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Every year around mid-November, our phone starts buzzing with the same panicked question from buyers and sellers across Asheville and beyond:

“Can we still close before the holidays?”

deep breath

The answer is yes… but it’s not going to be business as usual. And honestly? Sometimes the holiday crunch actually works in your favor.

Here’s the thing: the real estate world gets weird in late November and December. Some things slow way down (lenders taking long weekends, appraisers on vacation), while other things speed up (motivated sellers, less competition, people who REALLY need to make something happen).

If you’re reading this in late November or December thinking “Is it too late?” - it’s not. But you need to be strategic, flexible, and ready to move fast.

Let me break down exactly what you’re dealing with and how to make it work.

Why People Push for Holiday Closings

Before we dive into the how, let’s talk about the why. Because understanding the motivation helps you navigate the process.

For buyers:

Tax benefits: Getting that mortgage interest deduction and property tax write-off for this year
Timing for families: Moving during winter break when kids are out of school
Beating the January rush: Avoiding the influx of New Year resolution house hunters
Year-end bonuses: Using that holiday bonus for down payment or closing costs

For sellers:

Financial planning: Getting the sale on this year’s books for tax purposes
Carrying costs: No more heating bills, property taxes, or insurance payments on a vacant house
Fresh start mentality: Starting the new year without the stress of an unsold property
Investment timing: Real estate investors often want to close deals before year-end for portfolio planning

wood A-frame cabin in the woods covered in snow

The Holiday Timeline Reality Check

In normal times, here’s what closing timelines look like:

Cash purchase: 1-2 weeks
Conventional loan: 3-5 weeks
FHA/VA loans: 4-6 weeks

During the holidays? Add time for everything. Here’s why:

Lender delays: Banks close for holidays, loan officers take vacation, underwriters work reduced schedules.

Service provider availability: Appraisers, inspectors, and contractors are harder to book.

Title company schedules: Attorneys and title agents have limited availability.

Weather factors: Yes, even in North Carolina, winter weather can delay appraisals and inspections.

General holiday chaos: Everyone’s juggling family obligations with work deadlines.

Real talk: If you’re starting from scratch right now, cash purchases have the best shot at closing before New Year’s. With financing, you’ll need everything to go perfectly - and a backup plan.

For Buyers: Your Holiday Closing Strategy

Q: Can I still get an offer accepted and close in time?

Absolutely - especially if you’re pre-approved and willing to be flexible. The key is targeting the right properties and sellers.

Look for:

Vacant homes (sellers aren’t dealing with moving logistics)
Properties that have been on the market for a while (motivated sellers)
Estate sales or relocations (often have firm timelines)
Homes priced competitively (less likely to have appraisal issues)

Q: Will I have fewer options?

Yes and no. Fewer new listings hit the market in November and December, but you’ll also face less competition. Plus, the sellers who stay listed through the holidays are usually serious about selling.

Q: Are lenders really slower in December?

Some are, some aren’t. The key is asking upfront: “Can you meet a December 30th closing date?” and “What do you need from me to make that happen?”

Pro tip: Credit unions and smaller local lenders sometimes have more flexibility during the holidays than big national banks.

Q: Should I waive inspections to move faster?

Please don’t. Especially in Asheville where we have older homes with character (and potential issues). You can shorten the inspection period from 10 days to 5, but skipping it altogether is rarely worth the risk.

Your Buyer Action Plan

Get fully pre-approved NOW. Not pre-qualified - pre-approved with all your documentation already reviewed. This isn’t the time for surprises.

Work with an agent who gets it. You need someone who will answer calls at 8 PM and can coordinate with all parties to keep things moving.

Target move-in ready homes. That fixer-upper can wait until spring. Right now, you want something that won’t have inspection issues.

Be available. When your lender calls, your agent texts, or the attorney needs signatures, respond immediately. Hours matter.

Have backup plans. What if the appraisal comes in low? What if there’s a title issue? Think through scenarios now.

For Sellers: Making Holiday Magic Happen

Q: Is it worth listing in November or December?

YES. You’ll have less competition from other sellers, and holiday buyers are typically highly motivated. Plus, your house might photograph beautifully with some tasteful seasonal touches.

