If you are thinking about selling your home this year, you might be waiting for the classic "Spring Market" to list. But seasoned sellers know a secret: the race is won in February.
While the flowers haven't bloomed yet in Campbell River or Heriot Bay, serious buyers are already setting their alerts for new listings. With the 2026 market showing signs of balance, competition is healthier than it has been in years. That means your home needs to stand out the moment it hits the MLS.
You don't need a full renovation to increase your sale price. You just need a strategic "February Fix-Up." Here are the 5 high-impact tasks to tackle this month.
1. Scrub the "West Coast Winter" Off Your Curb Appeal
Let’s be honest—our winters are wet. By February, most driveways and siding in Campbell River and Quadra Island have accumulated a layer of green algae or moss.
The Fix: Pick a dry weekend to power wash your driveway, walkways, and siding.
Why it matters: Buyers make a decision within 7 seconds of pulling up to the curb. If the first thing they see is green slime on the siding, they immediately worry about maintenance issues. A clean exterior signals a well-cared-for home.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget the house numbers! If they are faded or dirty, swap them out for modern, high-contrast numbers. It’s a $40 upgrade that makes a huge visual difference.
2. The "Mudroom Detox"
In February, our entryways are often overflowing with gumboots, heavy coats, and rain gear. While practical for us locals, it makes your entry feel small and cluttered to buyers.
The Fix: Pack away 80% of your winter gear. Keep only the daily essentials accessible and store the rest in the garage or a closet.
Why it matters: The entryway sets the tone for the viewing. You want buyers to step in and feel a sense of space, not trip over boots.
3. Light It Up (The 3000K Rule)
February days are still short and often grey. If a buyer views your home at 4:00 PM, good lighting is non-negotiable.
The Fix: Check every lightbulb in your house. Are they mismatched? Do you have "warm yellow" bulbs mixed with "daylight blue"?
The Strategy: Swap out old bulbs for Soft White (3000K) LEDs. This temperature is crisp enough to look modern but warm enough to feel cozy during a rainstorm.
Clean the fixtures: Dust and dead bugs in light fixtures block up to 20% of the light. Give them a quick wipe-down.
4. Tackle the "Invisible" Annoyances
In a balanced 2026 market, buyers are more particular than they were during the frenzy of previous years. Small annoyances can make them wonder, "What else is broken?"
The Checklist:
Tighten loose door handles.
WD-40 squeaky hinges (especially the front door).
Re-caulk the bathtub if the seal is peeling or discolored.
Why it matters: These fixes cost almost nothing but remove "friction" from the buyer's experience.
5. Get Your Paperwork "Spring Ready"
Nothing stalls a sale faster than missing documents. If you are on Quadra Island or in rural Campbell River, this is double-important.
Septic & Water: Do you have your maintenance records?
Permits: Did you build a deck or a shed years ago? Gather those permits now.
The Fix: If you aren't sure what you need, check out my Pre-Inspection Guide for Island Properties. It covers everything rural sellers need to know about wells, septic, and easements.
Is Your Home Ready for the 2026 Market?
You don't have to navigate the prep process alone. The difference between a home that sits and a home that sells is often in the preparation.
If you are thinking of making a move this spring, let’s chat. I offer a Pre-Listing Walkthrough where I help you identify exactly which "fix-ups" will give you the best return on investment—and which ones you can skip.
Roman Krzaczek Your Local Expert for Campbell River & The Discovery Islands 📞 604-787-4594 ✉️ Contact Me Here
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