Most homebuyers wait until spring. Smart ones don’t.
Here’s why winter is the best time to begin the process.
If homeownership is on your horizon for 2026, January isn’t just a fresh start. It’s also the perfect time to kick off your home search.
The vast majority of buyers wait until spring when the market heats up. But those who start planning early often find themselves better prepared, better financed, and better positioned when the right opportunity presents itself. Let us explain!
The winter market moves at a much slower pace, and that’s exactly what makes it such an advantageous time to begin the process. January gives buyers the space to explore options and plan strategically without the pressure of bidding wars or rushed decisions.
Whether you’re looking to explore mortgage options, browse neighborhoods, get your finances in order, or land the deal of a lifetime, our message is clear: don’t wait for spring!
Everest Senior Loan officer, Rita Horowitz, explains, “January gives buyers something spring rarely does: time! When you start early, you’re not rushing decisions. You can build a strategy, look carefully at your options, and position yourself to move confidently when the right home comes along.”
Quieter markets = peak opportunities
January may seem like an unusual time to start house hunting. This is especially true in the Northeast where winter weather has everyone hibernating. Shorter days and colder temperatures keep many buyers on the sidelines, but for those willing to brave the chill, a quieter market comes with unique advantages.
January jumpstart
Count the perks
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Median home prices per square foot are roughly 8.0% lower in January compared to the peak homebuying month of May. For a 1,500 square foot house, this averages about $23,400 in savings per recent data.
- From 2015 to 2024, only 6.3% of all home sales occurred during January, making it the slowest sales month. Lower activity means less competition from other buyers.
- Homes sold in the Northeast come with significant seasonal savings. In 2024, New York saw a 10.4% lower median price per square foot in January, while New Jersey buyers saved as much as 16.4% compared to the most expensive month.
“The numbers tell a clear story,” says Rita Horowitz. “Fewer buyers and seasonal pricing shifts can work in your favor, especially if you’re prepared and ready to move strategically.”
No need to wait any longer. Let’s break down why winter’s coldest month is the smartest time to get started!
5 Reasons Why January Buyers Have the Upperhand
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More time to browse – One of January’s greatest benefits is its lack of urgency. With fewer buyers in the market, you can tour neighborhoods, compare listings, and decide upon your must-haves without feeling rushed. Buyers have more time to:
-Research schools and local amenities
-Test commute times and transportation
-Get a realistic sense of home prices
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More time for financial prep – January naturally aligns with financial goal-setting, so it’s the perfect time to review your credit, organize documents, and start budgeting to prevent problems down the road. Get a headstart so you can:
-Improve your credit if needed
-Settle on a comfortable monthly payment
-Get funds together for a down payment and closing costs
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More time to get pre-approved – Winter is also prime season for exploring mortgage options. With a slower transaction pace in January, loan officers have more time to walk you through programs, rates, and first steps for pre-approval. Doing this early helps:
-Establish your true buying power
-Strengthen your position with sellers
-Speed up the process when you find the right home
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Serious sellers only – Homes listed in January are rarely ‘testing the market.’ These sellers usually have REAL reasons for unloading their homes in winter such as relocating for a job or undergoing some major life event. Working with a highly motivated seller means:
-More flexible negotiations
-Potential pricing advantages
-Shorter timelines and fewer bidding wars
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No spring stress – The best reason for starting early is simple: preparedness! Even if you don’t buy a home this winter, getting started in January will help you enter the spring market with greater confidence and momentum (compared to people who haven’t even made a call yet). Connect with a loan officer today so you can:
-Act quickly when the right home appears
-Avoid rushed financial decisions
-Compete assertively in a busier market
The bottom line: January works in your favor
Get started now so you can summit your dreams with greater leverage and clarity. And remember—your partners at Everest have you making smart decisions all year long.
Happy homebuying!
Everest says:
Winter planning beats spring scrambling.
Everest Equity
Helping borrowers get ahead since 2004
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