Thanksgiving and Real Estate

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude, family, and the feeling of home, and interestingly, those same themes play a major role in real estate this time of year. While most people think the market slows down once the turkey goes in the oven, the truth is much more interesting, especially here in the Phoenix Metro.

Let’s break down how Thanksgiving actually influences real estate decisions, what trends we see in Arizona during this season, and why it might be the perfect time to start planning your next move.

Thanksgiving Trivia: Real Estate Edition

A few fun facts you can share at the dinner table:

• The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, which often increases short-term rental demand in cities like Scottsdale, Gilbert, and Phoenix.
• Arizona sees a wave of seasonal visitors starting in late November, many of whom turn into winter buyers after spending the holidays here.
• Historically, the week after Thanksgiving sees a small spike in online home search activity. Once families go home, people get back to planning, including real estate plans.

Why Thanksgiving Makes People Re-Evaluate Their Home

It happens every year: families get together, and suddenly everyone becomes aware of their space.

Too little room at the table. Kitchens that feel crowded. Not enough bedrooms for visiting relatives. Or the opposite: too much space for a smaller family gathering.

Thanksgiving is one of the top “aha!” moments for homeowners thinking about upgrading, downsizing, or relocating. Many clients use this holiday as a practical test of whether their current home still matches their lifestyle.

Arizona Market Patterns Around Thanksgiving

Arizona doesn’t follow traditional “cold-weather” market trends. Our fall and winter seasons are actually attractive to buyers because of:

• Mild weather
• Increased relocation from out-of-state
• Second-home shoppers arriving for the holidays
• Year-end corporate relocations

Between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, we often see:

• More serious buyers rather than casual lookers
• Sellers who are motivated and open to negotiation
• Faster timelines because everyone wants to close before year-end
• Increased activity in areas like Scottsdale, Gilbert, Chandler, and Mesa due to job growth and winter visitors

The “Holiday Inventory” Advantage

Here’s the thing most people never consider: Homes listed in November and December face less competition. Fewer listings mean your property can stand out more, attract more views, and get stronger activity from serious buyers. On the buyer side?  You’re competing with fewer people, which can increase your negotiation advantage.

How Thanksgiving Influences Negotiation

This season is all about timing. And timing affects leverage.

• Sellers who list now often have a deadline (new job, relocation, life change).
• Buyers who shop now are usually pre-approved, focused, and ready.
• Lenders, agents, and title companies aim to wrap up files before the year ends.

In short: Everyone is motivated to get things done. That can lead to stronger price conversations, better concessions, and smoother closings.

Holiday Traditions That Connect to Real Estate

Believe it or not, Thanksgiving traditions tie into real estate trends:

• Family gatherings inspire multigenerational living. Many Arizona buyers look for casitas, lofts, and dual-suite homes after hosting holiday guests.
• Outdoor dining trends grow. Because Arizona weather is perfect in November, backyard upgrades and outdoor kitchens become a bigger priority for buyers.
• People start planning for the new year. Thanksgiving weekend is when many families begin making their “move in 2025” decisions.

We see these patterns every year in the MLS activity.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving reminds us of what matters most: comfort, connection, and the ability to create a home that supports the people we love. Whether this holiday makes you realize you need more space, less space, a different floor plan, or a new location altogether, this is the perfect time to explore your options.

Thinking about upgrading, downsizing, or investing before 2025 picks up? Let’s sit down, review your goals, and map out the smartest move for your situation. I’d love to help you step into the new year with clarity and confidence.