Selling your home in a buyer’s market—where there are more homes for sale than active buyers—can be challenging. With increased competition, pricing, presentation, and marketing become more critical than ever. If you're selling in Greater Victoria, understanding how to stand out from the crowd can make the difference between a quick sale and months of waiting.Here are the do’s and don’ts to help you navigate a buyer’s market and sell your home successfully.
✔ Consider pricing slightly below market value – This can generate more interest and multiple offers, ultimately leading to a better sale price.
✔ Be realistic – Emotional attachment can lead to overpricing. Trust the data, not wishful thinking.DON’T: Ignore Market Trends
Housing prices in Victoria, Langford, and Oak Bay fluctuate based on demand. Monitor monthly market reports to ensure you’re pricing competitively.
✔ Enhance curb appeal – Mow the lawn, plant flowers, and repaint the front door to create a welcoming first impression.
✔ Use neutral colors – Soft, neutral tones make your home feel brighter and more spacious.DON’T: Leave Your Home “As Is”
Buyers in a competitive market will compare your home to others on the market. If your home looks outdated or cluttered, they’ll move on.
✔ Virtual tours attract out-of-town buyers from Vancouver and Alberta.
✔ Video walkthroughs add an engaging, interactive element.DON’T: Use Poor-Quality Photos
Dark, blurry, or cluttered photos can turn buyers off before they even visit.
✔ Offer incentives – Covering closing costs, including appliances, or offering a quick closing can make your home more attractive.
✔ Be open to negotiations – Buyers have more power in a slow market, so be prepared to negotiate on price, conditions, or repairs.DON’T: Reject Offers Too Quickly
In a buyer’s market, low offers are common. Instead of dismissing an offer outright, counteroffer strategically to keep the negotiation going.
✔ They have access to marketing tools to give your home maximum exposure.
✔ They can negotiate effectively to get you the best possible price.DON’T: Try to Sell on Your Own (FSBO)
Selling without a realtor in a buyer’s market can cost you time and money. A realtor’s expertise in pricing, marketing, and negotiation can make a significant difference in your final sale price.
DO: Price It Right from Day One
In a buyer’s market, overpricing is the biggest mistake you can make. Buyers have many choices and will skip overpriced homes in favor of better-value options.✔ Get a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) – A Victoria real estate expert can analyze recent sales to determine a competitive listing price.✔ Consider pricing slightly below market value – This can generate more interest and multiple offers, ultimately leading to a better sale price.
✔ Be realistic – Emotional attachment can lead to overpricing. Trust the data, not wishful thinking.DON’T: Ignore Market Trends
Housing prices in Victoria, Langford, and Oak Bay fluctuate based on demand. Monitor monthly market reports to ensure you’re pricing competitively.
DO: Stage Your Home for Maximum Appeal
In a buyer’s market, first impressions are everything. A well-staged home stands out in listings and during showings, increasing your chances of a faster sale.✔ Declutter & depersonalize – Remove family photos and personal items so buyers can envision themselves in the home.✔ Enhance curb appeal – Mow the lawn, plant flowers, and repaint the front door to create a welcoming first impression.
✔ Use neutral colors – Soft, neutral tones make your home feel brighter and more spacious.DON’T: Leave Your Home “As Is”
Buyers in a competitive market will compare your home to others on the market. If your home looks outdated or cluttered, they’ll move on.
DO: Invest in Professional Photography & Virtual Tours
Since most homebuyers in Greater Victoria start their search online, high-quality listing photos and virtual tours are essential.✔ Professional photography makes your listing stand out.✔ Virtual tours attract out-of-town buyers from Vancouver and Alberta.
✔ Video walkthroughs add an engaging, interactive element.DON’T: Use Poor-Quality Photos
Dark, blurry, or cluttered photos can turn buyers off before they even visit.
DO: Be Flexible with Showings & Negotiations
In a buyer’s market, you need to accommodate potential buyers as much as possible.✔ Be available for showings – The more people who see your home, the higher the chances of receiving an offer.✔ Offer incentives – Covering closing costs, including appliances, or offering a quick closing can make your home more attractive.
✔ Be open to negotiations – Buyers have more power in a slow market, so be prepared to negotiate on price, conditions, or repairs.DON’T: Reject Offers Too Quickly
In a buyer’s market, low offers are common. Instead of dismissing an offer outright, counteroffer strategically to keep the negotiation going.
DO: Work with a Skilled Realtor
An experienced local realtor understands the Greater Victoria market and can guide you through pricing, marketing, and negotiations.✔ They provide accurate pricing recommendations based on recent sales data.✔ They have access to marketing tools to give your home maximum exposure.
✔ They can negotiate effectively to get you the best possible price.DON’T: Try to Sell on Your Own (FSBO)
Selling without a realtor in a buyer’s market can cost you time and money. A realtor’s expertise in pricing, marketing, and negotiation can make a significant difference in your final sale price.