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If you saw the news screaming, “Home sales fall sharply in January!” you might’ve felt that little knot in your stomach.

Especially if you’re thinking about selling.

But here’s the truth: the sky isn’t falling. The market didn’t suddenly slam on the brakes. And buyers didn’t disappear overnight.

Let’s add some context.

Yes, Sales Slowed — But That’s Normal

Every year, like clockwork, January cools off.

The holidays just wrapped. Kids are back in school. People are recovering from travel, spending, and winter chaos. Historically, home sales dip in January. It’s seasonal. Predictable. Expected.

In fact, over the last four years, January has almost always shown a slowdown compared to December.

That’s not a crash.

That’s a calendar.

So Why Was This January’s Drop Bigger?

Here’s the part the headlines glossed over.

Winter storm activity hit nearly 40 states. Snow. Ice. Delays. Cancellations. Rescheduled closings.

And here’s what most people don’t realize: existing home sales measure closed transactions, not signed contracts.

If a snowstorm delays an appraisal, inspection, or final walkthrough, the deal doesn’t die. It just slides into February.

Those aren’t “lost” sales.

They’re postponed.

Think of it like flights delayed at the airport. The passengers are still traveling — just not today.

The Market Still Has Momentum

Zoom out and the bigger picture looks strong heading into spring:

• Affordability has improved for seven straight months
  
  
• Buyers are regaining negotiating power
  
  
• Inventory has expanded in many markets
  
  
• Mortgage rates are more stable than last year
  
  

That doesn’t sound like a market collapsing. It sounds like one recalibrating.

And historically? February is when activity begins climbing again as the spring market kicks in.

Warmer weather. Longer days. More showings. More listings. More movement.

Why This Matters for Sellers and Agents

If you’re a homeowner thinking about selling, don’t let one weather-impacted month scare you into waiting.

Spring is traditionally prime time.

And if you’re an agent watching the market, this is your opportunity. Education beats panic. Context beats headlines. The agents who understand seasonality win listings when others hesitate.

Because real estate isn’t a straight line. It’s a rhythm.

And January? That’s just the quiet verse before the chorus hits.

Bottom Line

Don’t confuse a weather delay with a demand problem.

January’s slowdown was more about snow boots than market boots on the ground.

The spring market is warming up — and so is opportunity.

📲 Have questions about what you’re hearing in the news? Call or text us at 855-935-MORE. Let’s talk strategy, not headlines.