The Holiday Advantage: Why Buyers Are Serious Right Now

The holiday season may seem like a quiet time for real estate, but in the Coachella Valley, it’s anything but. November’s housing report paints a picture of a market that’s balancing challenges with opportunities. While inventory is rising and sales are below historic norms, motivated buyers are still out there—and they mean business.

Who Are Holiday Buyers?

Holiday buyers are a unique and focused group, often falling into three categories: 

·      Job Relocators: These buyers need to move quickly to settle before the new year for work. 

·      Families on Deadlines: Parents aiming to secure a new home before the school year resumes in January. 

·      Investors: Seeking tax advantages by closing deals before December 31. 

These aren’t casual shoppers—they’re serious buyers with clear timelines and intentions. 

Market Metrics to Watch

The November housing market reveals interesting dynamics: 

·      Sales remain subdued: At 32.1% below normal levels, sales are slower, but the buyers who remain are motivated to act quickly. 

·      Median selling time is dropping: Homes are selling faster, with the average days on market falling to 43 days—just seven days longer than last year. 

·      Cities like Desert Hot Springs and Indian Wells are hot: Median days on market are 34 and 35 days, respectively, showing that well-priced homes are moving. 

Why List During the Holidays?

The holiday season offers a unique window for sellers to capture attention: 

1.        Less Competition: While inventory is climbing—now at 3,187 units, the highest since 2020—the market isn’t yet flooded. By listing now, you can get ahead of the spring surge when competition typically heats up. 

2.        Serious Buyers Only: Holiday buyers are ready to act, often with pre-approvals or cash in hand. They don’t have time for endless negotiations, making the sales process smoother for sellers. 

3.        Seasonal Appeal: The Coachella Valley shines during the holidays. The festive charm, mild weather, and seasonal events create an inviting backdrop that’s hard to resist. A beautifully staged home with holiday touches can seal the deal for buyers envisioning their lives here. 

Challenges to Consider 

While the holiday season brings opportunities, there are challenges sellers need to navigate: 

·      Rising inventory: With inventory 869 units higher than last year, buyers have more choices, meaning pricing must be strategic to attract attention. 

·      Slight discounts: Detached homes are selling at a 2.1% discount, and attached homes at 2.6%, so overpricing your home can backfire. 

The 2025 Forecast

Looking ahead, here’s what to expect as we move into the new year: 

1.        Inventory Will Grow: Inventory typically rises through February, giving buyers even more options and increasing competition for sellers. 

2.        Price Adjustments: Detached home prices are stabilizing, with the November median at $634,990, up $15,000 from last year, but attached homes are down slightly. Strategic pricing will remain key. 

3.        Luxury Market Pressure: Homes over $2 million now have a 16.3 months-of-sales ratio, signaling slower movement and potential price reductions. 

4.        Mortgage Rates Matter: Sales recovery depends on interest rates. Without a significant drop, affordability challenges will persist, keeping sales below normal. 

Why Act Now?

Holiday buyers are motivated, and they’re looking for homes that meet their needs right now. For sellers, the key to success lies in: 

·      Competitive pricing to attract serious buyers. 

·      Staging with seasonal charm to make your home irresistible. 

·      Acting quickly before inventory rises further in 2025. 

Whether you’re buying or selling, the holiday season in the Coachella Valley is far from a slowdown. Let’s make the most of this unique market together—contact me today to strategize your next move!