January is usually a pretty quiet month in real estate. The holidays are over, people are settling back into routines, and the market tends to move slowly. That said, there are a few things I’m watching very closely this year that homeowners should absolutely be paying attention to as well.

If you already own a home, this is one of those “stay informed now so you don’t get blindsided later” moments.

Let’s break it down.

Property Taxes: Pay Attention This Year

The first thing on my radar is property taxes.

States like Florida and Texas are becoming increasingly aggressive in addressing property tax concerns, and if even one large state successfully implements meaningful reform, it puts pressure on others to follow suit. We’ve already seen similar domino effects with income tax policies over the last few years.

Property taxes matter more than most homeowners realize. They directly impact:

• Your monthly payment

• Your long-term affordability

• Your ability to retire comfortably in your home

One thing I always encourage homeowners to do is actually read their property tax bill. You’ll often see assumptions made publicly about where those dollars go, but the line items tell a different story. Being informed, voting accordingly, and staying engaged at the local level matters more than ever.

If your goal is to stay in your home long-term, this is not an area to ignore.

Homeowners Insurance: Shop It Every Year

The second major area I’m watching is homeowners' insurance.

We’re starting to see more insurance reform conversations at the state level, with Florida leading the way again. Premiums have increased dramatically in many areas, and insurers are being pushed to justify those increases.

Here’s the reality most homeowners don’t love hearing:
If you’ve been with the same insurance company for years, you are almost certainly not getting the best rate anymore.

In most cases, premiums creep up quietly over time. That’s why I strongly recommend shopping for your homeowners' insurance every single year. Even if you don’t switch, knowing where you stand gives you leverage and awareness.

If you hear about changes in insurance regulations in your state, that’s your cue to get updated quotes immediately.

Refinance Red Flags: Watch for Bait-and-Switch Tactics

Now let’s talk about something that’s concerning me right now in the refinance market.

A growing number of lenders are using bait-and-switch tactics, and homeowners need to be very careful.

Here’s how it typically works:

• You call multiple lenders to compare refinance options

• One lender quotes a rate that is significantly lower than everyone else

• You receive a locked loan estimate showing a low rate with little to no fees

• Everything looks great… until about a week before closing

Suddenly, you’re told:

• “Something changed in underwriting.”

• “We need to adjust the rate.”

• “To keep that rate, we’ll need to roll in additional costs.”

At that point, many homeowners feel trapped because they’re already close to closing.

To be clear, some changes can legitimately affect a loan — things like a low appraisal or inaccurate information. But if a lender can’t clearly explain what changed and why, that is a massive red flag.

If something feels off, pause the process and get a second opinion immediately.

Why So Many Homeowners Feel Stuck Right Now

This is also why so many homeowners feel frozen in place — even when they want to move, refinance, or make a change.

A big part of that hesitation stems from what’s known as the lock-in effect. Millions of homeowners secured historically low interest rates between 2020 and 2022, and walking away from those rates can feel financially painful, even when a move might make sense lifestyle-wise.

I break this down in more detail in my blog on the lock-in effect and how those ultra-low rates are still impacting inventory, refinancing decisions, and homeowner behavior across the country.

Understanding this dynamic helps explain why the market feels “stuck” in some areas and why timing, strategy, and good advice matter so much right now.

Final Thoughts for January

January may not be flashy, but it’s an important month to stay alert as a homeowner.

• Pay attention to property tax discussions in your state

• Shop for your homeowners' insurance regularly

• Be cautious with refinance offers that seem too good to be true

• Don’t make decisions out of pressure or fear

Good information is your best protection in this market.

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