Smart Moves: Upsizing or Downsizing Before the New Year

Nov 2025

We are now fully into the holiday season, Halloween has passed, and Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner. Traditionally, this time of year is slower in the real estate world, many buyers and sellers hold off until after the holidays. But what if this slower period is actually an opportunity?

Why This Time of Year Can Be Strategic

For sellers, the push to list before major holidays hit often means you’ll find a motivated buyer more willing to act. For buyers, near-year-end timing allows you to unpack or settle in before the holidays. In both cases, motivations are high and competition can be lower. In fact, national data shows that during the period from October through November, existing-home sales slow, but this can translate into negotiation power.

Moreover, a 2023 analysis by Investopedia noted that homes listed during the holiday season often face less competition, meaning buyers may have an edge—and sellers who list can stand out.

home in the fall

Recognizing Your Home Fit: Upsize or Downsize

Often around holiday gatherings, families realize their current home isn’t a perfect fit. Either the space feels tight with growing children and extended family coming together—or empty nesters realize they’re ready for something simpler. Here’s what each scenario looks like:

Upsizing:

More bedrooms, bathrooms, living space, or a finished basement to accommodate visits, remote work, or entertaining.
A more prominent outdoor space—think yard or deck—for holiday gatherings and family time.

In today’s fall market, you might find fewer competing buyers, which means less pressure and better terms.

Downsizing:

Smaller, more manageable square footage, lower maintenance, and potentially lower utilities/property taxes.
A home that aligns with a new chapter—less space but more freedom, more travel, less upkeep.

Holiday timing helps: motivated sellers, fewer listings, and fewer buyers means more favorable opportunities.
Things To Consider

Time Frame: Do you want to be settled by the holidays or start fresh in the new year?

Goals & Lifestyle: Are you scaling up for family expansion, or streamlining because your lifestyle changed?

Market Conditions: Fall and early winter typically see fewer listings and active buyers—but that can work in your favor. Nationally, homes in October–November have a median days on market of around 41 days (versus 31 days in June).

Negotiation Dynamics: Because many sellers are motivated to close before year-end, there can be more flexibility in terms and timing.

Tax & Financial Timing: Buying or selling before year-end may unlock potential tax benefits or allow you to start the new year ahead of schedule.

Ready to Explore?

Whether you’re thinking about upsizing or downsizing ahead of the holidays (or the new year), we’re ready to walk you through your options. Let’s talk about your goals, timeline, and strategy—and see how this unique season might actually be the perfect time to make your move.