REAL ESTATE
January 2025

According to the National Association of Realtors, over 11,000 homes are sold per day on average from December through February. While many assume January to be a sluggish time for real estate, potential buyers have been scrolling through home listings over the holidays and are ready to make a move. Sellers who have had their homes on the market for months are ready to make a real deal. There are some very cool advantages to jumping into the market in winter, especially the first month of the new year. January is a time of fresh starts, serious buyers and sellers, and getting ahead of the competition.

 

New Year, Fresh Start

We see an uptick in interest in potential buyers as soon as the holidays are over. After some rest, downtime, and reflection, resolutions for the new year get put into action. Advantages for buyers this time of year include less competition, mortgage rates that have dipped from last year's peak, and being in a new house before the spring market. A spring move-in also means time to settle in, plant a garden, renovate and decorate in time for summer.

For sellers, January is a really good time to get prepared and get into the market. Inventory always dips during the holidays, and sellers who pulled their listings to enjoy time with family and friends are jumping back in. A warm and inviting atmosphere can really make a home stand out to potential buyers, so ensure driveways and sidewalks are cleared, hang a neutral wreath or greenery on the door, and make sure outdoor lighting illuminates your house number to make it easy to find. Place outdoor pillows and blankets on patio furniture to help envision using outdoor living spaces in the warmer months.

Serious Buyers and Sellers

January brings serious buyers and sellers to the market. Many are working against a deadline, such as the need to relocate for a new job, sell their old home to move into one they've already bought, or upsize to accommodate a growing family. Potential buyers have realized that waiting around probably isn't going to get them a significantly lower mortgage anytime soon. The National Association of Realtors is anticipating mortgage rates to moderate, hovering near 6% in both 2025 and 2026. This time of year, both buyers and sellers want to make efficient decisions and move through the process quickly.

Get ahead of the Spring Market Rush

Spring is historically the busiest time of the year for real estate, with people aiming to move into a new home over the summer. Buying and selling in January will allow you to close a deal before the market heats up and home prices start rising again, traditionally from February through May. With less inventory, you'll face less competition, which is a bonus for both buyers and sellers. Buyers, you won't have to worry about someone snagging your dream home before you do, and you're less likely to face bidding wars than in the spring. Sellers, you have more room to negotiate with serious buyers, and can make a deal faster than in a crowded market.

Winter is a great time to get ahead of the competition and find the perfect home for your family. A brand new year is upon us, with changes on the horizon for many, whether a new job, a career change, or a new addition to the family. Browse the incredible listings on our website and feel free to reach out. We're happy to help you navigate the winter market!


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