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 the perfect time to give your home a little glow-up—especially if you’re thinking of selling this fall or just want to enjoy your space more while the sun’s out. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to make a big impact.

Whether you're in a detached home or a condo, here are a few quick, affordable upgrades that can dramatically boost your curb appeal—and even your resale value.

🏡 For Houses & Townhomes: Quick Exterior Upgrades

Add Flower Boxes or Container Gardens

You don’t need a green thumb or a full landscaping crew. A few vibrant planters by your entryway or flower boxes under the front windows add instant charm and colour. Bonus: You can take them with you when you move.

Paint the Front Door

Never underestimate the power of a bold, fresh front door. It’s one of the easiest ways to transform your home’s first impression—and a new coat of paint can cost less than $50. Try classic black, welcoming navy, or a cheerful red or sage green.

Update Your Exterior Light Fixtures

Outdated lighting can drag down your exterior vibe. Swapping in sleek, modern fixtures—or even just cleaning your existing ones and upgrading the bulbs—makes your home feel more inviting and well-kept, especially in the evenings.

Refresh the Entry with New House Numbers or a Welcome Mat

These small details matter! Crisp, modern house numbers and a clean new welcome mat can subtly signal that your home is loved and maintained—two things every buyer is drawn to.

Pressure Wash Walkways and Siding

You’d be surprised how fresh everything looks with a good clean. Rent a pressure washer or borrow one from a neighbour and give your siding, driveway, and walkway a thorough wash. It’s like an instant face-lift for your home.

🏢 Live in a Condo? Boost Your Unit's Appeal, Too!

Curb appeal doesn’t stop at the front lawn. If you live in a condo, here are a few ways to make your unit stand out—whether for resale or your own enjoyment:

Style Your Balcony or Patio

Add potted plants, a small bistro set, or an outdoor rug to turn your balcony into a cozy extension of your living space. Keep it tidy and inviting—potential buyers will imagine themselves enjoying a morning coffee or evening glass of wine there.

Clean the Windows Inside and Out

Natural light is a huge selling feature in condos. Sparkling clean windows make your home look brighter and more spacious—and show buyers that the unit has been well cared for.

Declutter the Entryway or Hallway

First impressions matter, even in a shared building. Make sure your door area is clean and clutter-free. A seasonal wreath, a tasteful doormat, or even a tidy shoe rack inside your entryway can elevate the feel instantly.

Add Art or Mirrors in the Hall

If you're allowed to decorate outside your unit door, a mirror or piece of art can add personality and warmth to your hallway. Just check with your strata before drilling into common-area walls.

Thinking of listing later this year?

A few small curb appeal tweaks now can mean more eyes on your listing—and potentially more $$ in your pocket. Want to chat about how to prep your home for a future sale? I’m happy to walk you through a personalized game plan.

👉 Reach out any time—let’s make your next move your best one.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Victoria’s real estate market is known for its year-round activity, but summer brings a unique rhythm—and a lot of opportunity for both buyers and sellers. With longer days, lush landscapes, and balanced market conditions, this season can offer some of the smoothest and most strategic timing for making a move.

☀️ Why Summer is a Smart Time to Sell

Your Home Looks Its Best
Landscaping is in full bloom, patios and decks feel like extra living space, and natural light floods every room. These details make for beautiful listing photos and strong first impressions during showings.

Buyers Are Motivated
Many buyers aim to move before the fall, especially families trying to settle in before the new school year. That sense of urgency can work in your favour.

More Eyes on Your Listing
With longer days, open houses and evening showings are easier to schedule. People are also more likely to browse online listings during the relaxed pace of summer holidays.

Balanced Market Conditions
This year, we’re seeing a healthy supply of new listings, giving buyers more choice—and sellers a real shot at finding serious, qualified buyers without the chaos of bidding wars.

🏡 Why Summer Works for Buyers Too

Inventory Is High
According to the May 2025 stats, we’ve seen the highest number of new listings since May 2008. That’s a big deal—it means more options, less pressure, and a greater chance of finding your ideal match.

Interest Rates Are Holding Steady
With rate hikes off the table (for now), buyers have a clearer picture of what they can afford—and more predictability when budgeting for the long term.

Less Competition in Some Areas
While popular family neighbourhoods may still see strong demand, other micro-markets—like downtown condos or rural properties—may have softer activity, which could create room to negotiate.

You Can Take Your Time
More daylight, fewer weather-related delays, and flexible summer schedules make it easier to book showings, walk the neighbourhood, and really feel into a home before you buy.

🛠 Pro Tip: Know Your Micro-Market

Whether you’re buying or selling, it's important to remember: Victoria isn’t one market—it’s many. Your experience in Fairfield will be different than in Langford, and a downtown condo plays by different rules than a family home in Cordova Bay.

As I’m a REALTOR® who lives and works here, I can help you understand your exact slice of the market, and build a strategy that makes sense for your goals.

