Why November and December Can Be a Smart Time to Buy in Central Ohio

Why November and December Can Be a Smart Time to Buy in Central Ohio

Most buyers take a break from house hunting between Thanksgiving and New Year's. That is exactly why this stretch can work in your favor. And this fall there is one more reason to stay in the game: on October 22, Freddie Mac reported the average 30-year rate eased to 7.32%, its first decline after seven straight weekly increases and a flat week.



What Last Winter's Data Shows


Comparing November 2025 with April 2026 in the Columbus REALTORS® MLS data shows how different the two seasons feel for a buyer:

  • Fewer competing buyers: 2,146 homes went under contract in November, compared with 2,923 in April.
  • More room to negotiate: November sellers received 95.7% of their original list price on average, versus 97.9% in April.
  • More time to decide: Median days on market was 40 in November.


On a home originally listed at $350,000, that 2.2-point difference in negotiating outcomes is worth about $7,700.



This Year's Starting Point Is Even More Buyer-Friendly


  • September 2026 inventory reached 6,530 homes, up 12.3% from a year earlier, with 2.6 months of supply.
  • Homes going under contract fell 12.7% in September, so there are fewer buyers competing for those homes.
  • Sellers received 96.3% of their original list price in September, already below last year's fall levels.



The Trade-Offs


  • Fewer new listings. Fresh inventory slows in winter, so if you need a very specific home, you may have fewer to choose from.
  • Scheduling around the holidays. Inspectors, lenders, and title companies stay busy but can book up around holiday weeks. Build in a few extra days.
  • Harder to judge outdoor features. Ask for photos of the yard in summer and pay close attention to drainage and roof condition during inspection.



How to Make a Winter Purchase Work


  • Get preapproved now so you can act quickly when the right home appears.
  • Focus on homes listed 30 days or more. Sellers still on the market in December are often the most motivated.
  • Ask for concessions toward closing costs or a rate buydown rather than only a lower price.
  • Set up a search alert so you see new listings the day they hit the market.



Bottom Line


Holiday house hunting means fewer competing buyers, more negotiating room, and sellers who are ready to make a deal. With inventory up 12% and rates easing slightly, this winter could favor buyers who stay active while others wait for spring.



Margaret Lipp | REMAX Premier Choice

Serving Upper Arlington, Dublin, Worthington, Clintonville, Hilliard, Powell, Grandview, and all Central Ohio communities



Market data source: Columbus REALTORS® Central Ohio Housing Report, September 2026, and Local Market Updates (Entire MLS) for November 2025 and April 2026, based on Columbus & Central Ohio Regional MLS residential data. Mortgage rate data: Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, week of October 22, 2026. Payment examples show principal and interest only and are illustrative, not a loan quote; taxes, insurance, and mortgage insurance are additional. Consult a licensed lender for rates and terms. Seasonal comparisons are illustrative and reflect different months and years.

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Margaret Lipp.

REALTOR® LIC#2014004838

margaretlipp312@gmail.com

614-537-2992

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