Is There a Secret “Best Day” to Buy a Home?
Homebuyers across Savannah, Pooler, Effingham County, Bryan County, and Bulloch County often wonder if there’s a perfect day of the year to snag the best deal on a house. After all, people set price alerts for flights, wake up early on Black Friday, and chase bargains all year long.
So naturally, buyers ask:
“Is there a magical day when homes sell for the lowest prices?”
A new report from ATTOM suggests there might be — but the truth is more complex (and more interesting).
So What Day Is Supposedly the Best Day to Buy a Home?
ATTOM found that December 24th (Christmas Eve) is the day buyers historically pay the lowest premium above the AVM (Automated Valuation Model).
But that does not mean homes are selling below market value or at an actual discount.
AVM Premium Doesn’t Equal a Bargain
Automated Valuation Models:
- pull nearby comparable sales
- rely on algorithms
- can’t assess condition, upgrades, or unique features
- often misread micro-markets like Pooler, Rincon, Guyton, or Richmond Hill
So while a Christmas Eve closing may show a slightly lower premium above the AVM, it doesn’t automatically translate to “the best price of the year.”
The Big Catch: Those Numbers Reflect Closing Dates — NOT Negotiation Dates
This is the part most headlines don’t explain.
Buyers didn’t negotiate their deals on December 24th.
Those closings likely came from:
- fall home shopping
- October/November negotiations
- 30–45 day lender timelines
So December 24th isn’t the day people “got” the deal — it’s just when the paperwork finished.
The Real Insight: Christmas Eve Closings Point to MOTIVATED Sellers
If a seller is willing to close on Christmas Eve, a few things may be true:
- They need to relocate
- They want the sale done before year-end
- They’re under financial pressure
- They’re working with a tight deadline
And where motivated sellers exist… opportunity exists.
If you’re considering selling, check out our guide to selling your home in Savannah to understand how motivation and timing influence pricing.
How Buyers Actually Snag Great Deals
Despite the myth, there is no “secret day” of the year.
But there IS a strategy that works consistently.
Buyers who get the best deals are:
✔ Already pre-approved
✔ Monitoring the market consistently
✔ Working with a knowledgeable local agent
✔ Ready to move quickly
✔ Comfortable stepping into timelines others avoid
If you’re preparing to buy, our Savannah homebuyer guide is a great place to start.
Deals in Coastal Georgia happen:
- on holidays
- during slower winter months
- when interest rates shift
- when unique circumstances motivate sellers
The calendar doesn’t create deals — motivation does.
The Real Takeaway for Savannah & Coastal Georgia Buyers
While ATTOM’s data makes Christmas Eve look like the “best day” to buy, the truth is:
- Deals are NOT tied to dates
- Deals ARE tied to seller motivation
- Opportunities appear year-round
- Prepared buyers get the best prices
Waiting for a perfect day on the calendar may cause you to miss sellers who are motivated right now.
The smartest approach?
Be ready. Stay active. Work with a trusted local expert who can help you identify value the moment it appears.
Thinking About Buying? Let’s Position You for Success.
Whether you’re planning a move in Savannah, Pooler, Richmond Hill, Rincon, Guyton, Springfield, or Statesboro — the best opportunities come when you’re prepared and partnered with the right agent.
Learn more about who we are at
👉 Robin Lance Realty – A Tradition of Trust
Or reach out anytime:
👉 Contact Us Today
We’re here and ready to help you win in this market — calendar magic not required.