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 111 RITCHIE AVENUE in Trail
I have sold a property at 111 RITCHIE AVENUE in Trail.
Quick Possession Available! This fantastic home features 4 bedrooms on the same floor, beautiful fir floors, and a wood fireplace in the living room (which is open to the dining room) plus modern conveniences of a new boiler, newer windows, and newer roof. You will enjoy a large kitchen, main floor laundry, cozy den with sliding glass doors that open to your beautifully maintained 1/3 acre flat lot with underground sprinklers. Bonus is the fabulous parking with a detached garage, carport, and lane access with RV parking. You must come look at this awesome character home! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 1279 THIRD AVE in Trail
I have sold a property at 1279 THIRD AVE in Trail.
This delightful home features 2 bedrooms, 1 fully upgraded bathroom, quaint kitchen and dining area, living room and office area on the main floor. Downstairs you will find a flex space, laundry area and two storage spaces. Recent upgrades include new roof, new siding, newer windows, new gutters, new hot water tank. Outside enjoy a huge fully fenced yard, garden area, patio space, and an attached garage. All this and in a super convenient location walking distance to all amenities. This must be on your viewing list! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 780 KIPLING STREET in Warfield
I have sold a property at 780 KIPLING STREET in Warfield.
This home has been loved and meticulously cared for by the same family for over 70 years! You can feel the love in this house when you walk in the doors. Featuring 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, large kitchen and dining area, huge living room, rec room, and room for additional development in the basement with large foyer area and potential for a 4th bedroom. All of that plus mechanically upgraded including wiring, plumbing, newer high efficiency furnace with central air. Outside enjoy a beautiful yard and garden area, and a garage and carport! This is a must see! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 1312 VICTORIA AVENUE in Rossland
I have sold a property at 1312 VICTORIA AVENUE in Rossland.
RARE! This private 3100+ sqft family home is situated on almost a third of an acre lot and ticks all the boxes! Featuring 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, open main floor with cozy gas fireplace in the living room, large master bedroom with full ensuite and walk in closet, and main floor laundry. Upstairs enjoy 4 bedrooms, 1 bathroom and a great family room. All of this PLUS..... a bachelor suite (RENTED FOR $1000/MO), huge deck with natural gas bbq hook up, large fenced flat yard, super close access for trails at the end of the street, parking for 7 and a 700 sq ft GARAGE! This is a must see for any family looking! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 345 MURRAY DRIVE in Warfield
I have sold a property at 345 MURRAY DRIVE in Warfield.
This is a MUST see! This charming 3 bedroom plus office 3 bathroom home is absolutely perfect! You will fall in love with the hardwood floors, crown mounding, completely upgraded kitchen with eating bar, patio area and private yard! This house features h/e furnace, central air, tons of storage, rv parking, plus a detached heated 26'x20' garage! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 2224 TOPPING STREET in Trail
I have sold a property at 2224 TOPPING STREET in Trail.
THE VIEW!!! This 2 Bed 1 Bath home has the most amazing 180 degree view of the Columbia River and East Trail! Featuring a brand new bathroom, nicely updated main floor, open kitchen, living and dining area, huge deck to enjoy the view, and a quaint private patio space in the rear with raised garden beds and pool. New Roof, upgraded electrical panel, and quick possession is available! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 2115 MASSIE ROAD in Christina Lake
I have sold a property at 2115 MASSIE ROAD in Christina Lake.
DREAMS DO COME TRUE!!! There is room for the WHOLE FAMILY in this 5 bedroom, 5 bathroom waterfront home that has too many features to list! The home is completely new in 2009 except for the garage. No detail has been spared and irreplaceable at this price!! PLEASE VIEW THE VIDEO WHICH HIGHLIGHTS ALL OF THE FEATURES of this amazing home and property! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 851 FORREST DRIVE in Village of Warfield
I have sold a property at 851 FORREST DRIVE in Village of Warfield.
The perfect family home for entertaining! This 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom is built for making great memories. Enjoy a new kitchen, large dining and living room, huge covered deck, massive rec room plumbed for your wet bar and private patio area. You will love the low maintenance yard, with parking for your RV. Workshop attached with double carport. Inside bonus features include: new furnace, and A/C, updated windows, and new flooring! A wonderful 'move in' ready home. Available for quick possession. (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 1722 DANIEL STREET in Trail
I have sold a property at 1722 DANIEL STREET in Trail.
Welcome to 1722 Daniel Street located in beautiful Columbia Heights! This wonderful home has off street parking for two, a covered porch leading to a large fenced deck, terraced yard with fruit trees and 600 square feet of premium garden all with a view and lane access. The home has been cared for and loved by the same owner for 63 years; has been mechanically updated and beautifully maintained. With 2 bedrooms on the main,one bedroom on the lower level plus 1.5 bathrooms this home has all the space you need. Call your REALTOR(R) today to view this Gem! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 2164 DANIEL STREET in Trail
I have sold a property at 2164 DANIEL STREET in Trail.
Diamond in the Rough! This has fantastic investment written all over it! Main floor features 3 large bedrooms, large eat in kitchen, living room and full bath. Downstairs offers a utility/storage area, laundry, another full bath, living room/studio space, an additional large kitchen, with separate entry. Mechanical upgrades include newer high efficiency furnace and an upgraded electrical panel. If you are looking to get out of renting and into your own home, and willing to do some work.... this could be the perfect project for you! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 1782 SECOND STREET in Village of Fruitvale
I have sold a property at 1782 SECOND STREET in Village of Fruitvale.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FANTASTIC FAMILY HOME? THEN YOU HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BRIGHT AND WELCOMING 4 BED 3 BATH HOME. THIS HOME FEATURES A LARGE OPEN LIVING AND DINING AREA, BIG KITCHEN WITH COFFEE BAR, MASSIVE SOUTHFACING DECK WITH SWEEPING MOUNTAIN VIEWS. THE MAIN LEVEL FEATURES 3 BEDROOMS, MASTER WITH ENSUITE AND WALK IN CLOSET AND MAIN BATH WITH JET TUB. DOWNSTAIRS ENJOY A LARGE REC ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, KITCHEN WITH EATING BAR, MEDIA ROOM, 4TH BEDROOM, DEN/OFFICE, 3RD BATHROOM AND ACCESS TO YOUR SCREENED IN BACK PATIO AREA WITH ACCESS TO THE BACK YARD. QUICK POSSESSION IS AVAILABLE! (id:2493)
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I have sold a property at 1782 SECOND STREET in Village of Fruitvale
I have sold a property at 1782 SECOND STREET in Village of Fruitvale.
ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A FANTASTIC FAMILY HOME? THEN YOU HAVE TO TAKE A LOOK AT THIS BRIGHT AND WELCOMING 4 BED 3 BATH HOME. THIS HOME FEATURES A LARGE OPEN LIVING AND DINING AREA, BIG KITCHEN WITH COFFEE BAR, MASSIVE SOUTHFACING DECK WITH SWEEPING MOUNTAIN VIEWS. THE MAIN LEVEL FEATURES 3 BEDROOMS, MASTER WITH ENSUITE AND WALK IN CLOSET AND MAIN BATH WITH JET TUB. DOWNSTAIRS ENJOY A LARGE REC ROOM WITH FIREPLACE, KITCHEN WITH EATING BAR, MEDIA ROOM, 4TH BEDROOM, DEN/OFFICE, 3RD BATHROOM AND ACCESS TO YOUR SCREENED IN BACK PATIO AREA WITH ACCESS TO THE BACK YARD. QUICK POSSESSION IS AVAILABLE! (id:2493)
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