January isn't slow.

It's selective.

The people who are active in the Chicago real estate market right now are not casual browsers. They're buyers who have made a decision. Sellers who are ready to move. People with a plan.

If you're in that group — or thinking about joining it — here's what I'd recommend doing right now.

For Buyers: Get Pre-Approved and Get Clear

The single most important thing a buyer can do in January is get pre-approved. Not because you need to rush into a purchase, but because pre-approval gives you a clear picture of your budget and positions you to move quickly when the right home appears.

Beyond pre-approval, get clear on your criteria. What neighborhoods are you targeting? What's your non-negotiable list versus your nice-to-have list? What's your realistic timeline?

Buyers who have done this work before they start touring homes make better decisions and close faster than buyers who are still figuring it out mid-search.

For Buyers: Look at What's Been Sitting

January is a good time to look at homes that have been on the market since fall. These sellers have been through the holiday season without a sale. Many of them are ready to negotiate.

Don't dismiss a home because it has days on market. Ask why it's been sitting. Sometimes it's a pricing issue that's already been corrected. Sometimes it's a cosmetic issue that's easy to address. Sometimes it's just bad timing — the right buyer hadn't come along yet.

For Sellers: Prepare Now, List When Ready

If you're planning to sell in 2026, January is the time to prepare — not to wait.

Get your home in showing condition. Address any deferred maintenance. Have a conversation with your agent about pricing strategy. Get professional photos scheduled.

The buyers who are active right now are serious. If your home is ready and priced correctly, you don't need to wait for spring to find them.

For Sellers: Price It Right From Day One

The most common mistake I see sellers make is pricing too high at launch. The logic is understandable — leave room to negotiate. But the reality is that overpriced homes sit, accumulate days on market, and eventually sell for less than a correctly priced home would have.

Buyers notice when a listing has been sitting. It creates doubt. A home that comes to market priced correctly generates more activity, more competition, and often a better outcome for the seller.

The January Mindset

The people who do well in real estate — buyers and sellers alike — tend to be the ones who move with intention rather than with the crowd.

January is a moment to be intentional. The spring market will bring more activity, more competition, and more noise. Right now, there's space to think clearly and make good decisions.

If you're thinking about making a move in 2026, I'd encourage you to start the conversation now. I'm happy to give you a straight read on where the market stands and what makes sense for your situation.