Holiday Home Sales Hum

November, December Create Sales Buzz; Holiday Decorations Add Appeal For Buyers

by Glen Richardson

Is a new house for the holidays on your wish list?

This time every year, homeowners who want to sell their home have a decision to make, sell now, or wait until after the holidays. Sellers often take homes off the market until the new year. Nonetheless, many buyers want to purchase a home for the holidays. Buyers are motivated to close deals quickly, whether due to job relocations, family changes, or the desire to settle into a new home before the year ends.

Fact is, the desire to own a home doesn’t stop during the holidays. Furthermore, homes decorated for the holidays appeal to many buyers. Of the 329,578 occupied housing units in Denver, 49.1% are owner-occupied, while 50.9% are lived in by ten­ants. Meanwhile, 8.5% of all homes on the local market sit vacant.

Quicker Sales

Anyone shopping for a new home between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is likely to be a serious buyer. Upshot: Homes on the market this time of year attract serious buyers and result in quicker sales.

Sellers are also often motivated to close deals quickly due to job relocations, family changes, or they’ve already purchased a new home.

The overall median home price in metro Denver sits at around $599,000 according to the Denver Metro Association of Realtors. Detached single-family homes are averaging between $650,00 and $666,000. Prices for condos and townhomes average between $390,000 and $400,000.

Open House Timing

Cooling from pandemic peaks, prices are down 3% to 5% from the highs of 2022. Due to inventory growth, more homes are on the market, giving buyers more options. Well-priced homes still sell quickly, but buyers have more negotiating power than in past years.

Plan holiday open houses early in the season, from late November to early December. That’s late enough in the year to take ad­vantage of festive decorations, plus early enough not to be squashed by holiday social schedules.

Albeit prices are still high, recent softening means buyers have better opportunities. That’s particularly true in the condo and townhouse market. Negotiating for seller con­cessions is becoming more common. Nevertheless, homes that are priced competitively and marketed well are still moving. Overpricing can lead to longer time on the market, especially in the attached home segment.

Year-End Tax Gains

Closing on a home before the end of the year can create valuable tax benefits. New homeowners may be eligible to deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, and loan origination fees when filing taxes. These de­duc­tions can significantly reduce taxable in­come and may lead to a better refund or lower tax bill. By buying in December, buyers also position themselves to take advantage of any local or federal tax incentives that might be expiring at year-end, making the purchase even more financially beneficial.

Just as sellers are motivated to close before the new year, lenders often push to meet their year-end goals as well. This can work to the advantage of a buyer as some lenders may offer competitive rates, special promotions, or reduced fees in December.

Additionally, with fewer loan ­applications compared to the spring and summer rush, lenders often provide more personalized service and faster processing times. Pre-approval is still essential, but buyers can expect a smoother financing process during the quieter holiday time.

Variety Of Choices

Even though fewer homes may be listed in November-December, Denver’s real estate market remains active. Buyers can still find a variety of properties available, from modern condos downtown to family-friendly homes in the suburbs. The key is to work closely with a real estate agent to identify new listings and hidden gems that buyers may be looking for.

Additionally, properties that didn’t sell during the fall might still be on the market, with sellers becoming more motivated as the year comes to an end. This creates opportunities to find a home that aligns with preferences and budget.

Closing on a home during the ­holidays means buyers will be settled in the new home and ready to start the new year fresh. Moving during the winter may sound challenging, but with the right planning, it can be a smooth experience. Plus, moving companies are often less busy, meaning potentially better availability and lower rates. With the move complete before January, buyers will have a chance to enjoy their new home and start the year on the right foot.

District Price Trends

In August 2025, Cherry Creek North home prices were down 53.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $2.8 million. On average, homes in Cherry Creek North sell after 49 days on the market compared to 10 days a year ago. There were six homes sold in August this year, up from five last year.

In August 2025, Washington Park home prices were up 46.2% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.95 million. On average, homes in Washington Park are selling after 38 days on the market compar­ed to 24 days last year. There were 45 homes sold in August this year, down from 49 last year.

In August 2025, Belcaro home prices were up 6.5% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $1.4 million. On average, homes in Belcaro sell after 26 days on the market compared to 27 days last year. There were 37 homes sold in August this year, up from 30 last year.

In August 2025, Lowry home prices were up 4.0% compared to last year, selling for a median price of $586,000. On average, homes in Lowry sell after 33 days on the market compared to 20 days last year. There were 46 homes sold in August this year, down from 60 last year.