The summer season is often seen as a hot time for real estate—but sometimes, your home listing doesn’t get the heat you expected. Maybe the foot traffic has slowed, your listing is getting stale, or offers just aren’t coming in. Don't panic. This is more common than you think, and the good news is, there are strategic steps you can take right now to turn things around.

Here’s what to do when your home isn’t selling this summer:

1. Revisit Your Pricing Strategy

Buyers are savvy. If your home is priced too high for the current market—or doesn’t offer enough value compared to similar listings nearby—it can sit idle. Even a small price adjustment can generate new interest and bring your home back into buyers' search results.

2. Refresh Your Listing Photos

Summer light is beautiful—so use it to your advantage. If your listing photos were taken in the spring (or worse, during a gloomy winter), consider having new professional shots taken with lush landscaping, fresh flowers, and glowing natural light.

3. Boost Your Curb Appeal

Is your front yard inviting? Overgrown shrubs, faded paint, or a dated front door can give the wrong first impression. Small updates—like power washing the walkway, planting seasonal flowers, or repainting your trim—can make a big difference.

4. Reignite Your Marketing Plan

It may be time to try new marketing tactics. Has your agent promoted your home through video tours, open houses, targeted social media ads, or local features? The more eyeballs, the better. Have they left no stone unturned? Ask for a fresh marketing plan and amplify your home’s visibility where buyers are looking.

5. Stage for the Season

Make your home feel like the ultimate summer sanctuary. Think light and airy linens, fresh scents, and clean, uncluttered spaces. A well-staged home helps buyers imagine themselves enjoying summer mornings on the patio or warm evenings in the backyard.

6. Get Buyer Feedback (and Listen Closely)

If you've had showings but no offers, there’s valuable information hiding in buyer feedback. Are people mentioning the layout, finishes, or location? Adjust what you can—and speak to your agent about how to better position your home to overcome objections.

7. Consider Incentives

Sometimes a little motivation goes a long way. Offering to cover closing costs, include appliances, or provide a decorating allowance can tip the scale for a hesitant buyer.

The Bottom Line

If your home isn’t selling this summer, don’t just wait and hope—act. A few small shifts can breathe new life into your listing and attract the right buyer. Markets ebb and flow, but with a smart strategy, your home can stand out.

If your home has been sitting with little action, it might be time to rethink the brokerage representing it. If you’re considering a team with strategies that actually sell, get in touch and let’s get your home moving!

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Summer is officially here—and whether you’re enjoying your forever home or planning to list later this year, now’s the time to give your space a seasonal refresh. Staying on top of maintenance not only protects your home’s value but also helps you enjoy it more fully during the sunny months.

Here are five essential tasks to consider this June:

🧽 1. Power wash outdoor surfaces
Decks, patios, siding, and even walkways benefit from a fresh blast to remove moss, pollen, and dirt. Don’t forget to check your driveway for oil stains or grime buildup.

🍃 2. Clean out your gutters
Even in summer, clogged gutters can cause trouble during unexpected downpours. If you’re not up for the ladder work, many local services offer quick cleanings.

🔨 3. Inspect your roof
A sunny day is ideal for a quick look at your roof—missing or cracked shingles, worn flashing, or signs of moss should be addressed now before the fall.

🌼 4. Refresh your garden beds & mulch
Trim back overgrowth, add a pop of colour with new annuals, and top up your mulch to conserve water during drier weeks.

💧 5. Tune up your irrigation system
Sprinkler or drip system? Ensure everything is working efficiently—leaks and uneven coverage can lead to high bills or stressed plants.

🌸 Bonus Section: Living in a Condo or Townhouse? Here's Your Spring/Summer Checklist

Even if your strata handles exterior maintenance, there are a few smart seasonal tasks you can take on to keep your unit in tip-top shape:

🪟 Check and clean your windows & screens
Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust buildup. Fresh screens let in the breeze without the bugs.

🌬 Service your HVAC or A/C units
If your unit has in-suite heating/cooling, book a filter replacement or maintenance check before the hottest days arrive.

🧺 Clean your dryer vent
Lint buildup is a serious fire hazard and can reduce your dryer’s efficiency—ask your strata if you’re unsure where the exterior vent is.

🪴 Add summer life to your balcony or patio
Container plants, herbs, or a cozy chair go a long way in making your outdoor space feel like a seasonal retreat.

