Spring is traditionally the peak selling season, but Spring 2025 has been unusual. In Surrey and Burnaby, buyers have more choices than usual, and sellers are facing a slower market with high inventory. For instance, the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (which covers Surrey) reported that March 2025 sales were about 26% below the previous year’s level, despite a 13% increase from February. Active listings hit a decade-high, with 9,219 homes for sale in Fraser Valley – nearly 50% more than last March. Similarly, the Greater Vancouver market (including Burnaby) saw April 2025 sales decline by ~24% year-over-year while new listings were up. In Metro Vancouver, there were 16,207 active listings in April (about 30% higher than April 2024).

What does this mean for sellers? Put simply, buyers have the upper hand right now. With so many homes on the market, buyers are picky. In technical terms, the sales-to-active-listings ratio in Fraser Valley was just 11% in March – under the 12% threshold that indicates a buyers’ market. Metro Vancouver’s overall ratio was about 13.8% in April (still on the low side). In such conditions, pricing and presentation are critical. Homes must be well-priced and well-staged to attract interest. As Greater Vancouver’s economist, Andrew Lis, noted, there are more listings “than we’ve seen in almost a decade” and many cautious buyers right now.

Recent Market Trends (Surrey & Burnaby)

• High Inventory: Surrey/Burnaby-area listings are up sharply. For example, Surrey’s Fraser Valley board noted a 49% jump in active listings from last year. More choices for buyers mean sellers must be competitive.

• Flat to Lower Prices: Benchmark prices have stabilized or edged down. In Burnaby East, the March 2025 benchmark was about $1,127,300 (just a 0.2% gain over February). Greater Vancouver saw a 1.8% year-over-year drop in composite home prices by April. Don’t count on big price spikes in the short term.

• Buyer’s Market: With more supply than demand, many sellers must negotiate. Offers will often include conditions (subjects), and buyers will compare several options. According to industry data, mortgage rates are low, but global uncertainties have kept many buyers on the sidelines.

How to Prepare Your Home for Sale

To sell successfully in a buyer-favoured spring market, focus on preparing your home to stand out. First impressions matter: curb appeal is key. Simple actions like mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and adding seasonal flowers can make a big difference. As staging expert Sylvia Nguyen emphasizes, the home’s exterior is the “first impression” buyers get. A clean, clutter-free yard says “welcome!” even before buyers step inside.

Next, turn your attention indoors. Declutter and deep-clean every room. Pack away personal photos and excess knick-knacks so buyers can visualize themselves in the space. A sparkling, organized home signals that you’ve cared for it. Consider small fixes: repair leaky faucets, tighten cabinet handles, and touch up paint. Neutral paint colors and simple decor help broaden the appeal. Lighting is also important – brighten rooms with clean windows and fresh bulbs.

• Home Staging Tips (target 3-5 key tips):

  • Curb Appeal: Ensure entryway is welcoming – a new doormat, potted plants, and a fresh front door paint if needed.

  • Declutter & Depersonalize: Store excess items. Clear countertops and pack up family photos so buyers can imagine the home as theirs

  • Deep Clean: Make bathrooms and kitchens sparkle. Buyers pay attention to cleanliness as a sign of overall care.

  • Small Repairs & Upgrades: Fix obvious issues (replace burned-out light fixtures, caulk cracks). Even small improvements can justify a higher price.

  • Professional Staging/Photography: I can arrange staging or professional photos to highlight your home’s best features. Homes on MLS with high-quality images typically attract more showings.

Pricing Strategy

Setting the right price is crucial. In this market, aim slightly below or at fair market value to generate interest, rather than overpricing and scaring buyers away. I will provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) based on recent sales in your neighbourhood to recommend a price. As a Realtor® with local data, I’ll assess your home’s condition and help you “determine the best price” for today’s market. Remember, overpricing can lead to stagnation, whereas competitive pricing can spark showings and multiple offers.

When reviewing offers, consider total net proceeds (after repairs, commission, etc.) and not just the sticker price. Weigh factors like a buyer’s financing strength and requested repairs. In negotiation, I will guide you to negotiate repairs and price adjustments wisely, maximizing your final sale price while accommodating fair buyer requests.

Marketing Your Home

Beyond price and prep, aggressive marketing is essential. I will list your property on the MLS®, Realtor.ca, and other popular platforms. I’ll also use targeted online ads and social media campaigns to ensure active buyers see your home. In fact, Realtors’ guides highlight that agents “promote your property effectively to attract qualified buyers” as a key service. In practical terms, this means: virtual tours, high-quality photos, yard signs, and possibly a broker’s open house to reach local agents. The goal is to generate buzz and showings quickly once your home hits the market.

Finally, leverage my network: I’ll host open houses and coordinate showings at convenient times. I stay informed about local market trends, so I can advise if market sentiment shifts (for example, if inventory tightens slightly). Throughout, I’ll communicate with you frequently on feedback from showings and any market changes.

Working with Me

Selling a home involves many steps, and I’ll be with you every step of the way. As a trained Realtor®, I can handle negotiations, contracts, and closing logistics. For example, I will ensure all paperwork is accurate and assist with legal requirements, making the transaction smooth for you. If you need recommendations for home warranty plans, notaries, or movers, I can connect you to trusted professionals.

If you’re considering selling this spring or wondering about your home’s value, I invite you to contact me for a free consultation. We can discuss pricing, the pre-sale process, and the timeline. In the meantime, feel free to learn more about my approach on the Meet Dexter page, and explore our Buyers’ blog for market insights. Selling your home is a big decision, but with the right pricing strategy, home preparation, and support, it can be a rewarding move. I look forward to helping you make it a success!