There's a shift that happens every year around this time. The evenings start cooling off a little earlier, the light gets softer, and even though summer isn't quite over, you can feel fall coming. It's also when I start hearing from a lot of people who've been thinking about selling and want to know what they should be doing right now to get ready.

If that's you, you're not alone, and you're not behind. Late summer is actually one of the best times to start preparing, because it gives you a few quiet weeks to get things in order before the fall market picks up. Here's where I'd start.

Give Yourself Time to Declutter, Not Just Clean

Decluttering isn't the same as tidying up for a weekend. It's about walking through your home room by room and being honest about what you actually want to bring with you to your next chapter. This part often takes longer than people expect, especially if you've been in your home for years, so starting now instead of the week before your listing goes live makes a real difference. It doesn't need to happen all at once either. A little bit each week adds up faster than you'd think.

Handle the Small Repairs You've Been Putting Off

Every home has that list. A dripping faucet, a door that sticks, a spot of paint that's been touched up one too many times. None of these are dealbreakers on their own, but buyers notice them, and they add up to an impression. Fall is a great time to work through that list while the weather still cooperates for anything outdoors, like touching up trim or clearing gutters before the rain really sets in. Need a recommendation for a great tradesperson? I’ve got you, just reach out.

Think About Curb Appeal Before the Days Get Shorter

As the light changes, so does the way your home looks from the street. A few simple things go a long way here. Clearing fallen leaves, adding a warm light by the entryway, and making sure walkways are clear and well lit all help your home feel welcoming even as the season shifts. First impressions still happen at the curb, fall or not.

Get a Clear Picture of Where You Stand

Before you do anything else, it's worth having an honest conversation about where your home sits in today's market. That's not about pressure or a hard sell. It's about giving you real information so you can make a decision that actually fits your timeline, whether that's this fall or further down the road. A home evaluation is a good place to start, and it costs you nothing but a conversation. Let me know if you’d like an honest valuation.

You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone

If you're downsizing, there's an emotional side to this too, and I don't think that ever gets talked about enough. Letting go of a home is rarely just about square footage. If any of this feels like a lot to carry on your own, that's exactly where I come in. I'd rather slow things down and walk through it with you than have you feel rushed into decisions that don't feel right.

If you've been quietly thinking about what's next, I'd love to talk it through, no pressure and no script. You can also grab a copy of my smart downsizing guide any time at yourvanislehome.com if you want a starting point before we chat.

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

There is a particular kind of morning that happens in Belmont. Coffee in hand, a short walk to the market, maybe a stop along the Galloping Goose Trail before the day gets going. It is the kind of everyday rhythm that made me excited to list this home, and I think it might be exactly what a lot of buyers out there are looking for right now.

I am thrilled to share that 236-920 Reunion Ave, a bright two bedroom, two bathroom condo at Reunion at Belmont. View here: https://yourvanislehome.com/officelistings.html/listing.1046848-236-920-reunion-ave-langford-v9b-0w8.109571637

This home sits steps from Belmont Market and the Galloping Goose Trail, in one of the most walkable pockets of the Westshore. The kitchen features quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, under cabinet lighting, and a spacious island that makes room for both quick mornings and slower evenings. Wide plank flooring runs throughout, and the smart split bed layout keeps the primary suite private while the second bedroom stays close by, ready to become a nursery, a guest room, or a home office as life shifts and changes.

The primary suite includes a double sided closet and a full ensuite, and since the current owner purchased the home, they have added a heat pump, so heating and cooling stays effortless through every season. Along with in suite laundry, extra storage, and a private balcony, the unit comes with a dedicated parking stall and a fully installed EV charger, ready to go from day one.

As a resident, you will also have access to the building's full range of amenities, including a fitness centre, a resident lounge and outdoor relaxation area, a BBQ terrace, a pet wash and off leash dog park, and bike storage with a repair station. And when the weekend rolls around, Glen Lake, Thetis Lake, and Goldstream Park are all just minutes away, whether you are looking for a quiet paddle or a longer hike.

I have spent the last seven years getting to know the Westshore, the Peninsula, and everything in between, and buildings like Reunion at Belmont are a great example of why so many people are choosing to put down roots here. It is a community that feels connected, walkable, and genuinely easy to live in, whether you are just starting out, growing a family, or simply looking for a home that fits your day to day life a little better.

If this feels like it could be your next chapter, I would love to show you around in person. You can find full photos, floor plans, and details on the listing page, and I am always just a call or message away.

