Why Buying a Home in January Could Save You Thousands

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Why Buying a Home in January Deserves Serious Consideration

Many buyers automatically pause their home search during winter, assuming spring is the best time to buy. But current and historical housing data suggests something different. For buyers focused on value, timing, and affordability, buying a home in January may offer a real advantage.

While it may seem counterintuitive, the winter market often works in favor of serious, prepared buyers.

1. Home Prices Are Often Lower in January

January has consistently ranked as one of the most affordable months to purchase a home. According to LendingTree, it is historically the least expensive month of the year based on price-per-square-foot data.

As demand slows in winter, prices tend to soften. In contrast, spring usually brings a surge of buyers, which often drives prices higher.

Recent data shows that buyers who closed in January paid approximately $23,000 less than those who purchased in May for a typical 1,500-square-foot home.

While your actual savings will depend on price range, location, and property type, the trend remains clear: buying a home in January can result in meaningful cost savings, especially when affordability matters most.

2. Fewer Buyers Mean More Negotiation Power

Winter is traditionally one of the slowest seasons in real estate. Many buyers step back, waiting for warmer weather, which creates noticeable advantages for those who stay active.

When buyer activity is lower:

• Competition is reduced

• Multiple-offer situations are less common

• Sellers are often more flexible

• Buyers can move at a more comfortable pace

Winter also reveals which sellers are truly motivated. Those listing during slower months often have stronger reasons to sell and may be more open to negotiation.

According to Realtor.com, fewer bidding wars give buyers more leverage to negotiate price, closing cost credits, repairs, and other concessions, often reducing overall costs by thousands of dollars.

Should You Wait Until Spring?

Spring may bring more listings, but it also brings more buyers, faster decision-making, and higher pressure. Waiting doesn’t always mean better outcomes, it can mean paying more and facing increased competition.

By contrast, winter buyers benefit from a calmer market, more thoughtful negotiations, and fewer rushed decisions.

Bottom Line

For buyers who value strategy over seasonality, buying a home in January can offer lower prices, less competition, and more motivated sellers. These advantages often disappear once the spring market heats up.

If you’re considering a move this year, reviewing current inventory, pricing trends, and financing scenarios now can help you make a confident decision. Understanding your options early puts you in a stronger position when the right opportunity appears.

📩 Contact me at TessMarquez.com | (626) 712-5156 or call/text anytime!

By Tess Marquez, Realtor & Probate Specialist | TessMarquez.com