✨ Thinking of selling this year?

Buyers notice the little things. Seasonal maintenance and fresh curb appeal (yes, even for townhomes and condos) can help your home stand out in photos and showings. Want a personalized list to get ready? Just reply or send me a message—I'd be happy to help.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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The crocuses are blooming, the days are getting longer, and "For Sale" signs are popping up everywhere. Welcome to the spring housing market! While the warmer weather and increased inventory make it an exciting time for first-time home buyers, it's also traditionally the busiest and most competitive season in Victoria.

But don't let that deter you! With the right preparation and strategy, you can navigate the buzz and land your dream home. Here's what first-time home buyers should focus on to stay ahead and get the house they want this spring.

1. Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified (and Do It NOW!)

This is the golden rule for spring market success. A mortgage pre-approval is miles ahead of a pre-qualification. A pre-qualification is a quick estimate of what you might be able to borrow, while a pre-approval means a lender has verified your financial information, credit score, and income, and committed to lending you a specific amount.

Why this matters in spring:

• Shows you're serious: In a competitive market, sellers and their agents prioritize offers from pre-approved buyers. It signals you're financially ready and reduces the risk of the deal falling through.

• Know your true budget: You'll have a clear understanding of exactly how much you can afford, saving you time and preventing you from falling in love with homes out of your price range.

• Act fast: When that perfect home appears, you'll be ready to make a strong offer without delay. Homes in the spring can sell in days, even hours!

2. Understand Victoria's Market Dynamics

While the overall Victoria market has seen some shifts, the spring market still brings a surge in listings and buyer activity.

• More inventory, more competition: You'll have more homes to choose from, but so will everyone else.

• Be prepared for quick decisions: Desirable properties, especially in prime locations, will move very fast.

• Monitor local trends: Work closely with me as your real estate agent to understand the specific dynamics of your desired neighbourhood. Are bidding wars common? Are prices holding steady or declining?

3. Define Your "Must-Haves" vs "Nice-to-Haves"

Before you even step into your first open house, sit down and make a comprehensive list.

• Must-haves: These are non-negotiable features (e.g., number of bedrooms, specific school district, attached garage).

• Nice-to-haves: These are features you'd love but could compromise on (e.g., granite countertops, a specific type of flooring, a large backyard).

• Deal-breakers: What absolutely won't work for you (e.g., on a busy road, needs major structural repairs).

Having this clarity will help you filter listings efficiently and make confident decisions when you're under pressure.

4. Assemble Your Dream Team

You wouldn't build a house without an architect and a contractor, so don't buy one without the right professionals!

• Experienced Real Estate Agent: I’m a local agent who truly understands the spring market in your desired area is invaluable. I’ll give you early access to listings, help you craft competitive offers, and navigate negotiations.

• Mortgage Broker: While banks offer their own products, a mortgage broker shops around with multiple lenders to find you the best rates and terms. They can explain different mortgage types (fixed vs. variable) and help you understand your options. I can recommend great professionals to work with.

• Home Inspector: Even in a fast-paced market, do not skip the home inspection. Spring weather can reveal issues that might be hidden in winter. A professional inspection can uncover potential problems and save you from costly surprises down the road. Need one? I’ve got you!

5. Be Ready to Make a Strong, Strategic Offer

In a competitive spring market, your offer needs to stand out.

• Competitive Price: As your agent, I’ll help you determine a fair and competitive offer based on recent comparable sales. In some areas, offering slightly over asking might be necessary.

• Limit Contingencies (Carefully!): While contingencies (like financing or inspection clauses) protect you, too many can make your offer less attractive to a seller. We’ll discuss which ones you can safely reduce or waive, especially if you have a solid pre-approval.

• Flexible Closing Date: Accommodating the seller's preferred closing date can give you an edge, even if your price isn't the absolute highest.

• Personalized Letter (Optional but Powerful): A heartfelt letter to the sellers, explaining why you love their home and envision your life there, can sometimes create an emotional connection that sways their decision.

6. Budget Beyond the Purchase Price

Many first-time buyers focus solely on the down payment and mortgage, but there are other significant costs to factor in:

• Closing Costs: These include legal fees, property transfer tax, title insurance, appraisal fees, and more. They typically range from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price in Victoria.

• Property Taxes: Don't forget these ongoing costs!

• Home Insurance: A mandatory expense when you have a mortgage.