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

Sales Rebound, Inventory Grows & Balanced Conditions Firmly Take Hold

Through February, both the broader Canadian economy and the Greater Victoria housing market continued settling into a more stable and predictable rhythm after several years of rapid change.

We are no longer in a volatility-driven market.
We are in a strategy-driven one.

The Economy at a Glance

On January 28, the Bank of Canada held its key overnight rate at 2.25%, reinforcing stability in borrowing costs.

Nationally, economic growth has softened. GDP contracted in the final quarter of 2025 — the slowest annual growth since 2020 — with trade uncertainty and slowing manufacturing output contributing to weaker momentum.

The labour market remains mixed. While employment has shown resilience in some sectors, elevated unemployment levels and cautious hiring have tempered consumer confidence.

The key takeaway for homeowners and buyers alike is this: interest rates are steady and economic signals are clearer. Stability — even modest stability — reduces uncertainty and allows households to plan.

Greater Victoria Market – February 2026

February marked a noticeable shift locally.

A total of 465 properties sold across the Victoria Real Estate Board region.

That represents:
• 37.2% more sales than January 2026
• 11.9% fewer sales than February 2025

The year-over-year decline reflects normalization from stronger 2025 activity. The significant month-over-month increase signals spring momentum building.

Property Type Breakdown

Single Family Homes
206 sold
↓ 12% compared to February 2025

Condominiums
154 sold
↓ 19.8% compared to February 2025

Townhomes
66 sold
↑ 11.9% compared to February 2025

Townhomes were the only segment to see year-over-year growth, suggesting continued demand for mid-range housing options.

Inventory: The Defining Story

At the end of February, there were 2,903 active listings on the Victoria Real Estate Board MLS®.

That is:
• Up 10.6% from January 2026
• Up 10.4% from February 2025 (2,630 listings last year)

This rising inventory is what has moved our market firmly into balanced territory.

A balanced market means:
• Buyers have choice
• Sellers face competition
• Pricing matters more than urgency

We are no longer in scarcity conditions. But we are also not in a buyer’s market oversupply environment.

Prices in the Victoria Core

The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) benchmark values tell a very steady story.

Single Family Home Benchmark
February 2025: $1,319,100
February 2026: $1,307,400
↓ 0.9% year over year
↑ From January’s $1,265,500

Condominium Benchmark
February 2025: $549,600
February 2026: $545,600
↓ 0.7% year over year
↑ From January’s $537,800

Townhome benchmark (Victoria Core): $842,800

The key detail: both single-family and condo benchmarks increased from January levels.

That signals stabilization — not decline.

Prices are not accelerating rapidly.
They are adjusting gradually and holding relatively steady.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers are operating in a healthier environment than we’ve seen in years.

With nearly 3,000 listings available, there is more time to compare properties and negotiate thoughtfully.

Interest rates are stable. Inventory is elevated. Competition is measured.

However, well-priced homes in desirable neighbourhoods still attract attention quickly. Preparation and clarity remain advantages.

Balanced does not mean slow — it means strategic.

What This Means for Sellers

Demand is present — but it is selective.

The 37% jump in sales from January shows buyers are active as we approach spring. But with more inventory available, pricing and presentation are critical.

Testing the market is risky.
Entering strategically is effective.

Balanced conditions reward sellers who understand positioning.

Mortgage Renewals & Refinancing

Even if you are not planning to move, this market matters — especially if you have a mortgage renewal approaching.

Many homeowners who secured ultra-low fixed rates several years ago are now renewing at higher rates. While the Bank of Canada has held its key rate steady, payments may increase for some households at renewal.

Reviewing your renewal strategy early can provide flexibility and clarity.

If helpful, I’m happy to connect you with a trusted mortgage professional to explore renewal options, refinancing strategies, or simply review your numbers before your term comes up.

Looking Ahead to Spring 2026

February’s activity suggests we are entering spring with:

• Rising inventory
• Stabilizing prices
• Renewed month-over-month sales momentum
• Balanced market conditions

We are not seeing rapid appreciation.
We are not seeing distress.

We are seeing normalization.

For move-up buyers, downsizers, and long-term planners, balanced markets often create some of the best opportunities — because both sides of the transaction operate under similar conditions.

If you’d like a deeper breakdown of what this means specifically for your neighbourhood — Sidney, the Peninsula, Westshore, Victoria Core — I’m always happy to provide a personalized update.

If you’re considering a move — whether upsizing, downsizing, or relocating within Greater Victoria — planning early will create the strongest outcome.

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

Helping you find home — and community — here in Victoria, BC.