Every year around this time, the same question starts popping up in my texts, emails and casual conversations:
Should I list my home during the holidays or wait for the spring market?
It is a fair question. When your holiday to-do list already feels as long and heavy as Jacob Marley’s chain, the idea of packing, staging and keeping the house show-ready can feel like too much. But the truth is, the holiday season behaves very differently in St. Louis than most people expect.
Here are the answers to the questions homeowners are asking right now.
- Q: Do homes really sell during the holidays?
- A: Yes. They genuinely do.
- While national headlines talk about slowdowns, St. Louis does not hit pause in December. Our buyers are real people with real needs. Job relocations, school timelines, lease expirations and major life changes do not wait for warm weather.
- Holiday buyers may be fewer in number, but they are often more serious. They are not browsing. They are buying.
- Q: Are there fewer buyers this time of year?
- A: Slightly fewer, but they tend to be stronger buyers.
- Anyone touring homes in December is not doing it for fun. They are motivated, focused and ready to move. These buyers often write cleaner, more decisive offers because they have a timeline to honor.
- Fewer showings does not mean fewer opportunities. Often, it means fewer distractions and higher quality conversations.
- Q: Are there fewer homes for buyers to choose from?
- A: Yes, and that can be a real advantage for you.
- Many sellers assume everyone waits until spring, which means plenty of homeowners sit on the sidelines. With inventory already tight in St. Louis, a well-prepared home can stand out beautifully during the holidays.
- Less competition means more eyes on your listing and a stronger position when the right buyer comes along.
- Q: Won’t my house look cluttered with holiday décor?
- A: Not if you keep it intentional.
- A tasteful wreath, a simple garland or a clean, styled mantle can make your home feel warm and welcoming. Buyers respond well to homes that feel inviting without feeling crowded.
- What you do not want is a home that looks like Party City threw up inside.
- Too much décor distracts buyers from your square footage, natural light and layout. Oversized inflatables, heavy themes or crowded surfaces make it harder for buyers to imagine their own life in the home.
- Keep the meaningful touches. Remove the excess.
- Q: What if my holiday décor includes religious items like a nativity or menorah?
- A: It is perfectly fine in moderation.
- Buyers are generally respectful of personal traditions, especially when the décor is thoughtful and curated. A menorah on the mantle or a nativity in a designated spot is not going to send buyers running.
- Where it becomes distracting is when the décor dominates the space or overshadows the home itself.
- A good rule of thumb is simple.
If the décor feels personal and intentional, keep it.
If it feels like the house revolves around the décor, simplify.
- Q: Are there winter weather issues I should think about?
- A: Yes. A little planning makes a big difference.
St. Louis weather keeps everyone guessing, so prepare for cold snaps and surprise storms. A few easy steps help buyers enter comfortably and safely:
- Salt walkways and stairs
- Use sturdy mats inside and outside
- Keep a towel handy to wipe melting snow
- Set up a place for wet shoes or boots
- Check floors for slippery spots between showings
- A clean, easy entryway sets the tone. Buyers notice.
- Q: Is it true that I will get more money in the spring?
- A: Not necessarily.
- Spring does bring more buyers, but it also brings more listings. More competition means buyers have options, and your home has to work harder to stand out.
- During the holidays, motivated buyers meet limited inventory. That mix often creates strong opportunities for sellers, especially for well-prepared homes.
- Value comes from condition and pricing strategy, not the calendar month.
- Q: What about my holiday schedule? I cannot drop everything for showings.
- A: You do not need to.
- The beauty of this season is that buyers understand life is happening. Scheduling can be structured around:
- Grouped showing windows
- Set blocks of time
- Blackout days for events
- Clear access expectations
- You can enjoy your holidays and sell your home without feeling pulled in every direction.
- Q: So who is the best fit for selling in the holiday market?
- A: Homeowners who want less competition and more intentional buyers.
This season is ideal for:
- Those relocating or starting a new chapter in early 2026
- Sellers whose homes show well with warm lighting and seasonal mood
- People who want to avoid the spring listing rush
- Anyone whose home is already well-maintained and ready to shine
If waiting until spring feels like a delay rather than a strategy, it may be time to act.
Selling during the holidays is not for everyone, but it is far more successful and manageable than most people imagine. A quiet calendar does not mean a weak market, especially not in St. Louis.
If you are weighing whether to list now or wait until spring, I would love to talk through your options and help you choose the path that fits your life, your goals and your timeline.
Karen Moeller
🌐 STLKaren.com
📧 Karen.McNeill@STLRE.com
📞 314.678.7866
About the Author:
Karen Moeller, REALTOR® and St. Louis Real Estate News writer, holds AHWD, SRES®, and ABR® designations. Her renovation & rental background helps clients navigate the St. Louis market with confidence.
