Contrary to popular belief, lots of people buy and sell houses during the holiday season! Here are 10 reasons why:

1. Buyers have time to look; unused vacation days; companies give their employees extra time for shopping.

2. Holiday/year-end bonuses.

3. Pay-raises.

4. Motivated buyers who missed out or were out-bid in the Spring, Summer and Fall markets.

5. New jobs - companies hire for the new year. Relocating buyers need to make decisions soon.

6. People get engaged, married, combine households and need more space.

7. Visiting family brings out the nesting instinct.

8. Down-payment holiday gifts - click here to out how your family can give money tax-free.

9. Good deals; buyers are seeing price reductions from sellers who are ready to move.

10. People are in the mood to shop and there's nothing better than buying a house!

As for selling for more money in the Spring, if you are selling your house you are most likely going to buy another place to live. If prices are higher in the Spring, then you will also pay more for your next house. You may sell for less at this time of year but you will also pay less. If your end-goal is to buy another house, then understand that selling is just a step n the process toward buying. You will be ready to act as soon as houses come on the market while other buyers are waiting to sell.