’Tis the Season to Slow Things Down

by John Cooper

I’m well aware of the irony: I’m filming this from a beach in Mexico 🌴 while telling you about the "coldest" window in the real estate market.

But here’s the reality you won’t hear in a typical sales pitch: Optimally, right now is NOT the time to buy or sell. 🚫

If you’re scrolling through your feed, you’ll probably see agents trying to convince you that the holidays are a “magical” time to move. It’s mostly smoke and mirrors. My job is to cut through that noise and give you the “what would you do if you were me” level of insight.

The Facts: From December 15th to January 15th, we see the lowest activity, the thinnest inventory, and the fewest active buyers of the entire year. It is a predictable annual trough. 📉

What would I do if I were you? If you don’t HAVE to move: Don’t. Use this time to recharge, be with your family, and ignore the market. The world isn't going to pass you by in the next three weeks.

If you MUST move (e.g., you need to be settled by March): This is the only exception. Sellers: Your only "win" right now is that you’re the only house on the block for sale. It’s a tactical move, not an optimal one.

Buyers: You have zero choice, but you have maximum leverage. If you find a seller who needs to close, you can negotiate terms that wouldn't exist in the spring.

I’m not here to manufacture urgency where it doesn’t exist. I’m here to help you make sense of the market so you can make moves that actually improve your life. 🤝 Right now? My advice is to stay put, enjoy the holidays, and let the market hit "snooze." We’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the timing is actually right.

- John Cooper

Questions? Reach out to me directly at john@johncooper.ca or 250-619-9207.

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