Should You Buy a Home in Costa Mesa During the Holidays? Here’s Why December Might Be the Best Time (2025 Guide)
Buying a home during the holidays isn’t something most people think about — but in Costa Mesa, December has quietly become one of the best months to find real estate opportunities. With fewer competing buyers, motivated sellers, and improving mortgage conditions, the end of the year can open up doors (and deals) that aren’t available during the busier spring market.
If you’re thinking about making a move in Costa Mesa, here’s why this holiday season might be the perfect time.
1. Less Competition = More Negotiating Power
December always brings a natural slowdown, as many buyers shift their focus to travel and family events. That means:
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Fewer bidding wars
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More negotiating room
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More time to make decisions
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Better access to preferred homes
In neighborhoods like Eastside Costa Mesa, Mesa Verde, and Westside Costa Mesa, buyers are experiencing noticeably less competition compared to the fall season.
This quiet window gives you access to homes you may have missed out on earlier in the year.
2. Motivated Sellers Want to Close Before Year-End
Many Costa Mesa homeowners list in November and December because they want to:
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Complete a sale for tax purposes
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Relocate before the new year
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Take advantage of winter buyer interest
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Prepare for a January or February move
This can create more flexibility on price, closing costs, or repair credits — especially if the home has been on the market for a few weeks.
Sellers are more willing to work with serious buyers, which is a huge advantage.
3. Interest Rates Are Stabilizing
One of the biggest drivers of buyer confidence this holiday season is rate stabilization. After months of volatility, December has brought:
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Slightly improved rates
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More predictable lending conditions
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Increased affordability
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Renewed buyer activity heading into 2026
If you're pre-approved, this is a window to capitalize on before competition returns in the spring.
4. You See Homes Exactly As They Are
Shopping in the fall and winter means you get a more accurate sense of:
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Natural light
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Heating efficiency
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Noise levels
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Holiday traffic patterns
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How the neighborhood “feels” during quieter months
There’s no summer “glow” — just the home in its most honest form.
This makes inspections clearer and decisions easier.
5. New Inventory Is Coming — but Smart Buyers Shop Early
Costa Mesa generally sees a wave of new listings between February and April. But smart buyers shop early to:
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Avoid rising competition
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Lock in before price increases
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Access motivated sellers
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Begin renovations before summer
Early-access buyers consistently benefit when new supply hits.
Best Costa Mesa Neighborhoods to Watch This December
Here are the areas with the strongest holiday-season activity:
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Eastside Costa Mesa: Highly walkable, remodeled homes move fast
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Mesa Verde: Steady family buyer demand + great school access
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Westside Costa Mesa: Rising popularity, especially near parks and restaurants
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College Park: Good value + central location
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SoBECA District: High demand from lifestyle-driven buyers
These neighborhoods are showing steady foot traffic even during the holiday slowdown.
If You're Thinking of Selling — Now Is Still a Strong Window
Many homeowners assume they should wait until spring, but that can mean:
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More competing listings
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More price reductions
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More market noise
Serious buyers are out now — and they have fewer homes to choose from.
A well-priced, well-presented Costa Mesa home can still sell quickly in December.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season may feel like an unexpected time to shop for a home, but Costa Mesa’s December market consistently rewards buyers who are prepared, strategic, and paying attention. With motivated sellers, steady rates, and less competition, this month can offer some of the best deals of the year.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Costa Mesa?
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