Home for the Holidays: How to Find Your Dream House Before Year’s End

Here’s why—and how you can land your dream house before the new year.

The holidays are around the corner, and while most people are busy planning dinners, shopping for gifts, and decorating, many buyers assume it’s a bad time to shop for homes. The truth? The end of the year can be one of the best times to buy.

🎁 Reason #1: Motivated Sellers

Sellers who list during November and December aren’t just “testing the market”—they usually need to move. Whether it’s for job relocation, financial reasons, or personal timing, these sellers are often more open to negotiation. That means you might score a better deal.

🎄 Reason #2: Less Competition

Spring and summer bring out droves of buyers, but in the holiday season, the market cools off. With fewer buyers in the game, you face less competition. This makes it easier to get your offer accepted without bidding wars.

🛷 Reason #3: Faster Transactions

Since fewer homes are being bought and sold during the holidays, lenders, inspectors, and title companies may have more availability. That means your closing process could be quicker and less stressful compared to peak seasons.

🔑 Reason #4: You’ll Start the New Year in Your New Home

Imagine ringing in the new year in your very own home. Buying in November or December means you can get settled, decorate, and start 2026 fresh with a space that’s truly yours.

🕯️ Pro Tip: Don’t Be Distracted by Holiday Décor

When touring homes, look past the Christmas lights or Thanksgiving centerpieces. Focus on the bones of the home: layout, size, condition, and neighborhood. Décor comes down once the season ends, but the home itself is what really matters.

✨ Bottom Line: If you’re ready to buy, don’t wait for spring. November and December offer hidden opportunities for savvy buyers who want less competition and motivated sellers.

👉 Want to find the perfect home before the year ends? Reach out—I’ll help you shop smarter this holiday season.

Thinking Why Foundations in Missouri Aren’t Always a Red Flag

“Foundation Issues”

When you hear “foundation issues”, it can sound alarming. After all, your foundation is the base of your home’s stability. But in Missouri, where clay-heavy soil and unpredictable weather are part of daily life, foundation concerns aren’t always a deal breaker. In fact, they’re more common—and often more manageable—than many people realize.

For Buyers: What You Should Know

As a buyer, it’s easy to see a crack in the basement and think “major problem!” But here’s the truth:

Normal settling happens

Hairline cracks are extremely common in Missouri homes due to our expansive soil. Most are cosmetic, not structural.

Inspection is key

A professional can tell the difference between minor settling and something that needs repair. Many issues, like sealing a crack or adding drainage, are simple fixes.

Repaired foundations can be strong

If repairs were made, look for documentation and transferrable warranties. These can actually provide extra peace of mind compared to an untouched home.

👉 Bottom line: Don’t rule out a house just because it mentions “foundation repairs.” With inspection and the right information, you can confidently decide if the home is safe and sound.

For Sellers: Don’t Panic About Foundation Concerns

As a seller, hearing “foundation” might make you worry your home won’t sell—but that’s not the case.

It’s common in Missouri

Buyers (and their agents) know that foundation movement is part of living here.

Repairs add credibility.

Having documentation of past repairs or warranties actually reassures buyers that the issue was handled properly.

Transparency helps you.

Disclosing foundation history builds trust and often prevents problems during inspections or negotiations.

👉 The truth: Homes with foundation repairs sell all the time in Missouri. Handled the right way, it doesn’t have to hurt your listing.

Final Thoughts

Missouri’s soil and climate make foundation movement almost unavoidable. But that doesn’t mean it’s always a red flag. For buyers, knowledge and inspections give you clarity. For sellers, transparency and repair records give you leverage.

Instead of viewing foundation notes as a deal breaker, think of them as a normal part of homeownership in our state—something to understand, manage, and move forward from with confidence.