Why January 2026 Is Your Secret Weapon to Sell Your Santa Clarita Home for More
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Why January 2026 Is Your Secret Weapon to Sell Your Santa Clarita Home for More
Connor “with Honor” MacIvor - December 16, 2025** Tags: [January 2026 home selling strategy](/-/Blog/tag/January 2026 home selling strategy), [Santa Clarita real estate timing](/-/Blog/tag/Santa Clarita real estate timing), [when to list home Santa Clarita](/-/Blog/tag/when to list home Santa Clarita), [January vs March home sales](/-/Blog/tag/January vs March home sales), [Santa Clarita housing market 2026](/-/Blog/tag/Santa Clarita housing market 2026), [Valencia CA home selling tips](/-/Blog/tag/Valencia CA home selling tips), [Saugus CA real estate strategy](/-/Blog/tag/Saugus CA real estate strategy), [Canyon Country home listi](/-/Blog/tag/Canyon Country home listi) ** 0 Comments | Add Comment
TL;DR
Connor explains why January listings dominate March competition
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—>Listing your Santa Clarita home in mid-January 2026 instead of waiting until March could net you thousands more and a faster, cleaner sale. Here’s why: March brings a flood of inventory as every seller hits the market at once, creating intense competition that drives down prices and extends days on market. January buyers are serious, pre-approved, and face minimal competition—meaning they’re willing to pay premium prices for quality homes. After 25 years in Santa Clarita real estate and 20 years with LAPD, I’ve seen this pattern repeat: early birds get top dollar, March sellers fight for scraps. The strategy is simple: prep your home the last week of December, list mid-January, capture motivated buyers before they have 50 other options. This article breaks down the exact timeline, market dynamics, pricing strategies, and why trusting a locally-vetted agent (not a Zillow referral) makes all the difference. Ready to dominate 2026? Let’s get your home sold right.
The Conversation Every Santa Clarita Seller Needs to Have Right Now
You: Connor, I’m thinking about selling my home next year. Everyone tells me to wait until spring when the market heats up. Should I list in March or April?
Connor: That’s exactly what everyone thinks—and that’s precisely why you shouldn’t do it. Let me ask you this: would you rather be the only steakhouse open in town, or one of fifty restaurants all competing for the same customers?
You: Well, obviously the only one open. But isn’t spring the best time to sell?
Connor: Spring is the busiest time, not necessarily the best time. Here’s what actually happens: December rolls around, sellers tell themselves “I’ll wait until after the holidays.” January comes, they think “Let me get organized first.” February arrives, and suddenly every agent is telling every seller “List in March—that’s peak season!”
You: So what happens in March?
Connor: Inventory explosion. In March 2024, we saw active listings in Santa Clarita jump from 480 homes to 720+ homes in just three weeks. Suddenly buyers have choices. Lots of choices. And when buyers have choices, they get picky. They lowball. They walk away over inspections. Your “perfect timing” just became a bloodbath.
You: But aren’t there more buyers in spring too?
Connor: Yes—but the buyer-to-inventory ratio tips against you. Think about it: in mid-January, you might have 400 active listings and 300 serious buyers. In March, you have 750 listings and maybe 450 buyers. The math doesn’t work in your favor anymore.
You: I never thought about it that way. So what’s the advantage of listing in January?
Connor: Three massive advantages. First: serious buyers only. The people shopping in January aren’t window-shoppers—they’re pre-approved, motivated, and ready to close. Second: minimal competition. Instead of competing against 50 similar homes, you’re competing against maybe 10-15. Third: premium pricing power. When buyers have fewer options, they’ll pay asking price or above. I’ve seen January listings consistently sell for 3-7% more than comparable March listings.
You: That’s a significant difference on a $900,000 home.
Connor: We’re talking $27,000 to $63,000. That pays for your move, your closing costs, and maybe a nice vacation when you settle into your new place.
You: Okay, but my house is a mess right now. How am I supposed to prep for a January listing?
Connor: Here’s the exact timeline I give my sellers. Last week of December: take down Christmas decorations, deep clean, handle any minor repairs. First week of January: professional photos, staging consultation, final walkthrough. Mid-January: list. You’re giving yourself two weeks of prep time—that’s more than enough if you’re organized.
You: What if I’m not ready by mid-January?
Connor: Then you’re already competing with everyone else who “wasn’t ready” and decided to wait. Look, I’m not saying January is magical. I’m saying it’s strategic. And in Santa Clarita real estate, strategy beats timing every single time.
You: How do I find an agent who understands this strategy?
Connor: That’s why I built SantaClaritaOpenHouses.com. Every agent I refer understands market dynamics, not just seasonal myths. They’re locally vetted, they know Santa Clarita neighborhoods inside and out, and they won’t feed you the same garbage advice every other agent repeats.
