One of the questions I hear most often, whether I am working with someone relocating to the Island or a client rightsizing into their next chapter, is whether to buy the home that is already done or the one with good bones and room to make it your own. It is rarely a simple answer, and the right choice depends as much on your finances as it does on the house itself.

This month's Mortgage Minute is from my trusted mortgage partner, Paul Macara. Paul works with my clients to make sure the numbers behind a purchase actually support the life they are planning, and his take on this question is one of the clearest I have read. I will let him take it from here.

(Article by Paul Macara, Mortgage Agent)

Every home search eventually runs into the same question:

Do you pay more for the house that already has the dream kitchen, finished basement, and updated bathrooms? Or do you buy the one that needs some work and make it your own over time?

It can be a harder decision than it first appears.

A move-in-ready home may come with fewer surprises, but it can also mean stretching your budget closer to its limit. A home that needs renovations may offer more room to customize, but the costs, timelines, and disruption can be difficult to predict.

The Appeal of a Move-In-Ready Home

For many buyers, the appeal of a finished home is certainty.

You know more about what you're getting. You may avoid months of renovation projects, contractor meetings, and unexpected delays. There's also less pressure to start spending money immediately after closing.

That certainty can be especially valuable for busy professionals, growing families, or anyone who simply wants to unpack and enjoy their new home.

The financial side still deserves careful thought, however. A higher purchase price can mean a larger mortgage payment, higher property taxes, and less room in the budget for furniture, emergencies, travel, or future life goals.

Where Renovations Can Make Sense

A home that needs work can be an opportunity, particularly if it's in a great location or the improvements can be completed gradually.

It may allow you to enter the market at a lower price point, build equity through improvements, and create a home that truly reflects your style and needs.

Renovations work best when the costs are realistic and there is enough flexibility in the budget to handle surprises. Timelines can stretch, materials and labour can cost more than expected, and not every improvement adds dollar-for-dollar value.

Buyers also need to think carefully about how the work will be funded, whether through savings, a line of credit, refinancing later, or a mortgage option that allows for improvements.

Compare the Full Cost, Not Just the Purchase Price

Before making an offer, it's worth comparing both paths clearly: the cost of buying a more finished home versus the cost of buying a lower-priced home and completing the work needed.

That comparison should include more than the purchase price.

• Monthly payments

• Available cash after closing

• Renovation costs

• Financing options

• Future flexibility

A home that needs work can be a fantastic opportunity, but only if the numbers still leave you comfortable after closing.

The best house isn't always the one that looks perfect on day one, it's the one that fits your financial goals and lifestyle for years to come.

If you are contemplating a purchase or renovation, let's review your full financial picture and connect you with any professionals needed to make the best decision for your personal situation.

Thank you, Paul, for such a clear and practical look at a question so many of my clients wrestle with. Connect with him here: Paul Macara, Mortgage Agent (250) 857-4741 paul@macaramortgages.com macaramortgages.com

Whether you are drawn to a home that is ready on day one or one you can shape into your own over time, the right answer starts with understanding both the numbers and the neighbourhood. That is where I come in. If you are thinking about a move anywhere in Greater Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, Sidney, or the Westshore, I would love to help you weigh your options and find the home that truly fits your next chapter. Reach out anytime for a no pressure conversation about what is possible.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

There is a particular kind of energy in a room full of women who have decided to show up for themselves. It is warm and loud and a little bit contagious. That is exactly what I walked into on June 10th at the Victoria Pickleball Centre in Langford, and I have been thinking about it ever since.

Pickleballooza is a Women's 55 Plus Rally Tournament organized by The Local Inc., and this year it brought together one hundred women for a full day of pickleball, live music, and the kind of community connection that is genuinely hard to find. I was proud to be a sponsor, and I was there in person for the whole day with a hydration station stocked with Good Life Juice Skye High electrolyte drinks and fresh lemon, lime, and cucumber infused water. I wanted every player to feel taken care of, and I think we pulled it off.

I also had a gift basket giveaway at my booth, generously donated by two local partners I am so grateful for: Victoria Olive Oil Co. and Gourmet Foods. The basket was beautiful, the entries came in all day, and the energy around it was a reminder that people love a reason to connect, even if it is just stopping by a table to fill out a form.

If you want to see how the day came together, I put together a highlight reel that captures the setup, the players on the court, and a few of the moments in between. You can watch it here: Pickleballooza Recap

What I did not expect was how much I would take away from the conversations. I spoke with women who were thinking about downsizing, women who were curious about different neighbourhoods, and women who just wanted to know what the market is doing right now. These are the conversations I live for, and they happen naturally in spaces like this one, away from the formality of a showing or a listing presentation.

