Everyone thinks buying a home in January is a bad idea. Meanwhile, January buyers in the Okanagan Shuswap are getting better deals, avoiding bidding wars, and enjoying a calmer buying experience. January is often the power move month for smart buyers.

Hi everyone, I’m Laura Reners with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, coming to you from beautiful, and sometimes snowy, Vernon, BC.

Today, I’m breaking down why January is secretly one of the best months on the calendar to buy a home in the Okanagan Shuswap. Most buyers do not realize how many advantages exist until they start shopping and suddenly think, “Wait, why is this actually amazing?”

1. You’re Basically Shopping With VIP Access

January is calm, sometimes eerily calm. While most people are still easing into the new year, January buyers enjoy:

• Flexible showing times
• Minimal competition
• More direct conversations with seller agents
• Unrushed home viewings

It feels like VIP access without the pressure or stress that comes later in the year.

2. January Sellers Are Serious Sellers

Homes listed in January are rarely testing the market. Sellers are usually motivated by real life changes such as relocations, job changes, estates, breakups, financial decisions, or other major transitions.

Motivated sellers often mean more flexibility on price and terms, which gives buyers stronger negotiating power.

3. You See a Home in Its Most Honest Season

Spring and summer can hide flaws. Winter does not.

When you tour homes in January, you can clearly see:

• How well the home holds heat
• Window condensation or frost issues
• Driveway and walkway conditions
• Neighbourhood activity in early darkness
• Roof and drainage performance under snow

If a home performs well in January, it is likely solid year round.

4. Early Access to Spring Inventory

Many sellers planning to list in February or March begin preparations in January. Buyers who start early often hear about upcoming listings before they officially hit the market.

While off market opportunities cannot be guaranteed, early buyers frequently gain a head start.

5. Better Availability for Inspections, Movers, and Trades

January is one of the best months for booking home services. Inspectors, movers, contractors, and trades are more available and often more flexible.

This can mean easier scheduling, less stress, and potential cost savings during the buying process.

6. More Flexible Closing Dates

With fewer transactions happening, January sellers are often more open to accommodating buyer timelines. Whether you need a shorter or longer closing, flexibility is usually easier to negotiate this time of year.

7. You Lock In Before the Spring Market Heats Up

As spring approaches, competition increases, prices rise, and multiple offer situations return. Buying in January allows you to secure a home before market pressure builds.

If you have been waiting for the right time to buy, January might already be it.

I’m Laura Reners with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler. If you’re thinking about buying in Vernon or the Shuswap, you can download our free relocation guides at VernonRelocation.com and SalmonArmRelocation.com.

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About the Author: The article above, Want a Better Price? Buy Your Home in January, was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

Looking to sell?  We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.

We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com