Although spring brings longer daylight hours, it also brings unpredictable weather. Rain, mud, and fluctuating temperatures can present challenges for home sellers. Thankfully, by planning and taking proactive steps, your home can remain appealing regardless of the weather. 

Here are some tips to help you navigate common spring weather challenges when selling your home:

1. Keep Curb Appeal Intact Despite Rain

Curb appeal is crucial when selling a home, but spring rain can leave your property looking messy. To keep your home inviting:

• Ensure gutters are clear of debris to prevent overflow and water damage.

• Place a fresh layer of mulch in garden beds to prevent soil from washing away.

• Keep the lawn trimmed and edged, and remove any debris after storms.

• Consider adding potted flowers near the entrance for a welcoming touch.

2. Prevent Mud From Being Tracked Indoors

With frequent spring showers, mud can become a major concern. Protect your home's interior by:

• Placing durable doormats outside and inside all entryways

• Providing potential buyers with disposable shoe covers

• Keeping a mop and cleaning supplies handy for quick touch-ups before showings

3. Maximize Natural Light

Spring weather can be overcast, making interiors appear dim. To brighten your home:

• Open curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible.

• Use warm, bright lighting in darker rooms.

• Clean windows inside and out to remove grime from winter months.

• Add mirrors to reflect light and create an airy feel.

4. Maintain a Comfortable Indoor Temperature

Spring temperatures can fluctuate dramatically. Keep your home comfortable by:

• Adjusting the thermostat to maintain a pleasant indoor temperature

• Using ceiling fans or portable heaters if needed to balance warmth and airflow

• Ensuring your HVAC system is in good working order to avoid unexpected issues

5. Address Moisture and Humidity

Spring humidity can lead to musty odours and condensation. To prevent moisture-related problems:

• Use dehumidifiers in damp areas like basements.

• Run exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to reduce humidity.

• Check for and repair any leaks in the roof or plumbing.

6. Highlight Spring's Best Features

Spring is a season of renewal, making it the perfect time to showcase your home's charm. Enhance your property's appeal by:

• Displaying fresh flowers or greenery inside to create a welcoming atmosphere

• Setting up outdoor spaces like patios or decks with clean furniture and decor

• Staging rooms with light, fresh-coloured accessories to complement the season

Spring weather can be unpredictable, but with the right preparation, you can keep your home looking its best. By maintaining curb appeal, managing mud, maximizing light, and ensuring indoor comfort, you can attract buyers and secure a successful sale. With thoughtful planning, your home will look wonderful — rain or shine!

For many homebuyers, especially first-timers, affordability is a top priority. If you're working within a budget, you may be considering whether a condo or a townhouse is the better financial choice. Both offer advantages, but the right decision depends on several factors.

• Cost Considerations

When it comes to upfront costs, condos are generally more affordable than townhouses. In most markets, condos have a lower purchase price per square foot because they tend to be smaller and lack private yards. However, monthly condo fees can be high, covering expenses such as building maintenance, landscaping, and amenities like a gym or pool.

Townhouses, on the other hand, typically come with a higher purchase price but lower strata fees when compared to condos. This is because townhouse owners are usually responsible for maintaining the exterior and sometimes even the land around their property. If you're on a strict budget, it's crucial to factor in both the mortgage payments and ongoing fees when determining what you can afford.

• Maintenance and Responsibilities

One of the biggest differences between condos and townhouses is the level of maintenance required. Condo owners enjoy a hands-off approach, as the strata council usually takes care of exterior upkeep, roof repairs, and landscaping. This makes condos an attractive option for busy professionals, retirees, or those who travel frequently.

Townhouse owners, by contrast, may have more responsibility for property maintenance. While some communities offer shared services through the strata council, owners may be responsible for repairs to their home's roof, exterior, and yard. This additional responsibility can translate to unexpected costs, so budgeting for maintenance is essential.

• Lifestyle and Privacy

Your lifestyle and need for privacy can also influence whether a condo or townhouse is the better fit. Condos often resemble apartment living, with units stacked on top of or beside one another. Noise from neighbours can be a concern, and outdoor space is typically limited to a balcony or shared courtyard.

Townhouses offer more privacy, as they usually have fewer shared walls and often include a small yard or patio. This can be a significant perk for families, pet owners, or anyone who enjoys outdoor living. Additionally, townhouses provide a greater sense of independence, as owners have more control over their property compared to condo dwellers, who must adhere to stricter strata rules.

• Long-Term Investment

From an investment perspective, both condos and townhouses can appreciate in value, but townhouses may have a slight edge. Because they offer more space and often include land, townhouses tend to appreciate faster than condos. Additionally, condos are more vulnerable to fluctuations in strata fees, special assessments, and market demand.

However, condos can still be a smart investment, especially in high-demand urban areas where single-family homes and townhouses are out of reach for many buyers. If you choose a well-managed building in a desirable location, a condo can be a worthwhile investment with strong rental potential.

Which is the Better Deal?

The answer depends on your financial situation, lifestyle preferences, and long-term goals. A condo may be the best choice if you're looking for a lower upfront cost and minimal maintenance. However, if you prefer more space, privacy, and greater long-term appreciation potential, a townhouse might be worth the extra investment.

Before making a decision, carefully evaluate your budget, consider the costs beyond the purchase price, and consider your lifestyle needs. By doing your research and weighing the pros and cons, you can find the best home that fits your budget and future plans.

A total of 528 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region this February, 12.3 per cent more than the 470 properties sold in February 2024 and 25.1 per cent more than in January 2025. Sales of condominiums were up 26.3 per cent from February 2024 with 192 units sold. Sales of single family homes increased by 4.5 per cent from February 2024 with 234 sold.

“February was another stable month for local real estate,” said 2025 Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Dirk VanderWal. “The combination of slowly growing inventory and slightly increased sales means that our market remains in balance from the start of the year, which creates comfortable conditions for both buyers and sellers. Nearly two years of steady prices combined with recent favourable interest rates are positive factors for our market. Thus far, 2025 has been a good year to buy and sell.”

There were 2,630 active listings for sale on the Victoria Real Estate Board Multiple Listing Service® at the end of February 2025, an increase of 9.8 per cent compared to the previous month of January and an 11.3 per cent increase from the 2,364 active listings for sale at the end of February 2024.

“In these market conditions properties need to be well presented and properly priced to be successful,” adds Chair VanderWal. “We are following our typical early spring market cycle, which generally speaking peaks in late spring. Hopefully in the upcoming weeks we’ll see more inventory enter the market to meet consumer demand. We will also watch what impacts any changes to global economic policies may have on our market if and when they occur. Right now, there are many factors that impact your housing decisions, and your favourite local REALTOR® is ready to help you navigate the current market.”

The Multiple Listing Service® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single family home in the Victoria Core in February 2024 was $1,262,200. The benchmark value for the same home in February 2025 increased by 3.7 per cent to $1,309,500, up from January’s value of $1,287,200. The MLS® HPI benchmark value for a condominium in the Victoria Core area in February 2024 was $554,700 while the benchmark value for the same condominium in February 2025 decreased by 0.5 per cent to $551,900, up from the January value of $548,100.