The New Year Isn’t About a Fresh Start — It’s About Better Strategy

The New Year Isn’t About a Fresh Start — It’s About Better Strategy

By Scott Goshorn

The New Year has a way of making people feel like they’re supposed to reinvent everything overnight.

New goals.
New habits.
New timelines.

And in real estate, I hear the same phrase every January:

“We’re thinking of making a move this year.”

Good.
But let me tell you something most people won’t.

A smart move isn’t about starting over.
It’s about moving forward — with clarity.

Real Estate Has Always Been Personal for Me

Real estate runs deep in my blood.

I grew up watching my mother hustle as a real estate agent in Ohio. I saw the long hours, the negotiations, the wins, the disappointments — and most importantly, the responsibility that comes with guiding people through major life decisions.

That stuck with me.

Since then, I’ve been involved in this business from just about every angle — investor, developer, flipper, negotiator, owner, and now full-time agent here in Los Angeles.

So when the calendar turns, I don’t think in terms of resolutions.
I think in terms of positioning.

Because in real estate, timing matters — but preparation matters more.

January Is Quiet. That’s the Advantage.

Here’s what most buyers and sellers don’t realize:

January is one of the most strategic months of the year.

Buyers:

• Less competition
• Fewer bidding wars
• More motivated sellers
• More room to negotiate

Sellers:

• Serious buyers only
• Cleaner presentation without market noise
• Strong pricing when positioned correctly
• A head start before spring inventory floods in
  
  

The market doesn’t wake up suddenly in March.
The people who win in spring usually started planning in January.

That’s not luck.
That’s strategy.

A New Year Is the Right Time to Ask Better Questions

Instead of asking:
“Is now a good time to buy or sell?”

Ask:

• Does my current home still support how I live?
• Am I positioned financially — or emotionally — for the next chapter?
• If I did nothing for another year, would I be okay with that?
  
  

I’ve learned over the years that clarity comes when people stop chasing perfect timing and start defining their priorities.

The right move isn’t always bigger.

It’s smarter.

Better aligned.

More intentional.

Homes Aren’t Just Assets — They’re Anchors

One thing I’ve seen consistently, whether it’s a first-time buyer or a luxury client:

Your home shapes your life more than you realize.

It influences:

• How you start your mornings
• How you decompress at night
• How you host, rest, work, and connect
  
  

That’s why I never treat a transaction like a transaction.

Whether I’m negotiating a record-breaking sale or helping someone through a difficult transition, the goal is the same:

Put you in a position that actually improves your life.

That's the real value.

What I Carry Into Every New Year

Every year, I recommit to a few things:

Clear, direct communication
Relentless advocacy for my clients
Smart negotiation — not ego
And results that actually matter

I’ve been fortunate to earn recognition over the years — President’s Circle, Founder’s Circle, Wall Street Journal rankings — but what I’m most proud of is consistency.

Showing up.
Doing the work.
Protecting my clients’ interests like they’re my own.

That doesn’t change with the calendar.
It sharpens.

Final Thought

A New Year doesn’t demand a dramatic move.

It asks for an honest one.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or even just figuring out what the next chapter could look like — start with a conversation.

No pressure.
No hype.
Just clear guidance and smart strategy.

Because the best decisions aren’t rushed.
They’re prepared.

And when you’re ready to make a move that actually serves you — I’ll be right here.