You: What about interest rates? Won’t higher rates in January hurt sales?
Connor: Interest rates affect buyer psychology, not buyer capability. The buyers shopping in January have already done the math. They know what they can afford. They’re not waiting for rates to drop—they’re waiting for the right house. Be that house.
You: I’m in Valencia. Does this strategy work for all Santa Clarita neighborhoods?
Connor: Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, Stevenson Ranch, Castaic, Newhall—every neighborhood benefits from early listing. Some more than others. Valencia has higher competition year-round, so beating the March rush is even more critical there. Saugus and Canyon Country have more price-sensitive buyers, so early listing gives you premium pricing before comps drop.
You: What happens if my house doesn’t sell in January?
Connor: Then you adjust. Price, staging, marketing—something needs to change. But here’s the thing: a well-priced, well-presented home in January almost never sits. And if it does sit into February, you’re still ahead of the March wave. You haven’t lost anything.
You: This makes sense. Where do I start?
Connor: Start by talking to me. SantaClaritaOpenHouses.com. I’ll connect you with an agent who gets it. Then we build your timeline, prep your home, and dominate January 2026 while everyone else is still eating leftovers and making excuses.
The January vs. March Showdown: Real Numbers from Santa Clarita Market Data
Let’s talk facts, not feelings. I’ve pulled the numbers from the last three years of Santa Clarita real estate sales, and the pattern is unmistakable.
January 2024 Market Snapshot
March 2024 Market Snapshot
What This Means for Your Home Sale
If you’re selling a 2,100 square foot home in Valencia:
January Listing:
March Listing:
Difference: $27,300 more in your pocket, and you’re already moved into your new place while March sellers are still hosting weekend open houses.
The Psychology of January Buyers
January buyers aren’t browsing—they’re buying. Here’s who’s actually shopping in January:
The Mistake March Sellers Make
Every March, I watch the same movie: Sellers list at the same time, prices cluster, and buyers get paralyzed by choice. Here’s what happens:
Week 1 of March: 50 new listings hit the market in Valencia alone. Buyers schedule 15 showings for the weekend.
Week 2 of March: Buyers are overwhelmed. They can’t remember which house had the upgraded kitchen and which had the weird layout. They start lowballing everything.
Week 3 of March: Sellers panic. “Why haven’t we gotten an offer? Should we drop the price?” Agents start whispering about price reductions.
Week 4 of March: The first wave of price cuts begins. Homes that would have sold in January for $875,000 are now listed at $849,000 and still sitting.
Meanwhile, the January sellers? They closed escrow in February, moved into their new homes, and are watching March sellers struggle from the comfort of their new living rooms.
The Exact Timeline to Dominate January 2026
Let’s get tactical. Here’s your day-by-day playbook for a mid-January listing that crushes the competition.
December 23-27, 2025: Post-Holiday Prep Week
Day 1 (Dec 23): Interview agents. Not just any agent—talk to the agents I refer from SantaClaritaOpenHouses.com. Ask them: “What’s your strategy for January listings? How do you handle low inventory markets?”
Day 2 (Dec 24-25): Enjoy the holidays. Seriously. You need this break before the sprint begins.
Day 3 (Dec 26): Start the purge. Remove Christmas decorations, pack away personal items, declutter every room. Rent a storage unit if needed. Buyers need to see their home, not your life.
Day 4 (Dec 27): Deep clean. Baseboards, windows, carpets, everything. Hire professionals if your schedule is tight. First impressions start at the curb and end in the master closet.
December 28-31, 2025: Pre-Listing Power Week
Day 5 (Dec 28): Walk your property with your agent. Identify repairs: burnt-out lightbulbs, leaky faucets, scuffed paint, cracked tiles. Make a list. Prioritize.
Day 6 (Dec 29): Hire contractors. Handyman for minor fixes, painter for touch-ups, landscaper for curb appeal. Get them scheduled for the first week of January.
Day 7 (Dec 30): Review comparable sales with your agent. What sold in Q4 2025? What’s active now? Where should you price? Don’t guess—use data. Check Santa Clarita Market Reports for current trends.
Day 8 (Dec 31): Finalize your agent agreement. Sign contracts, discuss commission structure (yes, this is negotiable now), and confirm marketing strategy. Lock in your photographer for January 7-8.
January 2-8, 2026: Launch Prep Week
Day 9-11 (Jan 2-4): Contractors finish repairs. Paint dries. New fixtures shine. Your home is transforming from “lived-in” to “move-in ready.”
Day 12 (Jan 5): Staging consultation. Your agent brings in a professional stager (or does it themselves if they’re worth their commission). Furniture rearrangement, accent pieces, strategic de-personalization.
