Brought to you by , Funkhouser Real Estate Group, , scott@HarrisonburgHousingToday.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2025
If you've been casually keeping an eye on the local housing market, you may have noticed something lately -- there just aren't that many homes for sale right now.
That's not unusual for this time of year. As the holiday season rolls in, inventory levels often decline. Some sellers decide to take their homes off the market in December, choosing to focus on holiday gatherings, travel, or simply to avoid showings during a quieter time of year.
But many of those homes -- and others that didn't make it onto the market before the holidays -- often come back on the market after the first of the year or in early spring.
What This Means for Buyers
If you're house hunting right now (or even just thinking about it), you're likely seeing fewer options than you did a month or two ago. You might even be putting your search on pause as the year winds down.
The good news? You'll likely start to see more listings pop up in January, and even more as we approach the spring market. So if you're not seeing a good fit today, there's a decent chance more options will be available in the coming weeks and months.
What This Means for Sellers
If your home is currently on the market, you may be benefiting from reduced competition. With fewer listings available, your home may stand out more to the buyers who are still actively searching during the holidays. That said, there are often fewer buyers shopping right now too -- many are waiting until after the holidays to re-engage in the process.
If you're planning to put your home on the market in the new year, be prepared for more competition. Inventory typically rises in January and February, and then again as we head into the spring season.
Of course, every seller's situation is different. It may make sense for some to leave their home on the market through the holidays, while others may benefit from taking a short break until after the new year.
Curious about what makes the most sense for your situation?
Let's talk. I'd be happy to help you weigh the pros and cons of timing your home sale -- or your home search -- as we head into the new year.
That's not unusual for this time of year. As the holiday season rolls in, inventory levels often decline. Some sellers decide to take their homes off the market in December, choosing to focus on holiday gatherings, travel, or simply to avoid showings during a quieter time of year.
But many of those homes -- and others that didn't make it onto the market before the holidays -- often come back on the market after the first of the year or in early spring.
What This Means for Buyers
If you're house hunting right now (or even just thinking about it), you're likely seeing fewer options than you did a month or two ago. You might even be putting your search on pause as the year winds down.
The good news? You'll likely start to see more listings pop up in January, and even more as we approach the spring market. So if you're not seeing a good fit today, there's a decent chance more options will be available in the coming weeks and months.
What This Means for Sellers
If your home is currently on the market, you may be benefiting from reduced competition. With fewer listings available, your home may stand out more to the buyers who are still actively searching during the holidays. That said, there are often fewer buyers shopping right now too -- many are waiting until after the holidays to re-engage in the process.
If you're planning to put your home on the market in the new year, be prepared for more competition. Inventory typically rises in January and February, and then again as we head into the spring season.
Of course, every seller's situation is different. It may make sense for some to leave their home on the market through the holidays, while others may benefit from taking a short break until after the new year.
Curious about what makes the most sense for your situation?
Let's talk. I'd be happy to help you weigh the pros and cons of timing your home sale -- or your home search -- as we head into the new year.
