Why Thanksgiving Week Is One of the Most Unexpectedly Active Times in Arizona Real Estate

🦃 Why Thanksgiving Week Is One of the Most Unexpectedly Active Times in Arizona Real Estate

Most people assume Thanksgiving week is when the real estate market takes a nap — pies in the oven, football on TV, and house hunting temporarily on pause.

But here in Arizona?
It’s one of the sneakiest, busiest, and most opportunity-filled weeks of the entire year.

As a full-time Arizona realtor (and your resident Waterston expert), this is the week I see some of the most motivated buyers, the most serious relocation activity, and more showing requests than you’d expect for a holiday.

Let’s talk about why.

1. Out-of-State Visitors Fall in Love With Arizona in November

Thanksgiving brings in thousands of visitors from colder climates — and the moment they walk outside into our 70-degree sunshine, something shifts.

They tour neighborhoods with family.
They peek at Zillow after Thanksgiving dinner.
They realize they want this lifestyle.

I can’t tell you how many clients started with:
“We were visiting family in Gilbert/Chandler/Queen Creek last Thanksgiving… and we just knew.”

Arizona weather sells Arizona real estate. And Thanksgiving is the opening act.

2. Job Transfers Start Heating Up (Hello, January Relocations)

This is the time when HR departments start finalizing:

• Executive relocations
• Medical hires (especially for Mayo, Banner, Dignity)
• Corporate transfers
• Promotions requiring a January start date

These buyers aren’t browsing — they’re buying. And they want a home locked in before January.

Thanksgiving week is often when they fly in to scout neighborhoods like:

• Waterston
• Morrison Ranch
• Layton Lakes
• Agritopia
• Chandler’s Pegasus/Val Vista Lakes
• Scottsdale corridor communities

They’re driven, decisive, and ready.

3. Snowbird Season Quietly Boosts Demand

Winter visitors arrive right around Thanksgiving.

And while many aren’t buying immediately, their presence increases:

• Showing traffic
• Turnover in desirable 55+ communities
• Word-of-mouth referrals
• Family members visiting East Valley neighborhoods

More people in town = more interest in real estate. It’s math.

4. Sellers Face Less Competition During the Holidays

Here’s what Arizona homeowners don’t realize:

Most people wait until January to list.

Which means… Thanksgiving week sellers get:

• Less competing inventory
• More eyes on their listing
• More urgency from buyers
• Better negotiating power

Your home becomes a standout when everyone else is waiting.

If you’ve been thinking about selling in Waterston (or anywhere in Gilbert/Chandler/Queen Creek/Scottsdale), this is actually one of the most strategic times to do it.

5. Buyers Touring During Thanksgiving Are the Serious Ones

Holiday buyers aren’t killing time.

They’re:

• On a mission
• In town for a purpose
• Using PTO to make a decision
• Ready to write offers quickly

I’ve seen them tour homes on Wednesday and go under contract by Saturday morning.

These aren’t “let’s see what’s out there” buyers — these are “we need to move” buyers.

6. Homes Look Their Best This Time of Year

Good weather + holiday coziness = your home photographs like a dream.

Tasteful seasonal touches can actually enhance showings:

• Warm lighting
• Subtle garland
• Welcoming entryways
• Clean, styled kitchens ready for hosting

It’s emotionally powerful.

Buyers don’t buy walls and windows — they buy the feeling.

Thanksgiving offers that in spades.

7. The Market Doesn’t Slow — It Shifts

Here’s what I tell my clients every year:

“Arizona doesn’t have a slow season. We have a different season.”

Thanksgiving is when:

• Relocators discover the East Valley
• Snowbirds settle in
• Job transfers kick off
• Out-of-state guests fall in love with our lifestyle
• Local sellers face less competition
• Buyers get serious

It’s a moment of clarity — for buyers and sellers.

Thinking About Buying or Selling This Thanksgiving Season?

If you're considering a move — whether buying your first home, relocating to Arizona, or selling in Waterston or the East Valley — now is truly one of the smartest times to take action.

✨ I’d love to guide you through your options with a clear, strategic plan.
And as always… I appreciate you all the time.

📩 Message me anytime for a personalized Thanksgiving-season market analysis or relocation plan.