Why January Is the Market’s Best-Kept Secret

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January in Real Estate: What’s Happening, What’s Available, and How to Win This Winter Market

January often gets a bad reputation in real estate cold weather, post-holiday fatigue, and the assumption that “nothing happens until spring.”
But here’s the truth: January is one of the most strategic months in the market, especially in a small-town setting.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, here’s what’s happening right now and how to make the most of it.

What’s Happening in the January Market

January buyers are serious buyers.
These aren’t casual lookers they’re people with job changes, life changes, growing families, downsizing plans, or investment goals.

Inventory is typically lower, which means:

  • Less competition for sellers

  • More attention on each listing

  • Cleaner negotiations without bidding-war chaos

For buyers, January can offer:

  • Motivated sellers

  • Better communication and flexibility

  • More time to actually evaluate a home without pressure

It’s a quieter market but it’s an intentional one.

Featured Listings: Available This January

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to look, these properties are currently available and receiving strong interest. With fewer listings on the market, each one stands out more in January.

🏡 Featured Listing #1
800 Hwy 22, Rossland
• 4 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms
• Finished lower level, ideal as a guest suite
• Complete with a full kitchen

https://theahanson.com/mylistings.html/listing.10364452-800-highway-22-rossland-v0g-1y0.107004301

🏡 Featured Listing #2
418 2nd Ave, Rivervale
• 4 bedrooms | 4 bathrooms
• Includes a fully legal suite

https://theahanson.com/mylistings.html/listing.10370664-418-2nd-avenue-rivervale-v1r-4v5.107445517

🏡 Featured Listing #3
25 Wilson Rd, Christina Lake
• 3 bedrooms | 3 bathrooms
• Above-garage income helper
• Ready for you to finish and customize to your vision

https://theahanson.com/mylistings.html/listing.10367602-25-wilson-road-christina-lake-v0h-1e0.107264138

January Listings: Why Homes Stand Out Right Now

Homes listed in January tend to get more focused attention. With fewer properties on the market, buyers aren’t overwhelmed with options they’re paying closer attention to details, layout, condition, and value.

If you’re browsing listings this month, pay attention to:

  • Properties that were priced strategically (not “testing the market”)

  • Homes with strong winter curb appeal and good natural light

  • Listings that show pride of ownership these often perform best in January

And if you’re selling, this is where preparation matters more than ever.

Tips & Tricks for January Sellers

1. Price for the market you’re in not the one you hope for
January buyers are informed and motivated, but they expect value.

2. Light matters more in winter
Open blinds, replace dim bulbs, and let natural light work for you.

3. Cozy, not cluttered
Warm, inviting spaces photograph and show better than over-decorated homes.

4. Snow and access matter
Clear walkways, driveways, and entry areas. First impressions still count.

5. Be flexible with showings
Weather and schedules vary flexibility creates opportunity.

Tips & Tricks for January Buyers

1. Get pre-approved early
Prepared buyers have more leverage in January.

2. Look beyond curb appeal
Focus on layout, structure, and long-term potential.

3. Ask winter-specific questions
Heating, insulation, and efficiency matter more now than ever.

4. Move with confidence
When the right home appears, act decisively.

Thinking Ahead to Spring? Start Now.

If selling in spring is your goal, January is the perfect planning month:

  • Pricing strategy

  • Prep timelines

  • Renovation decisions

  • Marketing plans

Early planning often leads to stronger spring results without last-minute stress.

Final Thoughts

January isn’t slow it’s selective.
It’s a month for informed decisions, strategic moves, and setting the tone for the year ahead.

If you’d like more details on any of the featured listings or want to discuss your own plans for 2025, I’m always happy to help.

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New property listed in Rivervale
I have listed a new property at 27 HANNA Drive in Rivervale.
Not for the faint of heart! This property offers an open living/dining area, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and potential for future development in the basement. Some engineering may be required. Minimum 48 hours notice for all showings. (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 1050/1038 GREEN Avenue in Trail.
This home is impressive! Beautiful renovations throughout this conveniently located home! Enjoy an open plan main floor with large living room and kitchen (appliances included), pantry, main floor laundry, two large bedrooms upstairs, spa like bathroom with separate tub and walk in shower, and walk in closet. The house features a brand new roof, high efficiency furnace, new plumbing - ready for a new bathroom in the basement, and new duct work. All of this plus a great storage space in the basement with separate entry, or a little bit of finishing and could be a great in law suite or mortgage helper. A must see, quick possession available! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 276 ROSSLAND Avenue in Trail.
Live in one unit and rent out the other, or purchase as an investment property! The main floor unit features two bedrooms, one bathroom, and views of town. The second floor suite is a bachelor suite with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom complete with spacious eat in kitchen and brand new carpet in the living room. Both units are separately metered and the home is conveniently located walking distance to downtown. Property comes with additional leased lot for extra out door living space. At this price it pretty much pays its own mortgage! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 208 RITCHIE Avenue in Trail.
Impressive! This beautiful Trail classic sits high above the Columbia River with stunning river views and majestic landscaping, you will forget you have neighbours! This home was built in approximately 1929 and has been immaculately maintained and upgraded, while still showing you the charm of yesteryear. Enjoy high ceilings, a huge living room and dining room with beautiful hardwood floors - perfect for those family gatherings, big bright windows with custom window coverings, and custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Enjoy 2 large bathrooms with beautiful double walk in tiled showers, 3 bedrooms on the upper floor with generous master bedroom, additional bedroom or den/office on the main floor, cozy gas fireplace in the living room, brand new high efficiency furnace, and new hot water on demand. Outside enjoy the perfect summer entertainment area with brand new deck with trex decking, stamped concrete patio with multiple seating and eating spaces, covered outdoor kitchen, and hot tub. You can not build this home for this price! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 141 COLLEY Street in Trail.
Great Starter or Empty Nester! This home features 2 bedrooms on the main floor, hardwood floors, 2 full bathrooms, rec room with cozy pellet stove, hot water on demand, and a newer furnace. Great value here, with room for any updates you want to do! Also enjoy a fenced yard and detached garage and workshop! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 108 CEDAR Avenue in Fruitvale.
This is great value for a family home steps to Fruitvale Elementary school! This home has been completely renovated and features 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, large kitchen and dining area, brand new gas furnace, newer roof, huge covered deck overlooking your own in ground swimming pool and yard. Downstairs find a large rec room and mudroom, with direct access to the oversized carport and workshop. Put this one on your viewing list! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 2332 FIFTH Avenue in Trail.
Not for the faint of heart! This one requires some work but has good potential. If you are capable of re-insulating and re-drywalling then this house could be a real gem! With 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, updated mechanically, and a fully fenced yard this is a great house for a handyman/woman! Call your REALTOR® to view today! (id:2493)
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