Q: Can I require a year-end closing in my listing terms?

You can, but work with your agent to set realistic expectations. Requiring a December 20th closing might scare off buyers who need financing.

Q: Should I decorate for the holidays?

Tasteful seasonal décor can make a home feel warm and inviting - think garland, candles, maybe a simple wreath. Just don’t go overboard or block important features with decorations.

Q: What’s the biggest risk?

If something goes wrong - title issue, low appraisal, lender delay - you might be forced to close in January. Have a plan for that scenario, including what happens with utilities, insurance, etc.

Your Seller Action Plan

Get a pre-listing inspection. Find and fix issues before they delay your closing. This is especially important for older Asheville homes.

Gather all paperwork now. HOA documents, permits for any work you’ve done, receipts for major repairs - have everything ready.

Be flexible with showings. Yes, even during Thanksgiving weekend. Holiday buyers often have limited time to look.

Price strategically. A competitive price can generate quick offers, especially when inventory is lower.

Evaluate offers carefully. The highest offer isn’t always the fastest to close. Consider financing type, closing timeline, and buyer motivation.

What’s Happening in Asheville’s Year-End Market

Having worked in this market for years, here’s what I typically see in November and December:

Lower inventory, motivated players. The people still buying and selling during the holidays usually have compelling reasons to move forward.

Steadier pricing. While we might not see the bidding wars of spring, well-priced homes still sell quickly.

Unique opportunities. Some vacation rental owners list their properties during the off-season, creating interesting investment possibilities.

Weather wildcard. We don’t get harsh winters, but ice storms can delay appraisals and final walk-throughs.

The Holiday Closing Checklist

For Buyers:

✅ Pre-approval letter in hand (not just pre-qualified)

✅ Down payment and closing costs readily accessible

✅ Inspection scheduled within 24-48 hours of offer acceptance

✅ Lender, agent, and attorney all aware of timeline

✅ Backup plan if closing gets delayed

For Sellers:

✅ All disclosures complete and accurate

✅ Agreed-upon repairs finished and documented

✅ Home clean and show-ready until closing day

✅ Utilities transfer/shutoff scheduled appropriately

✅ Moving plans that can accommodate slight delays

When Things Go Sideways (Because They Might)

Let’s be real - holiday closings have more variables than normal transactions. Here’s how to handle common issues:

Low appraisal: Be ready to negotiate quickly or bring cash to cover the difference.

Lender delays: Have your agent call daily for updates and escalate to supervisors if needed.

Title issues: These take time to resolve, so early title work is crucial.

Weather delays: Build buffer time into your timeline for potential weather issues.

Holiday schedule conflicts: Confirm all parties are available for your planned closing date.

The Asheville Advantage

Working in the Asheville market, I’ve found a few things that can work in your favor during holiday closings:

Local connections matter. Relationships with local lenders, attorneys, and service providers can help you get priority scheduling.

Tourism seasonality helps. Some sellers of vacation properties are motivated to close during the off-season.

Community feel. People here tend to be willing to work a little harder to help each other meet important deadlines.

Steady market. We don’t see the dramatic seasonal swings of some markets, so pricing remains relatively predictable.

The Bottom Line: It’s Doable, But Different

Can you close before the holidays? Absolutely. Will it require more coordination, flexibility, and probably a few more phone calls than usual? Also absolutely.

The key is setting realistic expectations, having all your ducks in a row, and working with professionals who understand holiday timelines.

Best case scenario: You close smoothly and ring in the New Year in your new home or with money from your sale in the bank.

Worst case scenario: You close a few days into January, which honestly isn’t the end of the world.

My Advice? Start Now

If you’re reading this and thinking about buying or selling before year-end, the time to act is immediately. Every day that passes makes the timeline tighter.

But don’t let the time crunch pressure you into bad decisions. The right house or the right offer is still worth waiting for - even if it means closing in early January.

Ready to Make It Happen?

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling to relocate, or investing in Asheville real estate, I can help you navigate the year-end market strategically. I know which lenders work fastest, which inspectors can fit you in quickly, and how to structure offers and listings for holiday success.

Want to close before the champagne pops on New Year’s Eve? Let’s talk about your timeline and create a plan that actually works in the real world.