When it comes to real estate, most people assume the holidays are a slow season. Lights go up, deals slow down, right?

Not exactly.

In fact, while many buyers hit pause between November and January, savvy home shoppers see something else entirely amidst the decorations: opportunity.

Fewer Buyers, Less Competition

The number of active homebuyers tends to dip as the holidays approach. That makes sense due to people traveling, entertaining family, and thinking more about pumpkin pie than property taxes.

But fewer buyers in the market also means less competition. In practical terms, that gives buyers two key advantages:

  • More negotiating power. Sellers may be more flexible on terms, timing, or price.
  • Less chance of bidding wars. During hotter months, multiple offers can drive up prices due to the increased number of buyers.

If you were feeling discouraged by high prices or missed opportunities earlier this year, this could be your moment to re-enter the game with a better hand.

Motivated Holiday Sellers Can Give New York Buyers Better Terms

Holidays aren’t the easiest time to keep a home show-ready. If someone’s listing their home in November or December, there’s a good chance they need to sell, whether due to relocation, financial reasons, or other life changes.

That can lead to better outcomes for buyers, and more willingness by impatient home sellers to include closing cost concessions, agree to repairs or credits and adjust their time table around your needs.

“After months of being outbid, a Long Island homebuyer I was working with told me they wanted to put their home search on hold until after the holidays” says Justin McCartney, Realtor and member of the American Dream Team at Cornerstone. “I explained that the holidays are actually one of the best times to shop because most of the competition is taking time off as well. I convinced them to continue their search and, lo and behold, they were under contract a week before Christmas”

It’s not just about price; it’s about terms. And with the holiday season approaching, those terms tend to be more buyer-friendly.

So Be Ready! Mortgage Rates Move Fast…Don’t Wait for the Crowd

When mortgage rates even hint at a drop, the buyer pool fills up quickly. We’ve seen it time and again: just a quarter-point reduction can flood the market with renewed demand.

Getting preapproved now, and shopping during a lull, lets you act before the next surge of competition. Even a slight savings on rate or closing costs can mean thousands of dollars over the life of your loan.

But if you wait until everyone jumps back in, you may be too late to snag the best deal.

Plan Ahead, Buy Smart

Whether you’re still browsing listings or ready to make an offer, it’s worth remembering that the earlier you assemble your team, the smoother your transaction.

That starts with your title company. Ideally, one that doesn’t just process paperwork but actually helps you navigate the process.

At Cornerstone, we work with homebuyers from day one to provide:

  • Quick title background checks on properties you’re considering
  • Referrals to vetted real estate professionals (agents, attorneys, lenders)
  • Clear, proactive support on fees, timelines, and expectations

And since title insurance rates are set by the state, you won’t pay more to work with us. However, you’ll absolutely get more.

Thinking of Buying Soon?

Don’t let the Thanksgiving Day Parade and holiday tunes on the radio dictate your decision. If your finances are in order and you’re emotionally ready to buy, the so-called “off-season” might just offer your best shot at a great deal.

Get in touch early, and we’ll help you make smart, confident choices every step of the way.

Because whether you’re buying a bungalow or a brownstone, the fine print is where the dragons live. We read it so you don’t have to get burned.

Written by Peter Carrozzo and Justin McCartney