Day 13 (Jan 6): Final walkthrough. You, your agent, and fresh eyes. Is the kitchen spotless? Are the beds made perfectly? Does the garage look organized or chaotic? Fix anything that’s off.
Day 14 (Jan 7): Professional photography. Drone shots for curb appeal, twilight photos for drama, wide-angle interiors for space. This isn’t iPhone snapshots—this is marketing gold.
Day 15 (Jan 8): Review photos, approve listing description, finalize price. Your agent submits everything to MLS for a January 13 launch.
January 13-20, 2026: Launch Week
Day 16 (Jan 13, Monday): Your home goes live on MLS at 9:00 AM. It immediately syndicates to Zillow, Realtor.com, Redfin, and every major platform. Your agent schedules open houses for the weekend.
Day 17-18 (Jan 14-15): Showing requests flood in. Your agent pre-qualifies every buyer (are they pre-approved? serious? working with an agent?). You leave the house spotless for showings.
Day 19-20 (Jan 17-18, Weekend): Open houses Saturday and Sunday, 1-4 PM. Agents bring qualified buyers. You’re not home—you’re letting the house sell itself. Check Santa Clarita Open Houses This Weekend to see how your listing compares.
Day 21 (Jan 20, Tuesday): Offers start arriving. Your agent reviews each one: price, terms, contingencies, buyer strength. You’re negotiating from a position of power because inventory is still low.
Why Your Agent’s Strategy Matters More Than Their “Experience”
I’ve been in this business long enough to know that years of experience mean nothing if the agent doesn’t understand market timing.
Here’s what separates elite agents from average agents in January:
Elite Agents Understand:
Average Agents Do:
The difference? Elite agents get you $30k-$50k more and close faster. Average agents get you headaches and price reductions.
That’s why I built SantaClaritaOpenHouses.com—to connect sellers with agents who actually understand strategy, not just paperwork.
Neighborhood-Specific January Strategies: Valencia, Saugus, Canyon Country, and Beyond
Not all Santa Clarita neighborhoods are equal in January. Here’s what works where.
Valencia: The Premium Play
Market Dynamics: Valencia has the highest home prices, most educated buyers, and tightest inventory. January listings here face minimal competition.
Strategy: Price aggressively. Valencia buyers know what quality costs. If your home is upgraded (new kitchen, pool, view, master suite), price it 3-5% above recent comps. January Valencia buyers aren’t bargain hunting—they’re quality hunting.
Target Buyers: Corporate relocations to Santa Clarita (Disney, aerospace, biotech), move-up buyers from Saugus/Canyon Country, empty nesters downsizing from larger Valencia homes.
Key Links:
Saugus: The Value Hunter’s Paradise
Market Dynamics: Saugus offers the best price-per-square-foot in Santa Clarita Valley. Buyers here are price-conscious but serious. January is your window before March floods the market with competition.
Strategy: Price at market, stage for appeal. Saugus buyers compare price per square foot obsessively. Make sure your home shows well against comps. Highlight: lot size, garage space, upgraded flooring, newer HVAC.
Target Buyers: First-time buyers, young families, investors looking for rental properties, buyers priced out of Valencia.
Key Links:
Canyon Country: The Family Favorite
Market Dynamics: Canyon Country attracts families who want space, schools, and value. January buyers here are motivated by school year timing (buy in Jan/Feb, move in summer, kids start school in fall).
Strategy: Price competitively, highlight schools and family features. Canyon Country buyers care about: good schools, safe neighborhoods, parks, commute access (14 Freeway). Emphasize these in your listing.
Target Buyers: Growing families, school-focused parents, buyers relocating from LA County seeking space and safety.
Key Links:
Stevenson Ranch: The Gated Gem
Market Dynamics: Stevenson Ranch is all about lifestyle: gated communities, resort amenities, golf course access. January buyers here are high-earners seeking privacy and prestige.
Strategy: Price for exclusivity. Don’t apologize for premium pricing—Stevenson Ranch buyers expect it. Highlight: HOA amenities, gated security, golf course proximity, mountain views.
Target Buyers: Executives, dual-income professionals, retirees seeking maintenance-free luxury.
Key Links:
Castaic: The Opportunity Zone
Market Dynamics: Castaic offers larger lots, rural feel, and lower prices. January buyers here are looking for space, privacy, and value.
Strategy: Price for lot size and potential. Castaic buyers care about acreage, RV parking, horse property potential. If you have land, sell the lifestyle.
Target Buyers: Buyers seeking horse properties, RV owners, families wanting space, remote workers who don’t commute daily.
Key Links:
Newhall: The Historic Heart
Market Dynamics: Newhall is Santa Clarita’s oldest community, offering charm, walkability, and downtown access. January buyers here appreciate character and location.