One of the things I try to do in my work is help people find not just a home but a place where they belong. That question, "will I find my people here?", comes up more often than almost any other. Days like Pickleballooza are part of my answer. Vancouver Island has a community of active, engaged, generous women who show up for each other, and if you are thinking about whether this is the right place for your next chapter, I would invite you to take that as a very good sign.

A heartfelt thank you to The Local Inc. for creating this event, and to every woman who stopped by my booth to say hello. I already cannot wait for next year.

If you have questions about downsizing, relocating, or what life on Vancouver Island actually looks like day to day, I am always happy to talk. There is no pressure and no agenda, just a conversation with someone who has been through the transition herself and genuinely loves helping others navigate it.

Reach me anytime at 250-415-5656 or through yourvanislehome.com.

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Here’s a realistic spring cleaning and decluttering guide for 2026, plus downsizing tips for homeowners in Victoria, BC.

Spring cleaning hits differently when you’re no longer just cleaning. At some point, it becomes about simplifying. Creating space. Making life easier. Letting go of the things you no longer use, need, or even enjoy maintaining.

And honestly? I’m hearing this from so many people right now across Victoria, Sidney, Central Saanich, and the WestShore.

People are tired of feeling buried in stuff. Tired of managing homes that no longer fit the season of life they’re in. Tired of opening closets, garages, and spare rooms filled with things they haven’t touched in years.

Spring is often when it finally catches up with us. The light changes, the weather improves, and suddenly you start noticing everything.

The overflowing storage room. The kitchen drawers. The guest room that quietly became a holding zone. The house that maybe feels a little bigger than you actually need now. And while a deep clean helps, what many people are actually craving is a reset.

Start With Decluttering — Not Organizing

One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying bins and organizers before they’ve decided what actually deserves to stay. 

You don’t need better storage for things you no longer use. Start smaller than you think. One drawer. One shelf. One closet. You do not need to tackle the entire house in one weekend. The people who make the most progress are usually the ones who stop trying to make it perfect.

A few simple questions can help:

• Would I buy this again today?

• Have I used this in the last year?

• Is this adding value to my daily life?

• Am I keeping this out of guilt?

• Would someone else benefit from this more than I am?

And if you’re downsizing in the next few years — even casually thinking about it — this process becomes incredibly valuable. Every item you let go of now is one less thing you or your family have to manage later.

Why So Many People Are Downsizing Right Now

I’ve noticed a huge shift over the past couple of years. For many homeowners, especially downsizers and retirees, the conversation isn’t only about money. It’s about lifestyle.

People want:

• Less maintenance

• More freedom to travel

• Single-level living

• Walkability

• Lower stress

• Space that feels manageable and comfortable

• More time enjoying life instead of maintaining a property

And honestly, I get it. Victoria and Vancouver Island have so many incredible options now for people looking to simplify without sacrificing quality of life.

Some people want a condo near coffee shops and the ocean. Some want a quiet 55+ community. Some want a townhome with less yardwork. Some want to stay close to family while reducing expenses and upkeep.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But what I’ve learned is this: Most successful downsizing moves start long before the home hits the market. They start with the emotional and physical process of simplifying.

The “Maybe Later” Pile Is Usually the Problem

If you’ve started decluttering before, you probably know exactly what I mean. The donation pile happens. The garbage pile happens. But then there’s the “maybe later” pile. That pile is usually where momentum disappears.

If you’re stuck, try creating only these categories:

• Keep

• Donate

• Sell

• Recycle or toss

That’s it.

The less overthinking involved, the easier the process becomes. And no — you do not need to become a minimalist. You just want your home to feel lighter.

A Few Often-Forgotten Spring Cleaning Areas

Once the clutter is reduced, cleaning becomes dramatically easier. 

Some areas people often forget:

• Baseboards and trim

• Window tracks

• Bathroom fans

• Kitchen cabinet fronts

• Under sinks

• Behind appliances

• Outdoor furniture

• Garage shelving

• Entryway closets

• Expired pantry items

A clean, simplified space genuinely affects how a home feels. Not just visually — emotionally.

Thinking About Downsizing? Start Earlier Than You Think

One thing I always tell clients: Downsizing is rarely just a real estate decision. It’s a life transition. And the people who feel the least stressed are usually the ones who begin planning earlier. Even if your move is still one, two, or three years away.

