In the real estate world, December is often written off as a “dead month.” The common wisdom says that buyers are too busy wrapping gifts to wrap up a mortgage, and sellers are too focused on holiday parties to host open houses.

But in the Coastal North Carolina market—specifically New Hanover, Pender, Onslow, and Brunswick counties—common wisdom is wrong. For savvy investors and strategic buyers, December isn't a time to pause; it’s the most efficient closing window of the year.

While the spring market brings inventory, it also brings chaos: bidding wars, overwhelmed attorneys, and backlog at the Register of Deeds. A December transaction offers something rare in our region: certainty.

1. The Pender & Onslow “Tax Cliff”

If you are looking at property in Hampstead, Surf City, or Jacksonville, the date January 1, 2026 should be circled in red on your calendar. This is the effective date for the new Tax Revaluation in both Pender and Onslow counties.

The 2025 Advantage: Closing before December 31 means your closing statement prorations are based on the known 2025 tax values, not the speculative 2026 values. It creates a cleaner transaction without the need for complex escrow holdbacks regarding potential tax spikes.

The Psychology: Sellers in these counties are often anxious about the new assessments hitting the books. A December offer solves their problem before the county mailer arrives in early 2026.

2. The “Empty Office” Efficiency

In July, a closing attorney in Wilmington might be juggling 40 files a week. In December, that number drops significantly.

Lender Bandwidth: With the holiday slowdown, underwriters have fewer files on their desks. This often translates to faster turn times on conditional approvals.

The “Dry” Closing Risk: In busy months, we often see “dry closings” where funds don't wire in time for recording. In December, the system has slack. You are far more likely to get your keys on the same day you sign.

3. Beat the June 2026 Insurance Hike

We know that coastal homeowners insurance rates are scheduled for another significant increase (approx. 15.9% for beach territories) effective June 1, 2026.

Buying in December 2025 doesn't make you immune to future hikes, but it allows you to:

• Secure Coverage Now: You lock in your binder during the non-hurricane season. Trying to bind coverage in August or September (peak storm season) can be impossible if a named storm is anywhere in the Atlantic.
• Baseline Your Budget: You establish your escrow account before the mid-year volatility hits, giving you a clear six-month runway to adjust for the summer premium changes.

4. The “Block Leave” Opportunity

Our market is unique because of the heavy military presence from Camp Lejeune and New River Air Station. December is “Block Leave” season—a time when military families have a specific, non-negotiable window to secure housing before reporting for duty in January.

For sellers: this means that a December buyer isn't a “tire kicker.” They are pre-approved, motivated, and on a deadline. A December contract is often the stickiest contract of the year.

Your Next Step

Don't let the holidays distract you from a strategic opportunity. Whether you are an investor looking to close a 1031 exchange before the tax year ends, or a buyer wanting to beat the 2026 revaluation, the next few weeks are critical.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we don't slow down when the decorations go up. We are experts in listening and communicating people's wants into homes that work for them—on a timeline that maximizes their leverage. Let’s review your closing checklist this week to ensure you are ready to sign before the ball drops.