Why December Is Still a Smart Time to Order a Residential Appraisal

As the year winds down and the holiday season kicks in, many homeowners assume real-estate activity slows to a crawl. But if you stop and look more closely, December might actually be one of the smartest months to order a residential appraisal. Here’s why — whether you’re planning to refinance, sell, contest property taxes, or simply want a fresh snapshot of your home’s value.

1. Less Competition = More Visibility and Better Positioning

• In December, many sellers delay listing properties until spring — meaning fewer active listings in the market. That reduced supply can actually work in favor of sellers or homeowners seeking an appraisal, because there are fewer comparable homes flooding the market.

  
  

• With fewer new listings, your home may stand out more easily in appraisal comparisons — especially if it’s well maintained.

  
  

2. Motivated Buyers & Sellers Help Drive Value — and Close Deals

• Holiday-season sellers often have genuine motivation — maybe they need to relocate for a new job, settle financials before year-end, or finalize an estate. According to recent market commentary, many builders and sellers enter December with incentives and a strong desire to close deals before year-end.

  
  

• Because of that motivation, deals often proceed smoothly, and sellers might be more willing to negotiate on price or terms, which can affect comparable sales data used in appraisals.

3. Appraisers and Lenders Are Less Busy — Faster Turnaround & Less Scheduling Stress

• During peak home-buying seasons (spring–summer), appraisal firms and lenders often face heavy workloads — leading to scheduling delays or longer turnaround times.

  
  

• In contrast, December can offer a quieter calendar. That means appraisers may have more flexibility to schedule inspections quickly and give more attention to each property. For homeowners needing an appraisal — whether for refinancing, tax purpose, or sale prep — this can be a real advantage.

  
  

4. Year-End Financial Motivation & Tax Considerations

• For many homeowners, refinancing or closing a sale before the end of the calendar year can offer tax or accounting advantages. While tax laws vary, buyers or sellers sometimes wish to finalize deals by December 31.

  
  

• For those contesting property tax valuations or planning estate taxes, a fresh appraisal at year-end can help provide a current, accurate basis — before local assessors start preparing next year’s valuations.

  
  

5. Accuracy Matters — and Appraisers Know How to Adjust for Seasonal Trends

• It’s true that in winter or late in the year the number of recent comparable sales (“comps”) may be lower. That means appraisers must be more deliberate: expanding the search radius, looking back further, or adjusting for seasonal fluctuations.

  
  

• However — experienced appraisers (like those at our firm) know how to interpret data contextually and adjust for seasonal effects, ensuring a fair and accurate market value rather than simply penalizing a property for seasonal market slow-down.

  
  

6. Align With Your End-of-Year Goals — Without Waiting

Why wait for spring? If you have plans for 2025 — refinancing, re-evaluating your property taxes, investment decisions, or maybe even preparing to sell — having a current appraisal now can give you a head start. You’ll know where you stand before the new year begins.

Bottom Line

December isn’t a slow-motion stop in the real estate world — it’s a strategic opportunity. With fewer competing listings, motivated sellers and buyers, greater availability among appraisers and lenders, and the chance to align with year-end financial or tax goals, ordering a residential appraisal this month can put you ahead.

If you’re considering refinancing, property-tax review, sale preparation, or just want up-to-date market value for your home — reach out to us at (210) 970-7778. We’d be glad to help you get a reliable, professional appraisal done before the year wraps up.

Contact us today!

💡 Stay Informed

Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more real-world appraisal walkthroughs, tips, and expert insights!