• Moving Expenses & Initial Repairs: Factor in costs for movers, new appliances, or any immediate fixes.

The spring market offers a fantastic opportunity for first-time home buyers in Victoria, with more choices and potentially easing prices in some segments. By being prepared, proactive, and working with the right professionals, you can confidently enter the market and achieve your homeownership dreams this season.

Don't just dream about your first home – make it a reality this spring! Start your pre-approval process today and connect with me, your trusted local real estate agent, to get a head start.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Victoria Real Estate Market Stable in the Face of Uncertainty
The Victoria real estate market demonstrated resilience in March 2025, maintaining a stable and balanced state despite ongoing global economic uncertainties. According to the Victoria Real Estate Board, a total of 613 properties changed hands in the region this past March, marking a 4.3 per cent increase compared to the 588 sales recorded in March 2024 and a significant 16.1% jump from February 2025.

Here's a quick look at the average prices in the Victoria Core:
* Single Family Detached Homes: $1,283,842
* Townhomes: $804,796
* Condos: $642,059

Breaking down the sales by property type, condominiums saw a notable surge in activity, with 202 units sold, representing a 14.1% increase from March of the previous year. The single-family home market also experienced positive growth, with 292 sales, a 2.1% rise compared to March 2024.

"The economic uncertainty the world faces right now certainly colours our local real estate market," commented 2025 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Dirk VanderWal. "In spite of this, our market remains as it has in recent months - stable and balanced. Inventory levels this past month held steady at over three thousand listings, which meant that there was a good amount of selection for buyers, while relatively flat pricing meant more predictability for sellers and buyers."

The number of active listings on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of March 2025 stood at 3,023. This represents a substantial increase of 14.9% from the 2,631 listings in February and a 14.2 per cent rise from the 2,647 active listings available at the end of March 2024.

Chair VanderWal further noted, "As in past months, the balanced market in March softened the demand-side pressures of markets we've seen in recent years. There is more time for decision making, which is a positive aspect for both sellers and buyers. Thoughtfully priced and presented homes are selling well and we do see instances of multiple offers, which is often a hallmark of the spring market. For the best outcomes in your property search or sale, connect with your favourite local REALTOR® to navigate the current market."

Looking at benchmark pricing in the Victoria Core, the Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in March 2025 reached $1,335,300, a 3.6% increase from the $1,288,400 recorded in March 2024 and up from February's $1,309,500. The benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area saw a more modest increase, reaching $560,400 in March 2025, a 0.4% rise from $558,200 in March 2024 and an increase from February's $551,900.

Local Market Activity
Across southern Vancouver Island, we've seen great turnouts at open houses for single-family detached and townhomes in the $900,000 to $1.3 million range. Many of these sales were competitive due to multiple bids on listings. The recent decrease in interest rates has made this segment of the market very attractive to buyers, especially for properties that could provide rental income.

Navigating the Victoria Real Estate Market
The current stability of the Victoria real estate market presents both opportunities and considerations for buyers and sellers. With a healthy inventory and more balanced conditions, now is an opportune time to make informed decisions. 

Whether you're looking to buy your dream home or sell your property for the best possible price, having expert guidance is crucial. Contact me today to discuss your real estate goals and navigate the Victoria market with confidence.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Spring is just around the corner, and so is the HOT real estate market on Vancouver Island! Are you ready to make your dream of homeownership a reality? This guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare for a successful spring home search.

The spring market often sees increased competition, so being prepared is key. Let's dive into what you need to do:

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage:

Knowing how much you can afford is KEY to a successful home search. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is the crucial first step. It shows sellers you're a serious buyer and gives you a clear budget to work with. Don't skip this! I can recommend professional mortgage brokers to work with.

2. Gather Your Funds:

Start saving for your down payment and deposit NOW! Having your finances in order will make the process smoother and more competitive. Every little bit counts! 

3. Connect with a Realtor (That's Me!):

A good realtor is your best ally in this market. I can help you navigate the often complex process, find the right properties that match your needs and budget, and negotiate the best deal. Let's chat! I'm here to guide you every step of the way.

4. Educate Yourself About the Market:

Understanding the home-buying process is crucial. From current market trends to legal considerations, being informed empowers you to make confident decisions. I'm here to answer all your questions! Knowledge is power in the real estate market.

Ready to Make Your Spring Real Estate Dreams a Reality?

