Buying or Selling in Long Beach This Holiday Season: Why Q4 Can Work in Your Favor

Most people assume the real estate market goes quiet from Halloween through New Year's. It slows down, yes, but it doesn't stop, and for the right buyer or seller, the slower pace is an advantage.

I'm Diana Galvez, a REALTOR® with HomeSmart Realty Group's Homeverse Team, and here's how I talk to Long Beach clients who are deciding whether to move now or wait for spring.

What the Market Looks Like Right Now

Mortgage rates have been elevated this fall, with recent reports putting the average 30-year rate above 7 percent, and that has cooled buyer demand nationally. In Long Beach, mid-2026 data showed a median sale price around $897,000, roughly flat to slightly up from a year ago, with homes taking several weeks to go under contract. Sources measure this differently, so treat any single number as a snapshot. The bigger picture is a market that has more breathing room than it did a few years ago, and the holidays tend to add to that.

If You're Buying: Less Competition, More Leverage

Fewer buyers are out touring in November and December, which means fewer multiple-offer situations and more room to negotiate. The buyers who are still looking tend to be serious, but there are simply fewer of them. Sellers who list or keep their homes on the market through the holidays are often motivated, whether they're relocating, have a deadline, or just want to be done. That can translate into price reductions, seller credits, flexible closing dates, and more willingness to handle repairs.

It also helps on the timeline side. Lenders, title, and escrow are generally less backed up in the winter than in the spring rush, which can make for a smoother process. The tradeoff is selection: inventory is usually thinner, so if you're picky about a specific neighborhood or layout, you may need to move quickly when the right home appears.

If You're Selling: Fewer Listings, Serious Buyers

Selling during the holidays can work in your favor for the same reason. There are fewer competing homes, and the buyers who tour in December are usually motivated, since people rarely spend a weekend before a holiday looking at houses for fun. A well-prepared home also shows beautifully in the winter, with warm lighting and a seasonal touch that makes it feel inviting.

The caution is pricing. Early in 2026, Redfin found that a record share of February sellers cut their list price, and sellers who closed in the spring were the least likely to face reductions. That tells me the sellers who do best in a slower season are the ones who price accurately from day one instead of testing the market and chasing it down. If you're considering listing in Q4, a realistic price and strong presentation matter more than ever.

What to Know Before You Decide

The holidays aren't right for everyone. If you need maximum buyer traffic, spring is still the busiest season. If your move depends on a specific school year, a job start date, or an interest rate you're hoping to lock, your timeline may matter more than the calendar. Also keep in mind that rates can change, and waiting for spring means competing with the crowd that waits for spring.

The better question isn't whether the holidays are a good time in general, but whether it's a good time for your situation. That's the conversation I have with every client.

If you're thinking about buying or selling this season, I can pull the real numbers for your neighborhood and walk you through what a Q4 move would look like.

You can reach me at (323) 807-4184 or casasbydianag@gmail.com. Let's find the right timing for how you actually want to live.

Diana Galvez, REALTOR®
Homeverse Team, HomeSmart Realty Group | DRE #02040313
Serving Long Beach, and the greater Los Angeles & Orange County area