Many buyers think that spring is the best time to buy a home. This is something they have heard for years. But January is the best time to start your home search. There are several reasons why this is the case.
Why start in January?
Number one reason to start your home search in January is because there is a lot involved in buying a home. There is more than just finding a home that you would like buy. There is the financial preparation. That involves getting pre-approved for mortgage and understanding what you can truly afford. Then there is learning about the local inventory, touring homes, writing offers, negotiating terms and finally the closing. All of this takes time.
It is a buyer’ market now
Another reason for starting the home search in January is that it is finally a buyer’s market. This means that conditions are favorable for buyers. We are not sure that this will last into the spring. Right now in many areas in the United States there are 37% more sellers than buyers. that is one of the largest gaps since 2013. That gap gives buyers the opportunity to negotiate and even asked for seller concessions. This also means more selection for homes to buy. The buyer’s market also holds true for the real estate market in Northern Colorado. Getting started in January gives you the opportunity to enjoy conditions that may look very different in just a few months.
Talk to an agent first
What is the first thing to do if you are interested in purchasing a home in 2026? It is not to start scrolling listings or heading to open houses. It is time to have a conversation with a real estate agent. Set up an appointment so you can talk about the process of purchasing home. It will be important to have you questions answered and concerns addressed at this appointment. You can discuss your needs and wants in a home. And finally, and very importantly you can learn strategies to make your offer stand out and get accepted. Your agent can help with a timeline based, on your personal situation and the current market conditions. Lastly, they can recommend a lender for you to connect with to help you with the financial preparation. That lender can assist you in getting pre-approved so you are ready to purchase your home.
If you are even thinking of purchasing in 2026, getting the ball rolling in January can put you in a much stronger position. Remember, the first step is not scrolling on Realtor.com or Zillow. It is instead meeting with a real estate agent who can explain the local market and help you set goals. Lestel would love to be your agent. Give her a call.