Why January Could Save Las Vegas Buyers Thousands (And What December Taught Us)
January could save Las Vegas homebuyers thousands. National data shows January buyers save $23,000 compared to May purchases, and Vegas demonstrated this principle dramatically—December median prices dropped $19,000 from November's record high.
Local experts confirm October-February as prime buying season with less competition, motivated sellers, and better negotiating power. Combined with 6% mortgage rates (three-year lows), January 2026 offers both favorable financing and seasonal pricing advantages. While spring brings more inventory, winter buyers avoid competition and benefit from sellers eager to close before year-end.
National home equity is falling, but Las Vegas bucks the trend. While U.S. household real estate values dropped $361 billion in Q3 2025 and equity-rich homes declined nationwide, Vegas homeowners maintain strong positions with just 0.5% distressed sales.
Our market's resilience stems from locked-in low mortgage rates (averaging 4%), economic diversification, zero state income tax, and sustainable price growth. Unlike Sun Belt markets experiencing sharp corrections, Las Vegas prices are down only 2% from peaks—a healthy normalization, not a crisis. Local homeowners should feel confident despite concerning national headlines.