The January Inventory Myth: Why Waiting Isn’t Always Wiser
January is known for new goals, fresh starts… and in real estate? A lot of hesitation.
Buyers assume there’s nothing worth seeing. Sellers assume they’ll be better off waiting until spring. But here’s the truth:
January is a window of opportunity, if you know how to use it.
Myth: “There’s nothing on the market in January.”
Reality: There’s less on the market. But that’s exactly why serious homes and serious offers stand out.
In Step 3 of my From Chaos to Calm™ method (Market Orientation), we help buyers and sellers evaluate what’s actually happening in their local market—not just what the headlines say.
And every January, here’s what we find:
Motivated sellers listing early to avoid spring competition
Motivated buyers who didn’t find the right fit in Q4
Less inventory = fewer options = less competition, for homes and offers
For Buyers (Startin’ Out Guide Tie-In):
You don’t have to find “the one” this month. But January is the perfect time to:
See what early inventory looks like (and how fast it moves)
Understand how your budget aligns with real-time market trends
Get pre-approved and ready before spring crowds show up
Tour homes with less pressure, less competition, and more clarity
The early birds don’t just get the house; they avoid the stress.
For Sellers (The Property Mogul Guide Tie-In):
Waiting for spring might feel like the “safe” bet. But here’s what you risk:
Competing with a flood of listings in March and April
Missing the attention of highly motivated early-year buyers
Rushing your prep instead of launching with intention
January sellers have an edge if they’ve done the prep. That means:
Prepping photos while the light still works in your favour
Quietly soft-launching now or building momentum for February
Pricing smart based on current comps, not outdated assumptions
Step 3: Market Orientation: Clarity, Not Guesswork
Whether you’re a buyer or a seller, this is the moment to ask:
What’s actually happening in my local market?
What timing aligns best with my goals, not the crowd’s?
What would give me an edge before spring?
Market Orientation isn’t about guessing. It’s about understanding the real conditions and using them wisely.
Want the edge before the crowd arrives?
👉 Book your 15-minute Discovery Call or download the guide that fits where you are:
The smartest moves in 2026 don’t wait for spring; they start with clarity now.
