Does the market really sleep in December?

By Lisa DiBiase

A lot of people assume real estate slows down once the snow falls and the holiday season arrives. The common belief is that buyers disappear, sellers pull their listings, and everyone just waits for spring.

In Southern Maine, that’s not the full story.

December looks different than June, of course. There are fewer open house signs on the corners and more wreaths on front doors. But behind the scenes, there is still real activity, especially from serious buyers and sellers who have a clear reason to move.

Here is a closer look at what really happens in our local market this time of year.

Online Browsing Goes Up, Even If Showings Slow Down

Once Thanksgiving passes, many people have more time at home. They are off work, sitting with family, and talking about the future. That often leads to one thing: opening up a real estate app and starting to scroll.

We see a lot of quiet online activity in December, and the traffic to our website hasn’t shown a decline or slowdown. People are:

● Saving listings in Windham, Gorham, Westbrook, and the Lake Region

● Comparing prices between Southern Maine towns

● Daydreaming about more space, a shorter commute, or a move closer to the coast or to our rural towns

Not everyone who browses is ready to buy, but a surprising number of January and February buyers start their search during this “downtime” in December.

Fewer Buyers, But More Serious Ones

Traffic at open houses and showings is usually lighter in December. The buyers who are out in the snow and cold tend to have a real reason to be there.

Common December buyers in Southern Maine include:

● People relocating for a job starting in January

● Families who want to get settled before a new school semester starts

● Buyers who sold in the fall and now have a deadline to find their next home

These buyers are not just curious, they’re motivated and prepared. If your home is listed in December, you might see fewer showings than in the spring or summer, but the showings you do get are often more serious.

Sellers Have Less Competition

Because many owners assume winter is a bad time to list, they wait for spring. That means there are fewer homes on the market in December. If you decide to list now, your home may stand out more. The lower inventory can be an advantage for sellers who are ready to act.

Of course, winter in Maine does come with a few extra considerations. Sellers need to keep walks and sidewalks clear of snow and ice, have lights on and shades open for showings on darker days, and plan around storms and shorter daylight hours. And buyers, remember roofs, decks, and yards can be harder to see when everything is fully covered in snow. A good inspector and local Landing Real Estate Realtor can help you work through those details.

So, Does the Market Sleep?

The market does not exactly go to sleep in the winter; it changes pace. A home in December looks and feels different than one in July, and that’s not always a bad thing! There may be fewer overall listings and fewer casual showings, but there are still motivated buyers and sellers, and many prefer this quieter season.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, do not assume you have to wait for the perfect weather or a particular month. The right timing is the one that fits your life, your plans, and your comfort level.

The important thing is to go in informed, with a clear plan and a real estate team, like Landing Real Estate, that you trust.

This article was brought to you by Lisa DiBiase, Broker/Co-Owner of Landing Real Estate. Lisa and her team proudly represent buyers and sellers across the Greater Portland, Lakes Region, and beyond. For all your real estate needs, contact Lisa at Lisa@LandingHomesMaine.com or call (207) 775-SOLD. <