What Home Sellers Should Do Now If They Want to Sell Before the End of the Year

Written by Kevin Thomas

Maybe you've got orders. Maybe you've already bought your next home, or you just want to start the new year with the sale behind you. Whatever the reason, selling before the end of the year is very doable — but the calendar is tighter than it looks, and the sellers who make it are the ones who start now.

👉 To close before the end of the year, you generally need an accepted offer about a month to six weeks before your target date. That means getting the house ready, priced right, and on the market as soon as possible. Waiting even a few weeks can push your closing into next year.

Here's what to do now.

Work Backward From Your Closing Date

Most buyer loans, including VA loans, take about 30–45 days to close once you accept an offer. Add time to prep the house, get it listed, and find the right buyer, and the window gets short fast.

Pick your ideal closing date and count backward. Remember that the holiday weeks slow down lenders, title companies, and movers. If you want to close in December, aim to be under contract by mid-November so a small delay doesn't push you into January.

Get the House Ready Fast

You don't need a full remodel. Focus on what buyers and appraisers notice first. Fix small repairs like leaky faucets, broken outlets, and damaged screens, refresh worn paint, and deep clean. Declutter and clear out personal items so buyers can picture themselves living there.

Handle known issues before a buyer finds them. If you have a VA buyer, the appraisal will check things like peeling paint, roof condition, and working heat, and any required repairs can slow down closing. A pre-listing inspection can help you spot problems early and avoid surprises once you're under contract.

Price It Right From Day One

When time is short, pricing is the biggest lever you control. Homes priced right from the start usually get the most attention in the first couple of weeks, which is when you're most likely to get your best offers.

Overpricing and planning to come down later costs you time you don't have. Every week a home sits, buyers start wondering what's wrong with it. Base your price on recent nearby sales, not on what you need or what a neighbor listed for.

Make It Easy to Show and Say Yes

Fall and winter buyers are often serious buyers, including military families with report dates of their own. Make your home easy to see: flexible showing times, a lockbox, and a quick response to requests. If you've already moved out, a vacant home can be shown anytime.

Great photos matter even more when fewer buyers are looking. Professional photos, good lighting, and a clean, warm feel help your listing stand out online. Be ready to negotiate on repairs or closing costs, too — a small concession can keep a deal on track and protect your timeline.

What to Actually Do

Talk to an agent this week. Getting a pricing plan and a timeline now gives you the best shot at a December closing.

Make a short repair list and knock it out. Focus on safety items, obvious wear, and anything a VA appraisal might flag.

Declutter and clean before photos. Your listing photos are your first showing, so get them right.

Price it to sell, not to test the market. You don't have weeks to spare on price reductions.

Stay flexible. Easy showings and quick responses to offers keep your timeline intact.

Why Work With Kevin Thomas

Selling on a deadline takes a clear plan and strong marketing. Kevin Thomas is a trusted real estate agent and marketing strategist serving Coastal Georgia, and a U.S. Army veteran who understands what it's like to sell on a PCS timeline.

Working with Kevin means:

✔️ A realistic timeline to close before the end of the year

✔️ Pricing based on recent local sales, not guesswork

✔️ Marketing that gets your home in front of serious buyers fast

✔️ Guidance on repairs that matter for VA buyers and appraisals

✔️ An advocate who keeps your deal on track through the holidays

Your Next Step

Call or text Kevin Thomas: (912) 980-6153 Want to sell before the new year? Let's map out your timeline this week.

Kevin Thomas with Level 10 Real Estate Group helps military families sell on their schedule, not the calendar's.