Why Serious Home Buyers in Monument & Colorado Springs Start in January (Not Spring)

Stephanie Lee
Jan 13
3 min read

🛑 The 30-Second Summary

The Bond Market Shift: New federal policies are pushing rates lower; buying now beats the "refinance rush" coming this spring.
The Underwriting Advantage: We vet your offer with preferred lenders to ensure your contract is bulletproof.
Military Ready: We provide strategic scouting for families at FT Carson, Peterson, Schriever, NORAD, and USAFA.
Winter Testing: January is the only time to see how a Monument home actually handles the ice and cold.

In the Tri-Lakes area, January is often associated with snow-dusted pines and the quiet of winter. However, for serious home buyers, this is the most strategic month of the year. While casual browsers wait for the "spring rush," my most successful clients are already at the finish line by then.

1. The Bond Market Shift: "Buy the House, Date the Rate"

Federal bond purchases are poised to drop rates. The recent $200 billion mortgage-backed security initiative is narrowing the "spread" between the 10-year Treasury and mortgage rates. We are already seeing the impact as rates stabilize near the 6% mark.

This creates a rare window of opportunity. By starting in January, you secure a home at today’s prices before the inevitable "refinance boom" hits later this year. When rates drop further, the sidelines will empty, and a surge of buyers will drive prices up. Starting now allows you to secure the property you want today and plan for a lower-cost refinance as these shifts take full effect.

2. The Underwriting Edge: Bulletproofing Your Offer

We vet your financial strength before you bid. While I don't originate the loan, my background in mortgage underwriting allows me to work closely with our trusted preferred lenders to ensure your pre-approval is verified and solid.

Certainty is the highest currency in 2026. When we submit an offer, I leverage my experience to present your file to the seller’s agent with underwriter-level precision. This demonstrates to the seller that your contract is a "sure thing," which is often the deciding factor in winning a deal.

3. Strategic PCS Positioning for Our Military Families

We serve all five major local installations. Whether you are headed to Fort Carson, Peterson Space Force Base, Schriever Space Force Base, NORAD/Cheyenne Mountain, or the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA), January is your "scouting" phase.

We understand the 2026 BAH landscape. The Tri-Lakes area is a premier choice for military families, but the best homes move fast. We help you map out a strategy that accounts for commute times and neighborhood growth before the summer PCS peak hits.

4. Testing "Winter Performance" in Tri-Lakes

See the home at its most vulnerable. Touring homes in Woodmoor, Kings Deer, or Palmer Lake in January reveals truths you can’t see in the summer:

The Ice Factor: Is that beautiful driveway north-facing and prone to sheets of ice?
Thermal Integrity: How does the home hold heat during a 20-degree morning?
Local Infrastructure: Observe how local crews handle snow removal on the Highway 105 corridor or near Sanctuary Pointe before you buy.

Colorado Springs & Monument Real Estate: 2026 FAQ

Is 2026 a good time to buy a home in Colorado Springs? Yes. With inventory reaching a 3-month supply and mortgage rates stabilizing due to new bond market policies, 2026 offers a balanced market where buyers have significant negotiating power.

What is the "Buy Now, Refinance Later" strategy? This involves purchasing a home at current prices to avoid future appreciation, then refinancing when interest rates drop. Experts anticipate rates will drift lower in late 2026, making current buyers the first in line for a lower monthly payment.

When should I start looking for a house in Monument, CO? Serious buyers should start in January to vet homes during winter conditions and avoid the spring competition that typically drives prices up in Lewis-Palmer District 38.

Ready to map out your 2026 buying strategy?

Stephanie Lee

"Service you deserve, People you trust"