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 Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 76 LAUREL AVENUE in Fruitvale.
This beautiful family home is STUNNING! There is nothing you will need to do but move in! The main floor has large kitchen with island which opens onto the dining room and roomy living room. There is a mudroom/laundry room, office or den and full bathroom that completes the main. Upstairs there is a great office or play area, large master bedroom with walk in closet, two additional large bedrooms and another full bathroom. Downstairs there is a large carpeted rec room, utility room and tons of storage areas. The parking is incredible with a fully finished 21 x 23 double garage with an additional garage door to provide access to the back yard, plus a covered patio area, fully landscaped with underground sprinklers, and an additional workshop and oversized double garage with 10' H door. Great for all the toys! The elementary school is a short distance away as is the local arena and shopping. (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 1540 HIGHWAY 3B in Fruitvale.
If you have a large family this home is perfect for you! The main floor features 3 bedrooms, a full bathroom, a large open living room, dining area, and kitchen with eating bar, and a cozy woodstove. The lower level offers a huge rec room, 3 additional bedrooms, and another full bathroom with laundry area. You will also enjoy a new furnace and A/C, newer roof, and newer windows throughout. Plus the PARKING is incredible, room for the RV's, Boat, and all the toys, plus a great garden space on .92 Acres. This is an awesome home. (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

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)
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

I have sold a property at 100 CEDAR AVENUE in Fruitvale
I have sold a 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 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

I have sold a property at 11 1790 BARRETT DRIVE in Fruitvale
I have sold a property at 11 1790 BARRETT DRIVE in Fruitvale.
Beautifully renovated manufactured home! This 1100+ sqft home is the perfect package for a retiree wanting a upgraded move in ready home at an affordable price! Featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den/office, a brand new bathroom, brand new flooring, brand new windows throughout, upgraded kitchen with fantastic built in side board, large foyer and separate laundry! This is a fabulous package! (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 11 1790 BARRETT DRIVE in Fruitvale.
Beautifully renovated manufactured home! This 1100+ sqft home is the perfect package for a retiree wanting a upgraded move in ready home at an affordable price! Featuring 3 bedrooms plus a den/office, a brand new bathroom, brand new flooring, brand new windows throughout, upgraded kitchen with fantastic built in side board, large foyer and separate laundry! This is a fabulous package! (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 6 1790 BARRETT DRIVE in Fruitvale.
ENJOY FANTASTIC SENIOR LIVING! THIS HOME HAS BEEN BEAUTIFULLY UPGRADED INCLUDING THE KITCHEN AND DINING AREA, NEWER CARPET AND TILE FLOORING THROUGHOUT, NEW FURNACE WITH CENTRAL AIR, AND NEW WINDOWS. ENJOY A LARGE COVERED DECK WITH STORAGE AREA, AND FULLY FENCED YARD WITH GARDEN SPACE AND STORAGE SHED. THIS HOME IS MOVE IN READY! (id:2493)
Read

New property listed in Fruitvale
I have listed a new property at 12 1790 BARRETT DRIVE in Fruitvale.
Great Value! This nicely updated 2 Bedroom 1 Bathroom mobile home is an end unit with large yard area, not 1 but 2 covered decks, large storage shed, new windows, and new appliances! Fantastic senior living! (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.