Discover why the holiday season can be the best time to buy a home in San Diego — with the right agent, timing, and strategy.
By Ashley Tatum | Global Luxury Real Estate & Design | Coldwell Banker Global Luxury
A Surprising Truth About the Holiday Market
While most people are focused on travel plans and gift lists, savvy buyers know: the holidays can actually be one of the best times to purchase a home.
Yes — inventory is lower, but so is competition.
Sellers who list this time of year are serious, often motivated by relocation, life transitions, or year-end goals. And with fewer buyers in the market, you have room to negotiate, move strategically, and find hidden gems others overlook.
As a born-and-raised San Diegan, I’ve seen countless clients make their best purchases between November and January — simply because they worked the market when others sat on the sidelines.
Current Market Snapshot — San Diego’s Coastal Luxury Scene
The market right now is steady, but nuanced.
Interest rates have adjusted buyer psychology, and many people are “waiting until spring.” That hesitation creates opportunity for confident, qualified buyers.
Here’s what’s happening locally:
Less competition: Many buyers pause during the holidays, giving you leverage in negotiations.
Motivated sellers: Year-end job relocations, tax considerations, or pending moves mean sellers are often more flexible.
Selective inventory: Quality listings remain — especially in coastal pockets like Del Mar, Solana Beach, and Encinitas — but demand is quieter.
Smart lending options: Many lenders are offering creative rate-buydown programs to attract holiday buyers.
💡 Insider Insight: The best listings never hit public market. With the right agent, you’ll gain access to exclusive “coming soon” and off-market properties before spring competition ramps up.
Why the Holidays Give Strategic Buyers the Edge
Less Pressure, More Access
Agents, lenders, and inspectors often have lighter schedules — meaning faster responses and more personalized service.Better Terms
Sellers eager to close before year-end are open to concessions: rate buydowns, credits, or inclusion of furnishings (a big plus in luxury transactions).Tax Advantages
Closing before December 31 may offer financial benefits, especially if you’re leveraging investment deductions or preparing for a property sale next year.You See the Home at Its Realest
A holiday showing reveals how a property feels when it’s cooler, cozier, and decorated — an authentic test of its comfort and flow.
Winning the Holiday Market Takes the Right Strategy
Success comes down to partnership, timing, and insight.
Here’s how my clients secure incredible deals while others wait for spring:
✅ Pre-Approval First: Have your financing locked and ready. A quick, clean offer stands out.
✅ Local Expertise: San Diego’s micro-markets shift weekly — knowing where value hides is everything.
✅ Negotiation Tact: Holidays invite emotion; skilled agents use empathy and timing to craft winning offers.
✅ Design Eye: See potential where others see “dated.” With minor upgrades or staging, coastal homes can gain instant equity.
As both a luxury real estate agent and interior design consultant, I help buyers spot properties with the bones, location, and layout to elevate into dream homes — often for less than they expect.
Why Waiting for Spring Could Cost You
Spring will bring new listings — but also:
More buyers.
Higher competition.
Potentially higher prices if rates dip.
Right now, you can move deliberately, negotiate strongly, and take your time — without the bidding frenzy that defines the spring market.
Think of it this way: while everyone else is decorating, you could be closing.
✨ The Gift of a New Beginning
Imagine celebrating next year’s holidays in your new home — ocean breeze flowing through open windows, dinner on your own coastal patio, kids running through the yard.
Buying during the holidays isn’t about rushing — it’s about recognizing opportunity when it quietly appears.
If you’re ready to explore San Diego’s luxury market with an agent who understands timing, design, and negotiation, I’d love to guide you through the process — start to finish.
📩 Reach out today for a private consultation or personalized market strategy before the new year.
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Ashley Tatum
Global Luxury Real Estate & Interior Design
Coldwell Banker | Del Mar, CA
🌐 AshleyTatumRealEstate.com
📸 @ashleytatumrealestate
✨ Born & Raised in San Diego | Local Expertise, Global Reach