Is January the Best Time to Buy a Home in Oregon or Washington?

Is January the Best Time To Buy a Home in the PNW?

In the Pacific Northwest, January usually means two things: gray skies and hibernation mode. It’s tempting to put your homebuying plans on ice until the sun comes back out.

But while the rest of Oregon and Washington is waiting for the spring bloom, smart buyers are discovering a hidden truth: January might actually be the single best month of the year to buy a home.

Surprising? Maybe. But the data backs it up. If you are looking for a deal in Portland, Vancouver, or the surrounding metro areas, here is why you shouldn't wait for warmer weather.

1. Prices (and Demand) Are at Their Lowest

LendingTree data suggests that January is often the least expensive month to buy a home.

In the PNW, the "spring market" is legendary—and not always in a good way. That is when demand peaks, bidding wars start, and prices climb. But right now, in the dead of winter, we are seeing the opposite.

The Numbers Don’t Lie: Historically, January offers one of the lowest price-per-square-foot points of the entire year.

• The Savings: National data shows that buyers who close in January can save thousands compared to those who wait until May (see chart below).

• The Local Context: In markets like Clark County and Multnomah County, avoiding the spring frenzy can mean the difference between getting your offer accepted at list price versus paying significantly over asking.

For today’s budget-conscious households, those savings are meaningful. It could be the difference between stretching your budget to the max or having money left over for renovations.

2. Fair-Weather Buyers Are Hibernating

Let’s be honest: house hunting in the PNW rain isn't for everyone.

Because the weather is colder and wetter, casual buyers disappear. They decide to "wait until spring." This leaves only the serious contenders in the market.

For you, this means:

• Less Competition: You aren't fighting 10 other offers on a home in Beaverton or Camas.

• More Time: You can actually think about your decision rather than being forced to write an offer 15 minutes after seeing the house.

• Motivated Sellers: If someone is selling their home in January in Oregon or Washington, they usually need to sell. They aren't testing the market; they are ready to move.

As Realtor.com explains:

“Less competition means fewer bidding wars and more power to negotiate the extras that add up: closing cost credits, home warranties, even repair concessions.”

In January, you are far more likely to get sellers to pay for your closing costs or cover a rate buydown—concessions that vanish once the sun comes out in May.

The Risk of Waiting for Spring

Here is the real takeaway: When you remove the pressure and frenzy of the busy spring season, you regain control.

If you wait until April or May to start looking, you will likely be joined by thousands of other buyers who had the same idea. That surge in demand drives prices up and creates stress.

Why pay more just to house hunt in the sunshine?

Buying in January gives you the "trifecta" of homebuying perks:

1. Less Competition

2. Lower Prices

3. Motivated Sellers

Bottom Line

If you’ve been thinking about taking the next step, don't let the calendar (or the rain) stop you. This season might be the biggest window of opportunity you'll see all year.

Curious what you can afford right now? Let’s look at the numbers. We can show you the inventory available in your target Oregon or Washington neighborhood today—before the spring crowds arrive.

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