Why Serious Buyers Are Still Shopping This Thanksgiving Season

While many South Shore families are planning Thanksgiving dinners and holiday gatherings, a surprising number of serious buyers are still active in the market—and for good reason. Late November brings a unique mix of relocation needs, year-end moves, and reduced competition that makes this one of the most overlooked buying windows of the entire year.

Here’s why serious buyers aren’t slowing down—and why you shouldn’t either.

Relocation Buyers Are on Tight Timelines

Companies often make job changes, promotions, or relocations in November and December so employees can begin fresh in January. That means relocation buyers are house-hunting right now—often eager to close quickly.

If you’re a buyer, this is a sign that great homes still hit the market during Thanksgiving season. Many sellers schedule listings to attract this exact group.

If you’re a seller, this is a reminder that you’re not just marketing to local buyers—out-of-state and relocating professionals could be your perfect match.

End-of-Year Moves Make Buyers More Decisive

Families who want to be settled before the new year don’t have the luxury of waiting until spring. Whether they’re timing enrollment for a new school district, starting a new job, or wanting a clean financial break for 2026, these buyers are focused and ready.

This decisiveness often translates into smoother negotiations and quicker transactions—something both buyers and sellers appreciate during the holidays.

Reduced Competition Means Better Opportunities

Thanksgiving week marks one of the slowest buyer periods of the year. But that’s exactly why serious buyers stay active. With fewer people attending showings or writing offers, the pressure drops. It becomes easier to secure a home without bidding wars or inflated offers.

For South Shore buyers comparing neighborhoods like Quincy, Cohasset, Marshfield, and Hingham, reduced competition can be the difference between landing your dream home and losing it.

Homes Look Their Best During the Holidays

Many sellers decorate for the season, giving buyers a warm, welcoming feel during showings. You can get a true sense of how a home lives, how cozy it feels in colder weather, and how the layout works for gatherings—something photos can’t fully capture.

The Market Never Fully Stops

Even though people assume “no one buys during Thanksgiving,” the opposite is true. Serious buyers stay in motion because they understand the benefits of late-year timing. Mortgage lenders, inspectors, and attorneys are still working, and the overall pace of transactions tends to be smoother.

Bottom line: If you’re hoping to buy before prices rise in early 2026, the Thanksgiving season is still a powerful window of opportunity. And if you're ready to see what’s available, the Depend on Dakota Team can guide you to the right home—before the year wraps up. Contact our team today.