Thinking about selling your Vancouver home but unsure if now is the right moment? You are not alone. The market has cooled from the 2020–2022 frenzy and moved toward balance, which changes how you plan and execute a sale. In this guide, you will see what the data says, how mortgage rates and seasonality affect your timing, and the exact steps to sell well now or wait for a stronger spring window. Let’s dive in.
Vancouver market right now
Vancouver and broader Clark County shifted toward a more balanced market in January 2026. Regional data shows active listings up while closed sales cooled, and days on market lengthened. That means pricing and presentation matter more than they did a few years ago. You can still attract strong offers when your home is well prepared and well priced. The NWMLS January 2026 report highlights the trend of rising inventory alongside moderating sales and prices.
County-level figures back this up. The Clark County Association of REALTORS® reports inventory around 4.1 months in January 2026 with total market time near 90 to 91 days, which is close to balanced conditions. In simple terms, buyers have more choice, so homes that launch with a sharp price and polished presentation win attention first. See CCAR’s market stats.
Key takeaways for sellers
- Expect more competition and longer average market times than in 2021–2022.
- Well-prepared, accurately priced homes can still draw strong early interest.
- Inventory near 4 to 5 months is typical of a balanced market, so your strategy sets the outcome.
Mortgage rates and buyer demand
Rates shape affordability and buyer urgency. The average 30‑year fixed rate hovered near 6.09% in mid‑February 2026, modestly lower than late‑2025 peaks. When rates ease, more buyers re‑enter the market. When they tick up, demand can pause. See the latest rate snapshot in Freddie Mac’s Feb. 12 update.
Policy watchers note the Federal Reserve kept the federal funds rate at 3.50% to 3.75% at its January 28, 2026 meeting. While the Fed does not set mortgage rates directly, its stance influences expectations that move longer‑term rates. Read the Fed’s implementation note.
On the ground, mortgage applications have been choppy week to week, a sign that buyers remain rate sensitive in early 2026. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported a slight weekly decline in early February, though trends vary by week. See the MBA’s weekly survey for current context.
What this means for you
- If rates dip closer to 6% or below, your buyer pool likely expands.
- If rates bump higher, plan for longer days on market and tighter pricing.
- Tie your launch timing to rate moves and local new‑listing activity in the two weeks before you go live.
Sell now or wait for spring?
National seasonality studies show late winter through late spring tends to deliver the strongest seller premiums. ATTOM’s multi‑year analysis found May, plus April and February, often produce the largest price lift for sellers. See ATTOM’s seasonality findings.
Vancouver usually follows the Pacific Northwest rhythm. Spring brings more buyers and fresher inventory. With county inventory near balanced levels, you can still sell well outside spring if you prepare thoroughly and price precisely, but April through June often offers a tailwind. For current local conditions, monitor CCAR’s monthly stats.
If selling now makes sense
- You have a job change, life event or fixed timeline.
- You prefer speed and certainty over chasing a possible spring premium.
- You are ready to invest in presentation and launch with a premium marketing plan.
What to do next:
- Complete targeted pre‑inspection and quick repairs.
- Stage key rooms and book professional media.
- Price to attract attention in the first two weeks, then adjust quickly if traffic lags.
If you can wait for spring
- Aim for an April to June launch to align with typical seasonal strength.
- Use the extra time to declutter, complete updates and stage thoroughly.
- Watch weekly rate trends and local new‑listing flow to fine‑tune your go‑live date.
Guidance by seller type
Move‑up sellers
Coordinating a sale and purchase is more manageable in a balanced market, but affordability differs from the low‑rate era. You have three main paths:
- Sell first. Lower financing risk and negotiate as a non‑contingent buyer after closing. Plan for temporary housing.
- Buy first. Use a bridge loan, HELOC or savings to secure your next home, then sell. This increases carrying costs and risk if your current home takes longer to sell.
- Use a sale contingency with strong evidence of your ability to close. Local customs vary, so work with an agent who negotiates these regularly.