I can connect you with trusted mortgage brokers, lawyers, home inspectors, and other professionals you'll need for a smooth transaction. Let's work together to find your perfect place on Vancouver Island! Contact me today to get started! ➡️ 250.415.5656 | jac@yourvanislehome.com | www.yourvanislehome.com

To learn more before we chat, download your FREE home-buying guide right here.

The Victoria real estate market has started 2025 with a healthy balance of inventory and stable prices. This positive start signals a promising year for both buyers and sellers in the Greater Victoria Area.

A total of 422 properties were sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this January, a significant 23.8% jump from the 341 properties sold in January 2024 and a slight 0.2% increase from December 2024. This strong performance reflects growing market momentum.

Breaking down the sales figures, condominiums saw a 30.4% increase from January 2024, with 146 units sold. Single-family home sales also rose, with a 19.8% increase from January 2024, totalling 194 sales.

“We’ve seen a strong handoff from the December market to January with a good sense of momentum building,” said 2025 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Dirk VanderWal. “Over the course of the month, we saw an uptick in new listings, and it is the first time in ten years that over one thousand new listings were added to our inventory in January. This is a positive sign for our market as we head into 2025.”

Adding to the positive news, there were 2,395 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of January 2025. This represents a 4.6% increase compared to December and an 11.9% increase from the 2,140 active listings at the end of January 2024.

“The overall housing market in the Greater Victoria Area continues to show signs of balance,” adds Chair VanderWal. “There are strong fundamentals underpinning our market. Pricing remains stable, inventory levels are favourable when compared to recent years, and interest rates continue to trend in a positive direction for consumers. Of course, there may be uncertainty in the coming months as international trade relationships are tested, so we will track if these deliberations impact the market moving forward. As always, buying or selling your home is one of the largest financial decisions you’ll make, and your favourite local REALTOR® is your best resource to help you navigate the process.”

Looking at benchmark prices, the Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in the Victoria Core in January 2024 was $1,252,200. In January 2025, this value increased by 2.8% to $1,287,200, although it’s down slightly from December’s value of $1,306,400. For condominiums in the Victoria Core, the benchmark value in January 2024 was $551,900. In January 2025, it decreased slightly by 0.7% to $548,100, up from December’s value of $547,800.  

This January 2025 Victoria real estate market update presents a mixed bag of news, offering both opportunities and considerations for home sellers and buyers:

For Home Sellers:

• Positive Signs: The increase in sales volume and new listings suggests a healthy level of market activity. This means there are more potential buyers out there, which is good news for you if you’re selling. The stable pricing also indicates that while the market isn't skyrocketing, it's holding its value.

• Competition: The significant jump in new listings (over 1,000 in January) means increased competition. To stand out, you need to ensure your property is priced competitively and in top condition. Professional staging and high-quality photography are more important than ever—I can help with outstanding marketing.

• Strategic Pricing: While prices are stable, they are slightly down from the previous month. Work closely with me to determine the optimal listing price that attracts buyers without undercutting your potential profit. Overpricing could lead to longer days on market.

• Market Awareness: The chair's comments about potential uncertainty due to international trade relations are worth noting. Stay informed about any developments that could affect the market, and be prepared to adjust your strategy if necessary.

For Home Buyers:

• More Choices: The increase in active listings means buyers have more inventory to choose from. This gives them more negotiating power and time to find the right property.

• Stable Prices: Stable prices provide a degree of predictability for buyers. You can be more confident in their budget and less worried about rapidly escalating prices.

• Favourable Inventory: The current inventory levels are considered favourable compared to recent years. This is a positive for buyers who have been struggling with low inventory in the past.

• Interest Rate Watch: While interest rates are currently trending positively, buyers should still carefully consider their affordability and get pre-approved for a mortgage to know their budget limits.

• Act Fast (But Wisely): While inventory is better, the increased sales volume shows that the market is still active. Don’t be too complacent, and be prepared to act quickly when you find a property you like! However, don’t rush into a decision without doing your due diligence.

In summary, the market presents a balanced scenario. Due to increased competition, sellers need to be strategic with pricing and presentation, while buyers benefit from more choices and stable prices. Both buyers and sellers should stay informed about market trends and work closely with a knowledgeable real estate professional to navigate the market successfully.

Contact me today for a personalized consultation:

Jacqueline Ross
REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
250.415.5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
YourVanIsleHome.com
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