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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New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 1518 HIGHWAY 3B in Fruitvale.
A Must See! This Executive Family home is perfect for a large family with 5/6 bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms and .41 acre fenced yard - it will tick all the boxes. The main floor features a large living and dining area with vaulted ceilings and gas fireplace , bright and welcoming kitchen with island and access to a fantastic deck, a large master suite with three piece ensuite , a full bathroom and two additional bedrooms. Did we mention the main floor laundry?? Downstairs enjoy a huge rec room with access to the covered deck and backyard, two bedrooms and a full bathroom plus a den or office and a huge storage/utility room. The backyard is fully fenced for the kids and the pooches, has a great storage shed, raised garden beds and a covered patio! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Montrose
I have listed a new property at 925 10TH AVENUE in Montrose.
What an incredible and rare find! This property features not 1 but 2 lots, a fabulous home with suite, a COMMERCIAL GRADE 25X30 SHOP, and "The Shack" with covered patio! The house offers a 3/4 bedroom home with 1 bathroom, an open plan kitchen, dining and living room with pellet stove. Downstairs you have the option for a 2 or 1 bedroom In-law Suite with separate laundry. Also High efficiency furnace, central air conditioning and a brand new roof. The outside is fantastic with fenced area for the kids or poochies, additional lawn area, raised garden bed, the COOLEST man cave/she shed, teen hangout you have ever seen with covered patio, and the SHOP! OMG, you could seriously not ask for anything more in this incredible shop, 10,000lb jack, heated, commercial grade power, and oversized door. PLUS 2 lots, the house and shop sit atop .294 Acres, plus the C3! Plus a separate business opportunity! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 1667 COLUMBIA AVENUE in Trail.
If you have been looking for a beautifully updated home, walking distance to downtown with a private fenced yard and river view, then you need to come and take a look at this great home! Featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, beautifully updated throughout, bamboo hardwood in the upstairs bedrooms, and an open plan kitchen, dining, and living room. Downstairs offers a HUGE rec room or flex space, full height basement, laundry area and 3rd bedroom. The best part of this house is how energy efficient it is, built in 1984. Outside you will love the stunning perennial gardens, low maintenance lawn, patio area, and a detached garage. This one is a must see. (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 3879 CARNATION DRIVE in Trail.
If you have been looking for a well loved family home in Glenmerry backing on to greenspace, then you need to book an appointment to view this great home! This home has been loved by the same family for over 45 years, featuring 4 beds, 3 baths, a master bedroom with walk in closet and ensuite. The main floor offers a huge living room with fireplace, dining area, and eat in kitchen, with 3 great sized bedrooms and full bathroom. Downstairs you will find the 4th bedroom, 3rd bathroom, a huge rec room with fireplace and a separate family room. Mechanical upgrades include a high efficiency furnace, central air, and a newer roof. Enjoy a huge deck off the kitchen with river views, that leads to the fantastic fenced back yard, with multiple fruit trees and garden area. This is a great home! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Genelle
I have listed a new property at 507 15TH AVENUE in Genelle.
This Stunning Executive Home is RARE! This beautiful home is situated on 2.55 Acres with sweeping Columbia River views. Enjoy 5 large bedrooms plus an office, 3.5 bathrooms, hardwood floors on the main floor, a floor to ceiling stone faced gas fireplace in the great room, a family room off the kitchen with gas fireplace. The kitchen is LOVELY with stainless steel appliances and gas range, large island, tons of counterspace, and butlers pantry. Upstairs features a large master suite with sitting area, river view covered patio, walk in closet, and 5 piece ensuite. Three other bedrooms and a full bathroom round out the top floor. The lower level features 1 bedroom plus office, huge rec room, built in sauna, full bathroom, huge storage room and access to the back yard and covered patio with hot tub. The bonus is the acreage, the 2.55 acres has the potential to be subdivided. This must be seen to be appreciated! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Warfield
I have listed a new property at 444 WELLINGTON AVENUE in Warfield.
This beautiful family home has it all including a pool!! The house features three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, an office and guest room. The main floor offers an open concept dining room, living room with it's own natural gas fireplace and large kitchen with stainless steel appliances. There are beautiful wood floors and custom blinds throughout the home. Outside you will find two large covered patio areas overlooking your own 18 x 36 foot inground pool. With almost a third of an acre you have a beautiful private back yard with mature fruit trees that backs onto a creek with a firepit area. The oversized double garage (27x22) has room for all your toys! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 3335 DAHLIA CRESCENT in Trail.
Perfect starter home in the most desirable location in Trail! This 3 bed 1 bath home has beautiful oak hardwood floors, 2 bed and 1 bathroom on the main floor, a cute kitchen with oak cabinets. Downstairs you have a large rec room, 3rd bedroom, tons of storage, and room for additional development. Fully fenced back yard with garden area, and 2 blocks to Glenmerry Elementary! A must see! (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 3773 WOODLAND DRIVE in Trail.
Wow what a fantastic family home, close to Glenmerry Elementary School. This home has been recently updated and features a huge kitchen and dining and living room space, 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom on the main floor, 1 bedroom and bathroom on the lower level! Enjoy a large rec room with bar, tons of storage, and a great workshop on the lower level. The house also features an enclosed hot tub and sauna, underground sprinklers, fully fenced yard that backs on to green space! This house is incredible and in a fantastic location down the street to the school. (id:2493)
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New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 1455 THIRD AVE in Trail.
What a sweet package!!! This home has 3 beds and 1 bath on the main and 1 bed 1 bath on the lower level. Enjoy a large living room, huge eat in kitchen with island, and fresh paint! Downstairs enjoy a recroom, large laundry and utility room, and what could be a fantastic in-law suite with its own entrance and summer kitchen. Brand new furnace and A/C, and new hot water tank! Fantastic East Trail location, close to all amenities. (id:2493)
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