Executive Summary
Selling your home in Victoria is an exciting milestone, but the transition from signing the listing paperwork to seeing that "For Sale" sign hit the lawn involves several moving parts. To ensure a premium result, we must navigate specific BC real estate regulations, prepare for high-impact showings, and clarify the financial "fine print" early. This guide covers the essential logistics—from the "3-Day Rule" to tax implications—so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.🏡
The "quiet" period between signing and going live is when the heavy lifting happens behind the scenes. While we prep the professional photography and marketing materials, there are a few key areas where we need your collaboration to ensure a seamless launch.
The 3-Day Rule: Why We Can’t "Tease" the Listing 📉
A common question we hear is: "Can I post a 'Coming Soon' photo on Facebook today?" Under the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) Clear Cooperation policy, we are prohibited from advance public marketing until the listing is within 3 days of going live on the MLS®.
This includes:
- Placing signage on your lawn.
- Posting on social media or classified sites.
- Sharing details in large networking groups.
Non-compliance carries hefty fines. To protect you and the listing, we wait until everything is officially ready for the system. Please hold off on sharing promotional material until we give the green light! 🚦
The First 14 Days: Your "Show-Ready" Window 🌲
In the Victoria market, the highest level of activity almost always occurs in the first two weeks. This is when the "active buyer pool"—those who have been waiting for a home just like yours—will rush to view it. To maximize this momentum:
- Be Flexible: Try to accommodate showing requests whenever possible. A missed showing is a missed opportunity.
- Secure Valuables: While agents use a secure lockbox system, please ensure jewelry, small electronics, and prescriptions are safely stored. 🔐
- The Key Exchange: If we haven’t already, we’ll need a spare key or access code to provide to buyer agents.
Disclosures & Inclusions: What Stays and What Goes?
Transparency is your best legal defense. You will likely complete a Property Disclosure Statement (PDS). This form protects you by documenting the home's condition. If something changes (e.g., a leak occurs) while we are listed, let us know immediately so we can update the disclosure.
Regarding "stuff," the standard contract differentiates between Fixtures (attached items like chandeliers or bathroom mirrors) and Chattels (movable items like curtains or appliances). If you have a family heirloom light fixture you plan to take with you, it is often best to replace it before we start showings to avoid confusion during negotiations. 💡
Financial & Tax "Fine Print" 💰
Before we review offers, we recommend two quick phone calls:
- Call Your Lender: Ask about mortgage prepayment penalties. These can be significant, and knowing the number now prevents surprises at the closing table.
- Call Your Accountant: While GST is generally not applicable on resale homes, there are exceptions. If your property was used for Airbnb/Short-term rentals or had any commercial use, GST may apply. The standard BC contract typically makes the seller responsible for GST if it is applicable.
Communication Your Way
We want this process to be as stress-free as possible. Some of our Victoria clients prefer a text after every showing, while others prefer a weekly deep-dive email. Let us know your preference! We are here to advocate for you, negotiate the best terms, and handle the background noise so you can focus on your next chapter.
