Winter is here! Mornings are colder, days are shorter, and there’s a certain stillness in the air. It’s the season when home truly becomes the center of everything, so here are a few simple, meaningful ways to protect your space and stay comfortable through the cold months.

This time of year your heating system is doing the heavy lifting, so it’s important to pay attention to how it’s performing day to day. Uneven temperatures, unusual sounds, or rising energy bills can be early signs something needs attention. Changing your filter and addressing small issues now can help prevent an inconvenient breakdown during a stretch of frigid weather.

Winter is the perfect time to check for drafts. Cold air has a way of finding even the smallest gaps around doors, windows, and basement areas. Temporary fixes like draft stoppers, window insulation kits, or sealing visible gaps can make your space feel noticeably warmer while also helping with heating costs.

Safety is especially important when homes are sealed up for the winter. With furnaces, boilers, and fireplaces running, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be tested regularly and batteries replaced as needed. If you’re using your fireplace, make sure the flue opens and closes properly and the surrounding area is clear, so cozy days can be enjoyed with peace of mind.

While most gutters and downspouts are frozen by now, it’s still wise to keep an eye on how your home is handling snow and ice. Watch for signs of ice dams, heavy icicles along the roofline, or water stains inside after a thaw. Catching issues early, before they turn into leaks, can save a lot of stress.

It’s wise to keep a simple winter readiness kit on hand. Flashlights, extra batteries, phone chargers, warm blankets, a portable charger and a few small comforts can make a big difference during a winter storm or power outage. It’s one of those things you hope you won’t need, but you’re always glad it’s there.

From a real estate perspective, December is typically a slower and quieter time. Fewer homes come on the market, and many buyers shift their focus to the holidays. That said, the buyers who are active right now tend to be intentional and prepared to move forward. For sellers, this can mean less competition and more attention on homes that show well, especially those that feel warm, efficient, and thoughtfully maintained during the winter months.

Even if selling isn’t on your radar, winter is an excellent time to take note of how your home performs. Cold weather has a way of revealing needs that might go unnoticed other times of the year. Addressing small issues now not only keeps your home comfortable through winter, but also sets you up for a smoother, more confident start when the spring market arrives.

Market Updates

In November 2025, homes spent an average of 29 days on the market, continuing a gradual rise in days on market since June. The average sale price increased to $407,719, up 9.4% from $372,717 in November 2024. Inventory has been slowly declining since September, with new listings dropping 32.9% from October to November, consistent with typical winter trends. Historically, the spring market begins to show signs in January and February, bringing more options for buyers, and increased competition for buyers and sellers alike.

Homes in the $300,000–$399,999 range were the most active, with 232 sales in November. Properties priced appropriately and move-in ready continue to sell quickly, often still attracting multiple offers, while homes listed higher or in need of significant updates are experiencing longer market times and necessary price adjustments.

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