How to Buy & Sell Before the Holidays Without Losing Your Mind

Picture this: it’s late November. You’re pulling a turkey out of the oven, kids are running through the house, holiday music is playing, and in the back of your mind you’re still waiting for the call that says, “Congratulations, you’re officially closed!”

For many families, the weeks before the holidays are already jam-packed. Now add in buying or selling a home, and it can feel like juggling ornaments while trying not to drop the tree. But here’s the truth—it can be done, and it doesn’t have to be stressful.

Over the years, I’ve helped plenty of families move during this season, and I’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t). If you’re thinking about making a move before the holidays, here are the key things to keep in mind.

Start With the Timeline

The holiday clock ticks faster than the one on your wall. Most closings take about 30–45 days once you’re under contract, so if you want to be sitting by the fire in a new living room by December, you’ll need to get serious about the search—or about prepping your home for sale—right now.

Keep It Simple

This isn’t the season for full kitchen remodels or endless open houses. Focus on the basics that make the biggest difference. For sellers, that might mean a deep clean, a few fresh paint touch-ups, and clearing out clutter. For buyers, it means knowing your must-haves, being pre-approved, and moving quickly when the right home shows up.

Play the Holiday Card

Here’s the surprising part: the holidays can actually help your move. Buyers shopping this time of year tend to be motivated—they’re not just browsing. And sellers can use cozy seasonal touches to make a home feel inviting: a wreath on the door, a fire in the fireplace, maybe even the smell of cookies in the oven. Meanwhile, with fewer homes on the market, yours has a better chance to stand out.

Don’t Try to Do It All Yourself

The biggest mistake I see? Families trying to handle showings, negotiations, and inspections on top of everything else. The holidays already stretch your energy thin—this is where having the right Realtor comes in. My job is to handle the moving parts, keep everything on track, and make sure you don’t feel like you’re carrying the whole process on your shoulders.

Wrapping It Up (Literally)

Imagine starting the new year in a new home, with the boxes unpacked and the tree decorated where you want it. Buying or selling before the holidays doesn’t have to mean chaos—it just means being strategic, keeping it simple, and leaning on the right support.

If this sounds like the season for your move, let’s connect. I’ll help you map out a plan that gets you into (or out of) your home before the holidays—and keeps your sanity intact.