Why January Is the Market’s Best-Kept Secret

Experience, Integrity, Results


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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I have sold a property at 720 SHAKESPEARE STREET in Warfield
I have sold a property at 720 SHAKESPEARE STREET in Warfield.
This incredible family home is warm and welcoming throughout. It features a stunning newer kitchen and large dining area, the living room is sundrenched with floor to ceiling windows, then walk out through your double french doors on to the private patio and wrap around deck down to your fully fenced yard. There are 3 good sized bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, main floor laundry, an office nook, huge entry area, and two storage rooms. The bonus is the sweeping mountain views and parking for all the toys, including the garage, carport and rv parking. This is an incredible home, do not miss out! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 510 PONDEROSA CRESCENT in Salmo
I have sold a property at 510 PONDEROSA CRESCENT in Salmo.
If you have been looking for a beautifully renovated family home with a double garage then look no further!! The main floor of this lovely home features a new kitchen with coffee bar and eating nook, large formal dining room, huge living room with fireplace. Upstairs enjoy 3 large bedrooms - master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet, and full bathroom. Below the main floor a great laundry space, another bedroom or office area, recreation room and access to the garage and back yard. Downstairs the opportunities are endless with 2 additional spaces for storage, 5th bedroom, workshop or hobby room. Bonus: Brand new h/e natural gas furnace, covered deck, RV parking and storage shed. All of this and only steps to Salmo Elementary, ball park and curling club! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 1254 GREEN AVENUE in Trail
I have sold a property at 1254 GREEN AVENUE in Trail.
Fantastic Opportunity to get into the market! This large home has a huge loft master bedroom upstairs, 2 bedrooms on the main floor, large open living and dining area, and a full bathroom. The basement in-law suite features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, full kitchen, small dining area and living room with separate entrance. Upgrades include new plumbing (2017), new hot water tank (2017), and upgraded electrical panel. You will love the attached garage and storage room, and the proximately to Downtown! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Warfield
I have listed a new property at 720 SHAKESPEARE STREET in Warfield.
This incredible family home is warm and welcoming throughout. It features a stunning newer kitchen and large dining area, the living room is sundrenched with floor to ceiling windows, then walk out through your double french doors on to the private patio and wrap around deck down to your fully fenced yard. There are 3 good sized bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, main floor laundry, an office nook, huge entry area, and two storage rooms. The bonus is the sweeping mountain views and parking for all the toys, including the garage, carport and rv parking. This is an incredible home, do not miss out! (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Salmo
I have listed a new property at 510 PONDEROSA CRESCENT in Salmo.
If you have been looking for a beautifully renovated family home with a double garage then look no further!! The main floor of this lovely home features a new kitchen with coffee bar and eating nook, large formal dining room, huge living room with fireplace. Upstairs enjoy 3 large bedrooms - master bedroom with ensuite and walk in closet, and full bathroom. Below the main floor a great laundry space, another bedroom or office area, recreation room and access to the garage and back yard. Downstairs the opportunities are endless with 2 additional spaces for storage, 5th bedroom, workshop or hobby room. Bonus: Brand new h/e natural gas furnace, covered deck, RV parking and storage shed. All of this and only steps to Salmo Elementary, ball park and curling club! (id:2493)
Read

I have sold a property at 1380 MCLEAN STREET in Trail
I have sold a property at 1380 MCLEAN STREET in Trail.
Unbelievable investment opportunity in an upgraded and meticulously maintained building! This triplex offers 3 nicely renovated 1 bed 1 bath units, separate laundry room for the tenants, and is located in a super convenient location in East Trail close to all amenities. (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 1306 SECOND AVENUE in Trail.
WOW!! This beautifully updated main house features 3 bedrooms 2 bathrooms, large dining room with french doors, newer kitchen, newer vinyl plank flooring and beautiful charm and character throughout, including the claw foot tub in the semi ensuite. The 1 bedroom, 1 bath back cottage is cute as a button and has been recently freshened up with paint and flooring, the kitchen and bathroom have also been updated. All of this and enjoy the awesome location, walking distance to all amenities! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 100 CEDAR AVENUE in Fruitvale.
This is an incredible family home located on a private HALF ACRE lot! Featuring a large kitchen with eating nook and formal dining area, a huge living room with gas fireplace, 3 Bedrooms all on the main floor, Master bedroom with ensuite, and an additional den/office on the main floor. You will love the wrap around covered deck off the kitchen for that summer entertaining. Downstairs enjoy a great rec room with gas fireplace, large storage room or option for 4th bedroom, and a fantastic laundry and mudroom! Enjoy parking for all the toys with RV pad, shop and 3 covered parking spaces! All of this and STEPS to Fruitvale Elementary! (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 1254 GREEN AVENUE in Trail.
Fantastic Opportunity to get into the market! This large home has a huge loft master bedroom upstairs, 2 bedrooms on the main floor, large open living and dining area, and a full bathroom. The basement in-law suite features 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, full kitchen, small dining area and living room with separate entrance. Upgrades include new plumbing (2017), new hot water tank (2017), and upgraded electrical panel. You will love the attached garage and storage room, and the proximately to Downtown! (id:2493)
Read
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