While many potential homebuyers press “pause” during the holiday season, savvy buyers know that December often hides the best opportunities of the entire year. The “holiday freeze” in activity creates a window of leverage that doesn’t exist in the spring or summer.
If you are looking to purchase a home in Texas this month, here is your strategic playbook to capitalizing on the unique market conditions of December 2025.
The December 2025 Market Landscape
The current market is defined by a shift back toward the buyer. After years of tight inventory, Texas is seeing a “normalization” that benefits you.
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Inventory is Up: As of late 2025, housing inventory in Texas has risen to approximately 5.5 months of supply (up significantly from previous years), signaling a healthy shift toward a buyer’s market. Source: Norada Real Estate Investments / Texas Real Estate Research Center.
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Rates are Stabilizing: The 30-year fixed mortgage rate has hovered around 6.25% – 6.30% entering December, offering more stability than the volatility seen earlier in the year. Source: Bankrate / Freddie Mac.
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Less Competition: December historically sees a drop in buyer activity by 20-30% compared to peak months. Fewer bidding wars mean you are more likely to get your offer accepted—often under the asking price.
3 Buying Strategies to Get the Best Deal This Month
To maximize your savings, you need to think differently than the average spring buyer.
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Target “Day on Market” Leaders: Look for homes that have been on the market for 60+ days. In December, these sellers are often fatigued and highly motivated to close before the tax year ends.
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Leverage the “Tax Motivation”: Many sellers want to sell before December 31st to claim capital losses or finalize financial portfolios for the 2025 tax year. Use this deadline as leverage to request concessions, such as the seller paying for your closing costs or a “2-1 Buydown” to lower your interest rate for the first two years.
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Negotiate Repairs, Don’t Waive Them: In a competitive market, buyers waive inspections. In December 2025, you have the power to keep your inspection contingency. Use the inspection report to negotiate credits for repairs rather than asking the seller to do the work (which can delay closing).
The “Mortgage Banker” Advantage: Why It Matters
Who you choose to finance your home is just as important as the house you choose. Many buyers mistakenly believe all lenders are the same, but there is a distinct difference between a Mortgage Banker and a big retail bank or online lender.
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Speed & Control: Big banks often have bureaucracy that slows down closings, causing you to miss contract deadlines. As a Mortgage Banker, the lending process is handled in-house. This means decisions are made locally, not in a corporate headquarters three states away.
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Specific Industry Knowledge: A generalist at a big bank handles checking accounts, auto loans, and credit cards. A Mortgage Banker specializes exclusively in home loans. This expertise is critical for navigating complex situations like self-employed income or investment property financing.
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Better Rates & Lower Fees: Big box banks often have high overhead costs (branches, massive advertising budgets) that are passed on to you in the form of higher rates or “junk fees.” Independent Mortgage Bankers run leaner operations, often allowing them to offer more competitive pricing.
Why Sal Trapani & MJ Mortgage LLC?
In a market where precision and trust are paramount, you need a partner who is invested in your success.
Sal Trapani is not just a loan officer; he is a Mortgage Banker and the owner of MJ Mortgage LLC based in Magnolia, TX. Serving the entire state of Texas, Sal brings a level of accountability that big banks simply cannot match.
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Trustworthy & Dependable: Sal has 40+ 5-Star Google Reviews verifying his status as an industry expert who puts clients first.
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Smooth & Seamless Process: The loan process with MJ Mortgage is designed to be stress-free. Sal ensures all parties—buyers, realtors, and title companies—are updated at every key milestone, eliminating the “black hole” of communication common with large lenders.
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Timely Closings: In real estate, time is money. Sal’s proven process ensures you close on time, every time, making for an enjoyable experience rather than a stressful deadline.
Ready to see what you qualify for? Don’t let the December opportunity pass you by. Contact Sal Trapani at MJ Mortgage LLC today to get a custom quote and start your journey home.
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Sal Trapani, Mortgage Banker/Owner, MJ Mortgage LLC, 281-608-2846 cell, sal@mjmortgagellc.com, www.mjmortgagellc.com, NMLS 1055510 / NMLS 2381195