Starting now gives you time to:

• Declutter gradually

• Understand your options

• Learn neighbourhoods and housing types

• Prepare financially

• Reduce overwhelm

• Make decisions thoughtfully instead of reactively

You don’t need to rush. In fact, you probably shouldn’t.

My Downsizing Resources

Over the last few years, I’ve helped many people navigate downsizing and relocation here on Vancouver Island. And because it can feel overwhelming, I created resources to help make the process easier.

You can explore my downsizing resources here:

Smart Downsizing Guide

And if you’re starting to think about simplifying, relocating, or exploring what your next chapter could look like, I’m always happy to chat. No pressure. No hard sales. Just honest conversations and thoughtful planning.

Because sometimes spring cleaning turns into something bigger. Sometimes it becomes the first step toward creating a home — and lifestyle — that fits you better now.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

December is the perfect month for downsizers to quietly prepare for a move — especially if you’re planning to list your home in early 2026. A bit of intentional work now reduces stress later, ensures your home shows its best, and positions you to make confident decisions when the spring market picks up in Greater Victoria.

Whether you’re moving to a condo, townhome, or a low-maintenance home that fits your next chapter, here’s a practical month-by-month approach to get your home ready.

1. Declutter and Simplify Before the New Year

Downsizing works best when you let go of anything that no longer fits your lifestyle. December is ideal because donation centres, shelters, and thrift shops across Greater Victoria are actively accepting winter clothing and household items.

Focus on:
• Winter coats and boots you haven’t worn
• Extra décor or holiday items
• Duplicate kitchen items
• Books, linens, and small appliances
• Sentimental items you no longer want to move

Early decluttering means fewer boxes, fewer decisions later, and a smoother transition into your next home.

2. Light Pre-Staging That Makes an Impact

You don’t need full staging yet, but small touches now will help your home feel bright, fresh, and spacious.

Simple December staging tips:
• Remove small or excess furniture to open pathways
• Streamline holiday décor
• Clear surfaces to create a sense of calm
• Use warm, neutral lighting to brighten darker winter days
• Pack away items you won’t need before your move

Homes that feel tidy, open, and low-maintenance attract downsizing-minded buyers too.

3. Tackle Easy Seasonal Maintenance

A well-maintained home signals to buyers that you’ve cared for your property — something that makes a real difference in your sale price and days on market.

Quick December tasks:
• Change furnace filters
• Check smoke & CO detectors
• Replace any burnt bulbs
• Touch up scuffed walls and baseboards
• Clear gutters and ensure pathways are safe for viewings

These simple steps improve your home’s overall impression and minimize future surprises.

4. Organize Your Home Information Binder

Downsizers often have years of service records, manuals, and receipts tucked away. Preparing these early will save time and reduce stress once you’re actively selling.

Gather:
• Renovation receipts
• Warranty information
• Property tax statements
• Manuals for appliances staying with the home
• Any relevant permits or survey documents

Buyers appreciate transparency — and it strengthens your negotiation position.

5. Meet With Me, Your Realtor in December or January

December is a strategic time to understand:
• Ideal timing for listing your home
• Comparable sales in your neighbourhood
• Whether your home is best positioned for early spring
• What updates (if any) will maximize your return
• How to coordinate your sale and purchase so your move feels easy

Most downsizers appreciate a plan that reduces overwhelm — and planning early gives you options.

6. Begin Visualizing Your Next Chapter

Your downsizing journey isn’t only about your current home — it’s about building a lifestyle that fits your life now.

Consider:
• Walkability
• Accessibility and layout
• Low-maintenance living
• Proximity to family or community
• Storage or hobby needs
• Desire for amenities

Exploring early ensures your next home truly supports you.

Ready to Start Your Downsizing Journey?

If you’re planning a move in 2026 — or simply want to understand your options — I’d love to support you with a clear, personalized plan. From preparing your home for a smooth sale to helping you find the right community for your next chapter, you don’t have to navigate this alone.

If you're considering a move or downsizing and want guidance tailored to your lifestyle and goals, reach out anytime — I’m here to help you feel confident, supported, and at home every step of the way.

Before you call me at 250-415-5656, download the playbook here: The Smart Downsizer’s Guide

Jacqueline Ross
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
📍 Serving Greater Victoria, Saanich Peninsula & Vancouver Island
🌐 YourVanIsleHome.com
📩 jac@yourvanislehome.com
📱 250-415-5656