What I Tell Clients Who Reach Out Before Christmas

🎄 What I Tell Clients Who Reach Out Before Christmas

Every year, right before Christmas, I get the same messages:

“Is it too late to look at homes?”
“Should we just wait until after the holidays?”
“Are things basically shut down right now?”

If you’ve asked any of these questions — you’re not behind, and you’re not doing anything wrong. Here’s the honest, practical guidance I share with clients during this week of the year.

🎁 First: You’re Not Late

Reaching out the week before Christmas doesn’t mean you’ve missed your window.

Real estate doesn’t stop in December — it simply slows down. Many professionals (lenders, inspectors, title companies) are still working, just with lighter schedules and limited availability around the holidays.

Translation: Things can move forward, but timelines may be more flexible.

🏡 Second: It’s Okay to Slow Down (Without Stopping Completely)

One of the biggest misconceptions is that you either have to:

• Go full speed, or
• Completely pause your search

In reality, many buyers take a lighter, lower-pressure approach this time of year:

• Monitoring new listings
• Touring selectively
• Having conversations and gathering information
• Planning for early January

This is a very normal and practical way to use the last weeks of the year.

📅 Third: Don’t Expect Instant Everything

The week before Christmas is not the time to expect:

• Same-day inspections
• Immediate appraisals
• Lightning-fast underwriting

And that’s okay.

Transactions that begin in late December often extend into January. That’s common and doesn’t mean something is wrong — it simply reflects holiday schedules.

🤝 Fourth: Sellers Who Are Active Now Are Usually Intentional

Sellers who keep their homes on the market this time of year typically understand that:

• Buyer traffic may be lighter
• Showings may be more selective
• Serious interest still matters

Every seller’s situation is different, but many holiday listings remain active because the seller is open to engagement — not because they’re testing the market casually.

🧠 Fifth: This Week Is About Clarity, Not Pressure

The goal of reaching out the week before Christmas isn’t to force a decision.

It’s to:

• Understand your options
• Clarify timelines
• Know what’s realistic
• Decide whether watching, planning, or acting makes the most sense for you

Sometimes the best move this week is simply getting informed — so January feels calmer and more intentional.

🎄 The Bottom Line

When clients reach out right before Christmas, I don’t tell them to rush — and I don’t tell them to disappear until the New Year.

I help them understand:

• What’s possible right now
• What can wait
• And how to move forward in a way that feels thoughtful, not stressful

That’s true this week — and any week.

✨ If You’re Thinking About Next Steps

Whether you’re just starting to think about buying or already watching the market, it’s okay to reach out — even this week.

📩 DM me anytime if you’d like to talk through options, timelines, or expectations. No pressure — just honest guidance.

Because the best real estate decisions aren’t rushed… they’re informed. 🏡🎄