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.

RSS

New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 1340 BREWSTER STREET in Trail.
What a fabulous starter home! Nicely updated throughout, featuring 2 bedrooms on the main, with a full bathroom with custom tile work, an open plan kitchen, dining, and living space, with access to a huge deck and fully fenced yard. Downstairs enjoy a large rec room, 2 additional bedrooms, another full bathroom, a laundry room and utility room. Plus a newer roof, and parking for 3 vehicles! (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Rossland
I have listed a new property at 927 REDSTONE DRIVE in Rossland.
What a great opportunity to build your dream home at the incredible community of Redstone Golf Resort! This .194 acre lot has fantastic views, and ready to go for a walk out basement type build! Seller has already had an energy saver evaluation done and has building plans for the lot! (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 744 SHORT STREET in Trail.
Timeless Charm, with Modern Updates! This is a must see! You can feel the love and care that this beautiful home has had, with a beautiful new custom kitchen, and brand new bathroom, two spacious bedrooms, and an incredible open plan living and dining space. Enjoy your morning coffee while you watch the river on your front porch, or the tranquility of the back greenspace out of your fully fenced back yard. The best is this home is move in ready, mechanical upgrades all done, and a full unfinished basement ready for future development. (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Trail
I have listed a new property at 1156 SECOND AVENUE in Trail.
What a great opportunity for a fabulous well maintained investment property! This 2 x 2 bed 1 bath unit duplex has a beautifully renovated upstairs, with a newer kitchen, hardwood and lino floors, huge covered deck and a great bathroom with clawfoot tub. The basement unit has a large kitchen and eating area, carpet, lino, and laminate flooring and a covered entry area. Also a detached garage/workshop and a fully fenced yard, and steps to GYRO PARK. Basement unit to be vacant at the end of July so you can move right in or find a new tenant. Upstairs tenant paying $794/mo + Utilities. (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 2652 HIGHWAY 3B in Fruitvale.
What an amazing opportunity to own an incredible acreage just outside of Fruitvale! The property is breathtaking, and backs on to the gas line for those outdoor enthusiasts, set up and ready for your outdoor oasis and plumbed for an above ground pool and with your own sandy beach. The inside is framed for a 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home, plus an inlaw suite with full bathroom. Attached through the breezeway is a fabulous garage/shop oversized with A/C and Pellet Stove, seriously every mans dream garage, plus a detached storage shed and wood shed, RV parking with full hook ups. This is a RARE property! (id:2493)
Read
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are member’s of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.