Admin

Should You Sell Before the Holidays or Wait Until 2026??

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Bend Premier Real Estate 200009031

As the holidays approach, many Bend homeowners find themselves asking the same question: Should I list my home now or wait until after the New Year?
The truth is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer—but there are compelling reasons to consider making your move before the year ends.

Why Selling Before the Holidays Can Work in Your Favor

  1. Motivated Buyers Are Still Looking
    Not everyone slows down for the season. Many buyers in Bend are relocating for work, making year-end moves to take advantage of tax benefits, or finally finding time to focus on their home search during the holidays. These buyers are serious—and they're often ready to make strong offers.
  2. Less Competition Means More Attention
    Inventory in Central Oregon typically dips during November and December. Fewer listings mean your home can stand out more easily, especially with warm, inviting photos and a well-staged presentation that captures the cozy, winter charm of Bend living.
  3. Homes Feel More Inviting This Time of Year
    Holiday décor, crackling fireplaces, and mountain views dusted with snow can make a home feel especially appealing. With professional photography and subtle, tasteful staging, you can tap into buyers' emotions and help them picture themselves spending their next holiday season here.

Reasons to Wait Until After the New Year

  1. Broader Buyer Pool
    Spring and early summer tend to attract the largest number of buyers in Bend. If you can wait, listing in late January or February can capture renewed demand as people refocus after the holidays.
  2. Easier Logistics
    Between holiday travel, school schedules, and weather, showing your home can be trickier during November and December. If flexibility or convenience is key, early spring may be a smoother timeline.

The Bottom Line

If you're ready to sell, don't assume the holidays are a bad time. With low competition and highly motivated buyers, late-year listings often achieve excellent results—especially when priced and marketed strategically. However, if your home will show best in spring light or requires prep work, waiting until January might be the better call.

Thinking About Selling in Bend?

Every property and situation is different. If you'd like a custom market analysis and timing strategy for your home, we'd be happy to help you evaluate the pros and cons based on current Central Oregon market trends.

Comments(7)

Show All Comments Sort:
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Thanks for sharing and enjoy your upcoming weekend! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Nov 06, 2025 11:02 AM
Lynnea Miller

Same to you, Bill! Hope your weekend is warm and sunny.

Nov 06, 2025 01:00 PM
Ellie McIntire
Ellicott City Clarksville Howard County Maryland Real Estate - Ellicott City, MD
Luxury service in Central Maryland

Great insights, Lynnea! 🌟 Love the reminder that motivated buyers are still active during the holidays—and that Bend’s winter charm can make homes shine!

Nov 06, 2025 12:28 PM
Lynnea Miller

Thanks for checking in, Ellie! I appreciate it.

Nov 06, 2025 12:59 PM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Hi Lynnea Miller - I love your Feature Photo! There are strong incentives to list now and there are drawbacks too. I guess it all depends after you lay out all the facts and let the Seller's decide. I can't find any reason for or against. 

 

Nov 06, 2025 05:51 PM
Jeff Masich-Scottsdale AZ Associate Broker,MBA,GRI
HomeSmart Real Estate - Scottsdale, AZ
Arizona Homes and Land Group/ Buy or Sell

I say SELL. In Arizona we have a lot of winter visitors in that are thinking of moving to Arizona from the colder climes. Jeff

Nov 06, 2025 07:26 PM
June Piper-Brandon
Coldwell Banker Realty - Baltimore, MD
Creating Generational Wealth Through Homeownership

I have always said there has never been a better time to sell than right now. Anyone buying now is definitely motivated

Nov 06, 2025 08:58 PM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Lynnea... I am not one of those who discourages people from selling during the holiday season. Some of my busiest seasons in many years have been from mid-November to end of December.

Nov 07, 2025 05:06 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

The ultimate birthday or Christmas gift would be a new home, and you list some good reasons to purchase before the holidays!

Nov 07, 2025 06:12 AM