Cyber Week brings low competition and flexible timelines that can help you secure better deals before January hits. 

Is December a smart time to buy a home in Austin or Central Texas? If you’re still on the fence about buying this holiday season, I’ll share something that will surprise you.

December actually creates a unique sweet spot that buyers often overlook. Inventory rises, urgency drops, and sellers become more flexible than at any other time of year.

You’ll enjoy more options, have better leverage, and have a timeline that works in your favor.

I want to walk you through what I am seeing right now so you can decide if this month is the right moment to start your home search.

Why December stands out for buyers. This year, the market has more inventory than usual. I recently ran a search for homes under $400,000 with at least three bedrooms, two baths, and over 1,500 square feet. More than 400 properties came up, which is a healthy level of choice after the fast-paced activity we have seen in recent years.

December offers an added advantage because many buyers pause their searches during the holidays. That gives you more room to shop, compare options, and move without pressure.

The timeline advantage. Over the past 25 years, I have watched buyer activity shift the moment January arrives. Homes that sit quietly through December often receive multiple offers in the first week of the new year. Contracting in December helps you avoid that surge and step into a stronger negotiating position.

When you contract in December and close in January, your first mortgage payment is usually due March 1. This timeline gives you breathing room as you prepare for your move.

"This isn’t about rushing; it’s about setting up a smart, intentional move that positions you well to move into your next home by 2026."

Getting ahead of spring competition. Many buyers plan to move in the spring, yet the real preparation begins months earlier. Buying in December puts you ahead of the groups who return to the market after the holidays. This allows you to shape your own timeline rather than react to rising competition. 

If you’re buying and selling, you may even be able to align both transactions. Closing in late January or February can help you list your current home at the start of the spring market and enter with momentum.

Great for buyers with or without a home to sell. If you don’t have a home to sell and just want to buy, December gives you even more flexibility. You can take advantage of open inventory and reduced competition to find the right fit faster. But if you’re thinking about buying and selling, we can explore options such as renting it, turning it into an investment property, or selling it early in spring, when buyer activity increases.

Why planning now matters. Planning ahead gives you confidence as you move through the process. Looking at inventory, comparing neighborhoods, or reviewing strategy now helps you take advantage of December’s quiet market. This isn’t about rushing; it’s about setting up a smart, intentional move that positions you well to move into your next home by 2026. 

If you want to explore homes or build a plan before the new year, I’m always happy to meet for coffee and look through MLS listings together. To get started, call 512-587-4050, email [email protected], or visit https://savvyreg.com. I’m here to help.