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Selling in BC

The Complete Seller's Guide

Seven steps to selling at the right price, on your timeline, with no surprises.

7 stepsUpdated for 2026About 10 minutes to read

Facts checked October 2026

1. Your numbers 2. Prepare 3. Price 4. Market 5. Showings 6. Offers 7. Completion

Start with your numbers

Before you pick a list price, know what you'll actually walk away with — and what your next move costs.

Estimated net proceeds

Sale price minus commission (plus GST on it), your mortgage payout and any prepayment penalty, legal fees and moving costs.

Mortgage penalty or porting

Ask your lender for a payout statement. Porting your mortgage to the next home can sometimes avoid a penalty.

Timing your next home

Buy first, sell first, or line up both? Each choice has a different risk and may need bridge financing.

Tax check

A principal residence sale is usually tax-free but must still be reported. Rentals, partial use and short holds can change that.

Vik's advice

I give every seller an estimate of their net proceeds before we talk list price. Decisions are easier when you can see the bottom line.

Prepare your home

First impressions form online in seconds. Preparation is usually the highest-return money a seller spends.

Declutter and depersonalize

Remove a third of what's in each room and put away personal photos.

Deep clean

Windows, carpets, grout, appliances. Clean reads as well-maintained.

Fix the small things

Patch holes, paint scuffed walls in neutral tones, fix drips, replace bulbs.

Curb appeal

Power wash, tidy the garden, refresh the front door.

Use the checklist

Work through the room-by-room staging checklist.

Set the right price

Price decides who shows up. The right price attracts buyers in the first two weeks, when attention is highest.

Comparative market analysis

Recent sales, current competition and expired listings show what buyers are really paying.

Price per square foot

Your number has to make sense next to nearby sales. Big gaps need clear reasons — view, lot, renovation.

Assessment isn't value

BC Assessment is based on July 1 of last year and is made for property tax.

Offer-date strategy

In the right conditions, a set offer date concentrates demand. In a slower market it can backfire.

The overpricing trap

Homes that sit lose momentum, and buyers start asking what's wrong. Starting too high often ends in a lower final price.

Market it like a premium home

Buyers decide from their phones whether to book a showing.

Photography & floor plan

Bright, professional images and a floor plan for every listing.

Video

A walkthrough reel for social media plus a longer property tour.

MLS® and REALTOR.ca

Full MLS® exposure, syndicated to REALTOR.ca and other portals.

Social & targeted ads

Targeted social media reaches local buyers who aren't scrolling MLS® that week.

Make every showing count

Showings are where buyers decide emotionally. Make it easy for them to picture living there.

Showing routine

Lights on, blinds open, comfortable temperature, beds made, counters clear.

Leave the home

Buyers stay longer and open closets when you're out.

Be flexible

Every missed showing is a missed buyer.

Feedback loop

I gather feedback after showings so we can fix a pattern before it becomes a price cut.

Review offers like an expert

An offer is price plus subjects, deposit and dates. The best offer is the one most likely to complete on good terms.

Price vs terms

A clean offer with a strong deposit can beat a higher one with risky conditions.

Subjects

Financing, inspection and strata review — each one is a period where the buyer can walk.

Counter strategically

Most first offers aren't accepted as written. A smart counter keeps the buyer engaged.

Buyer rescission

Most resale buyers in BC have 3 business days after acceptance to cancel for 0.25% of the price. Plan your moving dates with that in mind.

Deposits

The buyer's deposit is held in trust by a brokerage until completion. It's your security if a buyer fails to complete after subjects are removed.

Completion & beyond

Once subjects are removed, your lawyer or notary handles most of the closing.

Lawyer or notary

They prepare documents, pay out your mortgage and release your proceeds. Budget about $1,000–$1,800.

Final walkthrough

Leave the home clean, with every included item in place.

Keys

Possession is usually the day after completion, at a time set in the contract.

Report the sale

Report your principal residence sale on your tax return, and keep records of improvements and costs.

The relationship continues

Annual market updates, referrals, and help with your next purchase — that's part of working with me.

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