This time of year is traditionally slow for real estate, but an experienced Realtor has tips for how to move your property search – or sale – forward in the winter months.
By Kellie Innes
With its shorter days, snow storms, and plummeting temperatures, winter is in full swing in New England. The chilly season is a perfect opportunity to slow down, take stock of what you have, and prepare for the upcoming months – and this is as true in real estate as in life.
“Spring and fall are typically the busiest seasons in real estate, especially for families planning to move before the school year or buyers aiming to close deals by year-end,” says Weston-based Coldwell Banker Realtor Denise Mosher. “Winter can be a bit more challenging, with the market generally seeing a slower pace of activity.”
However, the market does not become stagnant. Instead, the slow period offers some great opportunities for buyers to get serious and considerate about what they’re looking for. They have the time to assemble a team of inspectors and service providers so they’re ready to move when the perfect property appears.
“For buyers this time of the year, it’s great to get familiar with the inventory and narrow down your search,” says Mosher, a top 1% Coldwell Banker realtor internationally with 500+ million in sales. “That will make you a much better buyer and be able to react when the right house comes on.”
It’s also a great time to hit the market with less competition. This is crucial for specific buyers, especially after the last four years of pandemic-induced housing inventory shortage. Since a smaller pool of houses naturally increases the competition, the decreasing number of buyers balances that out slightly.
“The active buyers right now are serious and ready to purchase,” says Mosher. “They’re more comfortable making offers without the pressure of competing with multiple bidders.”
Conversely, the winter market also presents intriguing opportunities for sellers. Just as winter might mean less competition for buyers, it could also mean less competition for sellers. Mosher advises not to become discouraged by the lull in the market but to recognize that it’s a slower time and work within those expectations.
“Make sure your home is always available for showings when serious buyers express interest,” says the veteran broker.“ And be prepared to work with a strong offer.”
While some sellers pull their houses from the market during the late November through December holiday season, preferring to show their property by appointment only to serious buyers, others keep their properties accessible and available for showings. Either way, Mosher is there to assist. “As their agent, I ensure the property stays top of mind through consistent promotion and community engagement.”
One of the most important aspects of staging in the winter is making sure the outside is safe and welcoming for visitors by shoveling the driveways and sidewalks if needed. As for the inside, you want to ensure the thermostat is set to a comfortable temperature, using warm lighting and relaxed textures to add to the ambiance.
“You want to make your home feel as cozy and inviting as possible, both inside and out, especially during the colder, darker months,” says Mosher.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025, Mosher anticipates a booming spring season and busy year—whether because of buyers who decided to hold off buying in the winter months or a long-awaited emergence from the inventory shortage. So, she suggests taking advantage of what the winter market offers while you can.
“I believe the market will find a more balanced rhythm in 2025,” says Mosher. “I’m feeling optimistic and truly excited about the opportunities.
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