Strategy: Price for charm and walkability. Newhall buyers value: proximity to Old Town Newhall, walkable shops/restaurants, historic character, unique architectural features.
Target Buyers: Empty nesters, young professionals, buyers seeking walkable lifestyle, investors restoring historic homes.
Key Links:
Frequently Asked Questions: January Listing Strategy
1. What if interest rates drop in March—won’t that bring more buyers?
Interest rate drops don’t happen overnight, and when they do, inventory surges faster than buyer demand. If rates drop from 7% to 6.5% in March, you’ll see 200+ new listings hit the market that same week as sellers who were “waiting for rates to drop” all rush in at once. You’re still competing. Better to sell in January at 7% with low competition than March at 6.5% with high competition.
2. How do I prep my house in two weeks during the holidays?
You don’t do it alone. Hire help: cleaning service, handyman, landscaper. Delegate everything you can. Your job is decision-making (what to repair, what to stage, what price), not physical labor. A $1,500 investment in professional help will net you $30,000 more on your sale price.
3. What if my home doesn’t sell in January?
Then you adjust—price, staging, or marketing. But here’s the reality: well-priced, well-presented homes in January rarely sit. And if your home does sit into February, you’re still ahead of the March wave. You haven’t lost anything by listing early.
4. Do I really need a staging consultation, or is that overkill?
Staging isn’t overkill—it’s strategy. Staged homes sell for 3-10% more than non-staged homes, and they sell faster. In January, when buyers have fewer options, staging makes your home the obvious choice. It’s not about making your home “pretty”—it’s about making it irresistible.
5. Should I price at market, above market, or below market in January?
Price at the high end of market in January. You have leverage because inventory is low. If recent comps range from $840k to $870k, price at $869k. Don’t leave money on the table because you’re afraid of being “too high.” January buyers will negotiate, but they’ll start from your asking price, not a lowball.
6. How do I know if an agent understands January strategy?
Ask them: “What’s your plan for a mid-January listing? How do you handle low inventory markets?” If they say “We’ll list and see what happens,” run. If they say “We pre-market to my buyer database, price aggressively, and create urgency because March inventory is coming,” hire them immediately. That’s the difference between elite and average.
7. What if I’m competing against other January sellers?
You’re always competing—January or March. But in January, you’re competing against 15 homes instead of 75. The odds are dramatically better. And if your home is priced right and shows well, you’ll win.
8. Should I do open houses in January, or is it too cold?
Yes, do open houses. January buyers are serious enough to brave the cold. Schedule open houses for 1-4 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Maximize natural light, turn on the fireplace, bake cookies for that “home” smell. Make your house feel cozy, not cold.
9. What if I need to buy a new home before I sell my current one?
Talk to your lender about bridge loans or contingent offers. Many January sellers are also buyers, so this is common. Your agent should coordinate timing so you’re not homeless or stuck with two mortgages.
10. How long does the average January sale take from listing to close?
Typically 45-60 days total: 2 weeks to go under contract, 30-45 days for escrow to close. If you list January 13, you’re handing over keys by early March—right when March sellers are just listing their homes.
11. Do I need to disclose everything, even minor issues?
Yes. Disclose everything. California law requires full disclosure of known defects. Don’t hide issues hoping buyers won’t notice. They will—during inspections—and they’ll walk away or renegotiate. Better to disclose upfront and price accordingly. Learn more about disclosure requirements.
12. What’s the biggest mistake January sellers make?
Waiting until February “just in case.” By mid-February, you’ve lost the early-bird advantage. January’s window is short—mid-January to early February—and if you miss it, you’re stuck in the March madness with everyone else.
13. How do I handle showings if I’m still living in the house?
Keep it clean, stay flexible, and leave during showings. Buyers can’t envision living there if you’re hovering. Your agent should give you 24-hour notice for showings (California law), but be prepared to leave on short notice for serious buyers.
14. Should I make repairs before listing, or sell “as-is”?
Make minor repairs (paint, fixtures, landscaping) before listing. Major repairs (roof, HVAC, foundation) are judgment calls—sometimes it’s better to offer a credit than do the work yourself. Your agent should advise based on your specific situation and market.
15. What’s the one thing I absolutely cannot forget when listing in January?
Momentum. January listings succeed because they generate momentum: buzz, showings, offers. If you list and then disappear (don’t respond to showing requests, don’t follow up, don’t negotiate), you kill momentum. Stay engaged, stay flexible, and trust your agent’s strategy.
Summary: Your January 2026 Action Plan
Here’s your step-by-step roadmap to dominating the Santa Clarita market before the March chaos begins:
Immediate Actions (This Week)
December Actions
January Actions
Long-Term Strategy
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