🌿 Thinking of Making a Move This Summer?

I’d love to help you navigate this season with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re planning to list soon, casually exploring what’s out there, or just want to stay informed, let’s chat about what makes sense for you.

📩 Reach out anytime for a personalized summer market snapshot.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Victoria’s real estate market held a steady course this May, continuing the balanced trend we’ve been seeing throughout 2025. A total of 758 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region, just slightly below May 2024, and a significant 18.1% increase over April 2025.

What’s fueling this consistency? A healthy mix of rising inventory and stable interest rates has created a more comfortable experience for both buyers and sellers. While this market may not make dramatic headlines, it’s offering something even better: predictability.

🏡 Quick Stats for May 2025:

• Total Sales: 758 (up 18.1% from April 2025; down 0.7% from May 2024)

• Single-Family Home Sales: 401 (up 0.5% from last year)

• Condo Sales: 221 (down 6% from last year)

• Active Listings: 3,716 (up 11.3% year-over-year; highest since 2008)

• Benchmark Home Price (Victoria Core):

  • Single Family: $1,326,600 (+1.3% from May 2024)

  • Condo: $564,100 (–0.9% from May 2024)

👀 If You’re a Buyer Right Now…

This may be one of the most comfortable buyer markets Victoria has seen in years. With inventory at its highest since 2008, you’ve got more options, less pressure, and better odds of negotiating terms that work for you. Prices are relatively stable, and interest rates haven’t seen major movement recently, making it easier to plan your finances long-term.

➡️ Tip: If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to re-enter the market or move up/downsize, this kind of stable, balanced market can give you an edge, especially with more listings to compare.

🏠 If You’re a Seller Right Now…

The good news? Homes are still selling, and we're seeing the highest number of monthly sales since May 2024. But with more listings hitting the market, it’s crucial to make your home stand out, both online and in person. The days of skipping prep work and getting multiple offers instantly are less common.

➡️ Tip: Pricing strategically, staging thoughtfully, and working with an agent who understands your hyper-local market will help you attract the right buyer in this more balanced environment.

Final Thoughts

As Board Chair Dirk VanderWal said, "It might be boring to report on—but this kind of market is much more comfortable for buyers and sellers to navigate than what we’ve seen in recent years."

Whether you're curious about your home's value or thinking about a summer purchase, I'm happy to walk you through what’s happening in your specific area or price point.

📩 Reach out anytime for a custom market snapshot or to talk about your next steps.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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I’m here to help you understand the latest in our market, influenced by both recent federal developments and local trends.

Federal Election Impact on Housing & Mortgages: A Quick Look

Following the recent federal election where the Liberal Party secured a minority government, several housing-related promises are on the horizon. Key proposals include potential GST removal on new homes under $1 million for first-time buyers and significant investment in homebuilding, particularly for rental and affordable units.

While interest rates may see further easing later this year, economic uncertainties remain. The full impact of these policies will become clearer with the upcoming federal budget.

Victoria Real Estate Market: April 2025 in Review

April saw a total of 642 properties sold in the Victoria region, a slight decrease year-over-year but an increase from March. Condominium sales decreased, while single-family home sales remained relatively stable. VREB Chair Dirk VanderWal noted that federal election uncertainty and broader US economic concerns likely tempered the spring market, yet the local market showed "continued stability" with steady pricing and inventory.

Active listings rose to 3,425, indicating a balanced market with more options for buyers. While single-family homes in certain price ranges are in demand and may see multiple offers, the condo market has a larger supply. The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Victoria Core was $1,344,800 (a 3.3% annual increase), and for a condo, it was $566,100 (a 0.9% annual increase).

What This Means for Buyers

• More inventory provides greater choice.

• Price growth is relatively stable, though some competition exists for single-family homes.

• Potential GST savings for first-time buyers on new homes are worth monitoring.

• Explore various property types, as the condo market offers more options.

What This Means for Sellers

• Strategic pricing and presentation are key in a balanced market.

• Well-priced single-family homes in desirable areas can still see strong interest.

• The condo market requires competitive pricing to attract buyers.

• Be mindful of broader economic and political influences on buyer sentiment.

Navigating Your Real Estate Future:

Understanding the nuances of interest rate decisions and their potential impact on your real estate plans is crucial. Whether you're considering buying your first home, looking to sell your current property, I'm here to provide clarity and expert guidance.

And speaking of expert guidance, navigating the mortgage landscape can feel overwhelming. If you're looking for assistance with a mortgage renewal or are considering a purchase and need trusted advice, I highly recommend connecting with Paul Macara and Dan Miller of The Mortgage Group. They are seasoned professionals who can help you understand your best options in this evolving economic environment.

Don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have. I'm always happy to help you make informed decisions and achieve your real estate goals right here in beautiful Victoria!

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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