As the year begins to wind down and move into the mid-winter holidays, the market typically slows down as well: The number of new listings declines, to finally plunge in December, with sales volume following one step behind. Price reductions often jump, and some listings, especially of more expensive homes, are pulled off the market until the market wakes up in the new year – usually in late January or February depending on the weather and other factors. Of course, buying and selling occur at all times of the year, including in mid-winter, but commonly at a much reduced rate. Note that typical market seasonality was often upended in 2020 due to the pandemic; more normal seasonal trends seem to have returned in 2021.
For buyers, the coming months can offer substantial opportunities in the form of reduced competition, fewer multiple offers, less overbidding, more room to negotiate, and often significantly better deals, This is an excellent time for buyers to take a second look at listings that haven’t sold, and to make aggressive offers.