Downsizers
You may be a cash or low‑mortgage buyer on the next home, which simplifies timing. Smaller, well‑staged homes at accessible price points can perform well even as inventory rises. Focus on presentation, clear pricing and a smooth mid‑spring closing to minimize carrying costs.
Relocating sellers
A fixed move date often means you prioritize speed. Consider a short post‑closing occupancy agreement (rent‑back) so you can remain in the home for a set period after closing. You can also sell and rent short‑term if your employer timeline is firm. If you need an accelerated campaign, pair pre‑inspection with high‑quality media, tight show windows and clear offer deadlines. Local market reports show that balanced conditions reward strong first impressions. See the broader January trend in the NWMLS market report.
How to prep and market for top results
Do the basics well
- Pre‑list inspection for known risk areas like roof, HVAC and crawlspace.
- Light repairs and touch‑ups to reduce buyer objections and concessions.
- Declutter and deep clean so the home photographs beautifully.
A premium plan in Vancouver
- Staging and presentation. The National Association of REALTORS® reports that about 29% of seller agents saw staging lead to a 1% to 10% price increase, and about 49% saw reduced time on market. Focus on the living room, main bedroom and kitchen for best impact. Review the NAR staging findings.
- Visual media. Use pro photography, a short cinematic video, drone where views or lot size help, and a 3D tour. Strong media drives more online views and showings.
- Online reach. List on the MLS with full media, then add geo‑targeted social ads and an agent‑managed property site to capture leads and drive early showings.
- Open‑house strategy. Host a broker open and a well‑timed public open in week one to create urgency and accelerate feedback.
- Pricing and launch timing. In a balanced market, price to capture attention in the first 7 to 14 days. Thursday launches maximize weekend traffic. If you can, align with the April to June window, which often increases your odds of a quicker sale at a stronger price. ATTOM’s research on seasonal premiums supports this approach. See ATTOM’s analysis.
Quick timing checklist
- Need to sell now. Launch with a premium package, pre‑inspect, stage, go live on a Thursday and set clear review timelines.
- Can wait for spring. Use the extra time to prepare and list in April to June when buyer activity is typically stronger.
- Buying and selling together. Compare sell‑first versus buy‑first paths with your lender and agent. Model cash flows, carrying costs and risk tolerance.
- Watching rates. Small rate moves change buyer demand, so align your launch with positive rate and showing trends. Track market shifts via MBA’s weekly survey and local inventory via CCAR’s stats.
The bottom line
If you must move, you can sell successfully now by investing in presentation and smart pricing. If your goal is to chase the highest probability of a premium, prepare now and target an April to June launch. In both cases, keep a close eye on mortgage rates and local inventory, because small shifts can change your buyer pool in 2026.
Ready to map the best path for your home? Book a friendly, no‑pressure strategy call with Leigh Calvert - Oxford Street Partners to review your timing, pricing and a tailored marketing plan.
FAQs
Is Vancouver in a buyer’s or seller’s market in early 2026?
- Clark County sits near balanced conditions with about 4.1 months of inventory and longer market times, according to CCAR’s January 2026 stats.
How long are homes taking to sell in Clark County?
- Total market time is around 90 to 91 days at the county level as of January 2026, per CCAR.
Are mortgage rates dropping in 2026?
- The 30‑year average was about 6.09% in mid‑February 2026, slightly lower than late‑2025 peaks, based on Freddie Mac’s update.
When is the best time to list a home in Vancouver?
- Late winter through late spring often produces stronger seller premiums nationally, with May performing well in ATTOM’s research. See ATTOM’s report.
What prep adds the most value before listing?
- Staging key rooms and professional media consistently shorten market time, and staging can add modest price lift, per NAR’s staging report.
How do rent‑back agreements help relocating sellers?
- A short post‑closing occupancy period lets you stay in the home briefly after closing, which can simplify moves under tight timelines; terms should be clear on rent, deposit and move‑out date.
