Before the
year turnsThe calendar fills up. The buyers haven’t gone anywhere.
By Lisa Hannah-Leff
A lot of homeowners decide to wait until after the holidays to sell. The calendar fills up, the weather turns, and listing a home starts to feel like one more thing on the list. That’s exactly what makes right now worth a look.
Where the market stands
The market has eased from the pace of the spring and summer. Homes aren’t getting snapped up over a single weekend the way so many were a few months ago, and buyers have a little more breathing room. But they haven’t gone anywhere. Nearly 3,000 homes went under contract across the Kansas City metro in August alone.*
Who’s buying right now
The buyers touring homes in November, December and January usually aren’t just browsing. Many have a new job, a lease ending or a reason they need to move soon. With fewer homes coming on the market this time of year, a home that’s priced well and presented well gets noticed.
In a calmer market, strategic pricing matters even more.
If you’re selling
Price it right from day one.The right price keeps your home from sitting and gives buyers a reason to act now instead of waiting.
Let it show well.Buyers are pickier, so fresh paint, decluttered spaces and beautiful photography matter more than ever.
Don’t wait by default.The buyers out now usually aren’t just browsing, and fewer homes are coming on the market to compete with yours.
If you’re buying
Room to be selective.There are fewer people competing for the same homes than there were a few months ago.
Room to negotiate.Buyers have a little more breathing room, and that means you can negotiate with confidence.
A season worth a look.If you’ve been waiting for the right time to start looking, this season is worth a real look.
If you’ve been saying “maybe next year,” it might be worth seeing what your home could do before the year turns. I’d love to help you find out.
*Heartland MLS data via the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS®, August 2026.