Should you list your home between Thanksgiving and New Year's, or wait for spring? For many Austin and Dallas homeowners, the holidays are a better time to sell than they look. Fewer homes come on the market, the buyers who are out tend to be serious, and mortgage rates have eased for three weeks in a row. The trade-off is a slower pace, so pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Here's what the numbers say and how we'd approach a holiday listing.
Why the holidays can work in a seller's favor
Most sellers wait until spring, and that's exactly why the holidays can be an opening. Nationally, Zillow reported that new listings fell 30% in November 2025 and active listings dropped nearly 8%, as sellers stepped back for the holidays. Zillow also found November was the slowest month for buying and selling over the past three years.
Less activity cuts both ways. There are fewer buyers, but there's also less competition for the buyers who are looking. And people house-hunting in late November and December usually have a reason: a job relocation, a lease ending, a growing family or a goal of closing before the new year. Casual browsers tend to wait for spring.
What the Austin and Dallas markets look like right now
Both metros have moved toward a more balanced market over the past year. That means buyers have choices, and well-prepared homes stand out.
Austin
According to Unlock MLS's September 2026 Central Texas Housing Report:
- The Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos metro median sales price was $421,000, up 1.4% from a year earlier.
- Closed sales fell 14.8% to 2,223 homes.
- Active listings dipped 3.4% to 13,465, with 5.4 months of inventory.
- Inside the City of Austin, the median price was $570,958, up 4.2%, and active listings fell 10.3%.
Prices holding steady while listings shrink is a useful signal for sellers. Buyers have options, but not an unlimited supply, especially in the city itself.
Dallas and North Texas
According to MetroTex Association of Realtors' September 2026 report for the North Texas region:
- The median single-family price was $385,000, down 1% year over year.
- Closed sales were 6,759, down 7%, and pending sales were down 19%.
- New listings fell 5% and active listings fell 2%, to 31,325.
- There were 4.3 months of inventory, and homes averaged 62 days on market.
- The sale-to-list price ratio was 93.9%.
In plain terms, Dallas-area buyers are taking their time and negotiating. Homes that are priced right from day one tend to avoid the long stretch of days on market that can lead to price cuts.
Mortgage rates
Freddie Mac's weekly survey put the average 30-year fixed rate at 7.18% on November 5, 2026, its third straight weekly decline after peaking near 7.4% in early October. Rates are still higher than a year ago (6.22%), but the recent dip may bring some sidelined buyers back before the new year.
Our tips for selling a home during the holidays
1. Price for the market you're in, not the one you want
With buyers comparing more options and taking longer to decide, an ambitious list price can cost you weeks. We'd rather see a home priced with recent nearby sales in mind and attract strong interest in its first two weeks. A local comparative market analysis is the best starting point.
2. Decorate lightly
A wreath on the door and a few warm touches can make a home feel inviting. But heavy decor makes rooms look smaller and pulls attention from the house itself. Keep it simple, neutral and tidy, and consider listing photos taken before the decorations go up so they still look fresh in January.
3. Make the most of Texas winter light and weather
Days are shorter, so turn on every light for showings and swap in warm bulbs. Keep the yard neat, clean the gutters and make sure the heating system is serviced. Buyers in both metros notice energy efficiency, so have recent utility costs handy if they ask.
4. Be flexible with showings
Holiday schedules are busy for everyone. Setting clear showing windows, allowing lockbox access and planning around travel helps you avoid missing the one serious buyer who's in town for the week.
5. Think about timing and closing dates
Some buyers want to close before December 31, while others prefer early January. Being open to either can make your offer terms more appealing. If you're buying your next home too, ask about lease-back or contingent options so you aren't moving twice during the holidays.
6. Lean on strong marketing
Online listings get plenty of attention over the holidays, when people have time off to browse. Professional photos, a floor plan and a video walkthrough help your home stand out to relocation buyers who may not be able to visit in person.
Is it better to wait for spring?
Spring typically brings more buyers, but it also brings more listings. If you list in March, you may face more competing homes in your price range. If you list now, you're competing with fewer homes for a smaller but motivated group of buyers. The right answer depends on your timeline, your home and your neighborhood, and it's a conversation worth having before you decide.
Please note: this article is general information about the housing market and is not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk with a qualified professional about your specific situation.
Frequently asked questions
Do homes sell for less during the holidays?
Not necessarily. Prices in both metros have been fairly steady over the past year. With fewer competing listings, a well-priced home can still sell at a strong price. What tends to hurt is overpricing and sitting on the market into the new year.
Should I take my listing off the market until January?
It depends on how long it's been listed and how much interest it's getting. Some sellers pause and relaunch in the new year with fresh photos, while others stay active to catch motivated buyers. We'd look at your showing activity and feedback before deciding.
Is it worth listing in December in Austin or Dallas?
For many sellers, yes. Buyers looking in December often have firm deadlines, and there are fewer homes to choose from. Good pricing and presentation matter most.
How do current mortgage rates affect holiday buyers?
The average 30-year rate was 7.18% on November 5, 2026, according to Freddie Mac, down for three weeks in a row. Lower rates improve affordability a little, which may help bring some buyers back before year-end.
Thinking about selling this season?
Whether you're in Austin, Dallas or the surrounding suburbs, our local BAEMAYR team can help you decide whether to list now or wait for spring, and build a plan that fits your timeline. Reach out to our Austin office at 111 Congress Ave Suite 500 or our Dallas office at 4514 Cole Ave Suite 600, or contact us online for a no-pressure conversation about your home.
Sources
- Unlock MLS, September 2026 Central Texas Housing Report (released Oct 13, 2026), as reported by My Neighborhood News — https://myneighborhoodnews.com/central-texas-housing-market-slows-in-september-2026-as-mortgage-rates-rise-but-home-prices-tell-a-different-story
- MetroTex Association of Realtors, September 2026 North Texas Housing Market — https://www.mymetrotex.com/september-2026-north-texas-housing-market/
- Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, week of Nov 5, 2026, as reported by the Associated Press via WCAX — https://www.wcax.com/2026/11/05/average-us-30-year-mortgage-rate-falls-718-this-week-its-third-straight-decline/
- Zillow, November 2025 market report (published Dec 18, 2025) — https://www.zillow.com/learn/november-2025-housing-market-slowdown
