In the market for a house? A real estate agent explains why December 23 is the date to make an offer.NEWS | 13 November 2026If real-estate investor and agent Dana Bull were looking to expand her portfolio, she'd be putting in offers in late December — specifically, two days before Christmas.
December 23 is her "favorite day of the year to submit an offer," Bull told Business Insider in 2024.
"In general, people are in good spirits, and sellers tend to feel a sense of relief if they receive an offer because they usually aren't expecting one," she said. "Christmas Eve puts a deadline to get things wrapped up with the negotiating and creates a sense of urgency."
When Business Insider followed up with Bull in October 2026 to discuss the market, she doubled down on the holiday-offer strategy.
"I don't like to offer on Christmas Eve," she said, but three or four days before Christmas can be an opportune time to make an offer. Sellers may be motivated to head into the holidays and the new year knowing they have a deal in place.
Bull is a licensed agent, real-estate consultant and coach, and seasoned investor who owns multifamily and single-family homes in Massachusetts. Over the years, she's learned that timing can matter when you are trying to land a deal.
The holidays can be a particularly useful time to look. Many buyers are traveling, hosting family, or simply taking a break from their home search, potentially leaving less competition for buyers who are still actively making offers.
That doesn't mean you should rush into a bad purchase simply because it's December, but if you've identified a home that works for you, making an offer while other buyers are distracted could be worth considering.
Dana Bull is a real-estate agent, investor, and consultant. Courtesy of Dana Bull
Don't let uncertainty stop you from making an offer
Bull also said the current uncertain market may give buyers another reason to be proactive.
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"People don't like high rates. They don't like high prices. But the thing that they dislike more than those two is uncertainty," she said. "People will pull out. They'll freeze. They just want to wait and see."
That hesitation can create an opening for buyers who have been looking for months and find a home that fits their needs, Bull said.
"My advice for people right now would be to offer. Make an offer," she said.
If the offer is too low, the seller can reject it or make a counteroffer, but don't wait passively for a price cut if you've found a home you want, Bull advised.
"If you see a house that you like, that works for you, and you've had a hard time trying to buy for six months to a year, let's try and structure an offer that makes sense for you."Author: Kathleen Elkins. Source
