a bag of ice melt by the door so the driveway and steps are safe if a winter storm rolls through.
Listing photos matter even more in the winter, because more buyers do their first round of house-hunting from the couch. If your photos were taken in July with a green lawn, great. If not, our photo tips cover how to get your home camera-ready in any season.
What changes: decorating
You don't have to skip the holidays to sell your home. A little warmth actually helps buyers picture themselves celebrating there.
The key is restraint. Think "cozy," not "the whole North Pole."
Keep it simple. A wreath on the door, a tree that doesn't block a window or walkway, and a few touches of greenery.
Don't hide the house. Buyers need to see the fireplace, the built-ins, and the size of the living room.
Keep religious and very personal decor light. You want every buyer to feel at home.
Be careful with candles. The National Fire Protection Association says candles started about half of home decoration fires in December. Battery-operated candles look just as nice and are a much safer choice in a home with people touring it.
Take it down promptly after the holidays so January photos and showings don't look dated.
What changes: your timeline and closing date
This one gets overlooked. Lenders, title companies, appraisers, and inspectors all take time off around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's. Thanksgiving falls on November 26 this year, and Christmas Day is a Friday.
If you go under contract in late November or December, build a little cushion into your closing date. Talk with your agent about realistic deadlines for inspections and appraisals, and don't schedule your move for December 24 unless you love stress.
It's also smart to decide up front how flexible you can be with showings around holiday gatherings. Most buyers understand if you block off Thanksgiving Day. They're a lot less understanding if the house is off-limits for two weeks.
What doesn't change: pricing still decides everything
Holiday buyers are serious, and serious buyers have done their homework. They know what similar homes sold for, and an overpriced listing is easy for them to skip.
Pricing it right from day one matters even more in the winter, because you have fewer total buyers and you want every one of them to take a look. A home that sits through the holidays can carry a "what's wrong with it?" question into the spring market.
Not sure where your number should be? Start with a free home value report, then let us walk you through what's actually selling near you.
Should you wait until spring instead?
Sometimes, yes. If your home needs real work, or you have no reason to move before summer, waiting can be the right call.
Just remember that you won't be the only one waiting. In the Oklahoma REALTORS® reports, statewide listings climbed from 20,620 in January 2026 to 26,196 by May. Spring brings more buyers, and it also brings a lot more competition.
If you need to sell soon, the holidays can be a quiet advantage. And if you need to buy your next home before this one sells, our Guaranteed Sale Program is built for exactly that situation. You can shop with confidence instead of juggling two moves.
Let's talk about your timing
Every seller's situation is different, and there's no one "right" season for everyone. The right time to sell is the one that fits your life.
Homes listed with the Kerr Team sell for an average of 4.1% more than homes listed with other agents, based on MLS data (individual results may vary). We'd love to show you how we'd market your home this winter, holiday lights and all. Visit our sellers page or call the Kerr Team at (405) 330-3000 to start the conversation.
Happy holidays from all of us at the Kerr Team!
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Call or text us at 405-330-3000 (OKC Metro) or 918-999-6000 (Tulsa Metro) with the address of your home. You'll answer a few questions about your home, and an appointment will be set with one of our experts to meet you at your home and get you a Guaranteed Sale Price.
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Absolutely! Think of the Guaranteed Sale Program as an insurance policy, so you never end up with two mortgage payments.
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One of our experts will come to look at your home before a price is agreed upon. The price will be agreed upon upfront, and won't change.
