January is an interesting month. Named for the ancient Roman god, Janus, who had two faces (one looking behind and the other facing forward), this month begins with a continuation of late December and ends with the New Year in place.

January’s gift: every day is a little longer as the slow march to Spring is underway.

The Five-Year Buyer Pause

Almost five years of hesitation, delay, and caution on the part of buyers characterized the post-COVID time. This hesitation in sales outcomes was a cross-Canada issue. At the same time, listing inventory remained low and pricings continued to be relatively stable. It may be that 2025 was the most unexpected and turbulent of the five year “buyer pause”.

2025: A Year of Turbulence

2025 saw Prime Minister Trudeau step down and also prorogue parliament. President Trump’s tariffs were put in place. A leadership contest for Trudeau’s federal Liberal party took place and then a federal election.

In B.C., the outcome of a 500 day court case occurred (Cowichan vs Canada), which was about land title. Is it indigenous title? Or fee simple title? It cannot be both. The NDP provincial government apparently did not allow the affected property owners to know about the case. Various appeals have gone in. The Premier recently said he would amend the U.N. Indigenous rights document…a week later, 50 tribes had signed paperwork to alert the Premier that there would be no amendments.

So, who owns a property in B.C.? The hesitation dance from buyers continues.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

And 2026? Some well-known and successful Canadian pundits say a slow recovery will be underway, for most provinces. The unresolved title issue in B.C. may keep B.C. suppressed. No one has a crystal ball!

That said, the impact of AI and robotics implies new industries, new decisions…and therefore new and more likely more successful outcomes. Markets do have lives…it may be that 2026 & 2027 will bring new and positive results…things that are not necessarily on the radar of possibilities right this minute will appear. And what about crypto currencies? Hmmm……

Remember Janus: facing backward and also looking forward. I write this on January 1st, knowing that new ideas will be in place before the end of this month. I will report in.

The Root Level

Meantime, it’s January. This is the root level of the growth process in gardens and orchards. To a casual observer, the pastures and bare trees look dead. At the root level, it’s vibrantly busy. Suddenly Spring’s eruption of visible growth will arrive.

That’s our role right now. A time to get ready for that inspiring arrival. A restorative time to ready our personal roots for the new possibilities. What’s on your “to do” list? Share!

Happy New Year!