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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