Conventional wisdom says, “Wait for spring.” In reality, the close-in Washington region doesn’t shut down for the holidays. Life changes, job moves, and school calendars keep serious buyers looking in Bethesda, Northwest Washington, Arlington, and Alexandria year-round.

The question isn’t “Can I sell over the holidays?” It’s “Given my goals, does a holiday listing work better than waiting?”

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What Actually Happens in Our Market

Looking at recent years, the pattern is consistent:

• Spring (April–June) is the high season — the most buyers, the most listings, and the greatest potential for multiple offers.
• Late fall and the holidays (November–January) see fewer total sales, but not zero. Think of holiday activity as roughly 60–75% of peak spring volume, with:
  • Less competition from other listings, and
  • More serious, highly motivated buyers (relocations, new jobs, family changes, tax-year timing).

In other words, spring maximizes eyeballs; the holidays often maximize focus.

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When a Holiday Listing Can Be a Smart Move

You may be better off listing now rather than waiting if:

• You’re on a timeline
  New job, school change, downsizing, or a purchase that depends on your sale.
• You’d benefit from less competition
  With fewer homes on the market, a well-presented property in close-in neighborhoods can stand out instead of competing with a long line of similar listings.
• Your home shows well in “cozy” mode
  Fireplaces, warm lighting, comfortable seating areas, and tasteful (not overwhelming) holiday décor can create exactly the kind of emotional connection that drives strong offers.
• You’re comfortable with flexible showings
  You’re willing to accommodate weekend, evening, or short-notice appointments around holiday plans.

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When It May Be Better to Wait

Holding off until late winter or spring might make more sense if:

• Maximizing price and competition is your top priority
  If you want every possible buyer in the market to see your home, the spring surge is your best stage.
• Your home depends heavily on outdoor appeal
  Pools, gardens, and lush landscaping simply look better in April than in December. If that’s a major selling point, seasonality matters.
• You prefer a faster, more predictable pace
  Holiday buyers are serious, but there are fewer of them. If you’d rather have brisk traffic and multiple showings from day one, we can plan strategically for a spring launch.

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How I Help You Decide

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For each client, I look at:

• Recent activity and inventory in your micro-market (specific price range and neighborhood in Bethesda, NW DC, Arlington, or Alexandria).
• Your timeline and what you’ll do next (buying locally, relocating, renting, etc.).
• How your home will compete visually and financially today vs. in spring.
• A pricing and staging strategy tailored to a holiday listing or a spring debut.

Sometimes the best recommendation is to launch quietly over the holidays and build momentum into January. Other times, it’s worth investing the extra weeks to position the property for a big spring opening.

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Bottom Line

Yes, you can sell successfully over the holidays in our region.
The key is whether a holiday listing aligns with your goals, timing, and property.

If you’re wondering “To list or not to list?” this season, I’m happy to look at your home, your neighborhood, and your timeframe and give you a clear, data-driven recommendation — whether that means listing now or strategically waiting.