In the world of real estate, conventional wisdom says you should wait until the azaleas bloom in April to put your sign in the yard. Conventional wisdom says that nobody buys a house during the holidays.

In South Eastern North Carolina, conventional wisdom is wrong.

While the volume of buyers may decrease in December, the quality of the buyer skyrockets. The "tire kickers" and "casual Sunday scrollers" are busy wrapping presents. The people who are touring homes in New Hanover, Pender, and Brunswick counties right now aren't just looking; they are on a mission to buy.

Here is why the "Holiday Buyer" is the best buyer you can ask for.

1. The "Deadline" Buyer: Taxes and Transfers

December buyers often have a hard deadline that makes them decisive and less likely to haggle over minor repairs.

Corporate Relocations: Many companies finalize transfers at year-end so employees can start fresh in January. These buyers often have generous relocation packages and zero time to waste.

The Tax Clock: Investors and high-net-worth buyers often need to close before December 31st to lock in mortgage interest deductions or utilize capital gains strategies (like 1031 exchanges) for the current tax year. They need to close now, not in March.

2. The Military Factor: "Block Leave" House Hunting

For our market specifically, the military calendar drives winter activity.

Camp Lejeune & New River: Marines and Sailors often receive "Holiday Block Leave" in December. For families expecting orders or planning a PCS (Permanent Change of Station) in early 2026, this is their only window to fly in, tour homes, and go under contract together as a family.

The Strategy: A home listed in Sneads Ferry, Holly Ridge, or Hampstead during December catches this specific wave of military buyers who are often pre-approved and motivated to secure housing before their report date.

3. The "Snowbird" Scout

While locals are putting on coats, buyers from New York, Ohio, and New England are coming down to escape the snow.

The Trend: Winter is "scouting season" for retirees. They come to rent for a month, fall in love with the mild weather in St. James or Brunswick Forest, and decide to buy immediately rather than returning to a frozen driveway.

Serious Intent: These aren't vacationers looking for a beach rental; they are lifestyle buyers looking for their "forever home" while they are in town for the holidays.

4. Less Competition = More Visibility

In the spring, your listing is one of 20 new homes hitting the market that week. In December, inventory tightens.

The Spotlight: With fewer homes on the market, your property gets undivided attention. You aren't competing with the neighbor down the street.

Builder Incentives: Be aware that new construction neighborhoods (in Leland or Porters Neck) often push hard for year-end closings to meet corporate quotas. A smart seller can pivot their marketing to show why their "move-in ready" home offers better value than a builder's "lot hold."

The Bottom Line

Don't pull your listing off the market just because the calendar flipped to December. You might miss the most serious buyer of the year.

At Aspyre Realty Group, we know how to market a home during the holidays—using "warm" staging and targeting the specific buyer demographics that are active right now. We can help you wrap up your sale before the ball drops.