Why the Holidays Are the BEST Time to Buy a Home in Indianapolis (2025–2026)
Published: December 09, 2025 | By Cara Conde, SVN Northern Commercial
While everyone else is fighting over ugly Christmas sweaters, the savviest Indianapolis buyers are quietly closing on their dream homes—at better prices and with almost zero competition.
CNBC, Realtor.com, and local MLS data all agree: December and early January are statistically two of the strongest buyer months of the entire year. As Indianapolis’ top-producing realtor, Cara Conde has closed dozens of holiday deals that saved her clients tens of thousands.
Ready to turn this holiday season into the one you finally buy? Let’s dive in.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Reasons the Holidays Are Prime Time in Indianapolis
1. Sellers Are Extremely Motivated
Anyone listing in December is usually doing it for a reason: job relocation, estate settlement, or wanting a clean tax slate in 2026. That motivation translates directly into concessions.
“Last week I had a seller in Zionsville pay $12,000 toward my buyer’s closing costs and include a 1-year home warranty—just to close before Christmas.”
— Cara Conde, SVN Northern Commercial
2. Competition Virtually Disappears
Buyer searches drop 35–50% from November to December. In hot Indy suburbs like Carmel, Fishers, and Westfield, multiple-offer situations almost vanish overnight.
3. Lock in 2025 Pricing Before 2026 Increases
Realtor.com projects a 2.2–4% national price rise in 2026. Indianapolis is forecasted to follow or slightly exceed that. Buying now gets you today’s price with tomorrow’s equity.
Holiday Negotiation Strategies That Win Right Now
- Offer a 21–30 day close — sellers love certainty.
- Ask for 2–3% seller-paid closing costs (very common in December).
- Be flexible on possession — letting the seller stay until January 5th can be the difference-maker.
How to Close Fast (Even During the Holidays)
Cara partners only with lenders who guarantee on-time closings and 21-day turn times. Inspections and appraisals are scheduled the same week as acceptance so nothing gets delayed by holiday schedules.
Video Walk-Through: Is It Smart to Buy a Home During the Holidays?
Podcast Deep-Dive: Holiday Spending vs. Home Buying
Listen while you wrap presents — perfect 20-minute episode on balancing holiday budgets with getting mortgage-ready:
People Also Ask – Holiday Home Buying in Indianapolis
Is December really a good time to buy a house in Indianapolis?
Yes — statistically one of the best. Less competition + highly motivated sellers = better prices and terms.
Do homes sell slower in December in Indy?
Days on market increase 15–25% in winter, giving buyers more negotiating power.
Will sellers negotiate more during the holidays?
Absolutely. Many will cover closing costs, repairs, or even rate buydowns to close before year-end.
Can you actually close on a house in December?
Yes — Cara routinely closes 21–30 day contracts in December with the right lender partners.
Are mortgage rates better in December?
Rates often soften slightly at year-end, and lenders are hungry for business before the books close.
Make This Holiday Season the One You Become an Indianapolis Homeowner
Contact top realtor Cara Conde today — limited holiday slots fill fast.
Contact Cara Directly • Meet Cara at SVN Northern Commercial
Read Cara’s 5-Star Google Reviews • Why Clients Call Her the Best Realtor in Indianapolis
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