Why Winter is a Smart Time to Sell

Thinking about selling your home? January is one of the best months to list in the Comox Valley, thanks to motivated buyers, low inventory, and the fresh start of a new year.

Here’s why homeowners in Comox, Courtenay, and Cumberland are choosing to list early:

Motivated New-Year Buyers

January brings serious, pre-approved buyers who are ready to make a move. Many begin their home search immediately after the holidays, creating strong early-year demand across the Comox Valley real estate market.

Less Competition = More Exposure

Inventory is typically lower in winter, meaning your home gets more attention and fewer competing listings. This can lead to faster interest and stronger offers—before the busy spring market arrives.

The Comox Valley Shows Well in Winter

With mild weather, mountain views, and walkable neighbourhoods, the Comox Valley remains appealing year-round. Buyers can explore areas like Comox, Crown Isle, Courtenay East, and Cumberland without harsh winter conditions.

Homes Feel Warm and Inviting

January showings highlight cozy interiors—fireplaces, natural light, refreshed décor—helping buyers connect emotionally with the space.

Get Ahead of the Spring Surge

Listing early positions your home in front of buyers before spring inventory rises. You stay competitive and maximize exposure.

Ready to List Your Home?

The Comox Valley Homes Team provides strategic pricing, professional marketing, and local expertise to help you sell confidently this January.

Connect with us today to start your 2026 home-selling plan.

Why This Time of Year Matters — Comox Valley Homes Team

The holidays in the Comox Valley bring cozy gatherings, festive events, and time spent with the people who matter most. It also happens to be one of the most common times for real estate conversations to happen—often without anyone planning it.

Here’s why the season naturally sparks important housing discussions:

People Finally Have Time to Think

Between work, commuting, and life’s busyness, it’s tough to step back and assess your living situation. The holidays offer a pause—giving families time to reflect on whether their current home still fits their needs.

Visitors Fall in Love With the Valley

Out-of-town guests often experience the Comox Valley at its best: strolling downtown Courtenay, skiing at Mount Washington, or walking along the Comox Marina. Many leave asking, “What are homes going for here?”

Meaningful Family Discussions

Whether it’s downsizing, upsizing, helping kids into their first home, or planning a future move, family gatherings tend to spark honest conversations about housing goals for the year ahead.

A Fresh Start in the New Year

January is one of the busiest months for buyers and sellers. The ideas discussed in December often turn into decisions once the new year begins.

Thinking About a Move?

The Comox Valley Homes Team is here to help you take the next step—whether you’re buying, selling, or just exploring your options.

Reach out anytime. The conversation starts with you. 

Looking back on an incredible year of growth, milestones, and community connection, our team reflects on the accomplishments, partnerships, and meaningful moments that made 2025 unforgettable. From welcoming a new team member to celebrating major career anniversaries, contributing to local causes, and being recognized nationally, here’s a heartfelt look at our year and the people who helped make it all possible.

A Year of Milestones and Gratitude

As autumn settles in and the year winds down, I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our journey in 2025. This year was especially meaningful for me personally, as it marked my 10-year anniversary in real estate—ten years of helping families buy and sell homes across the Comox Valley.

Celebrating Experience and Dedication

This year was also a remarkable milestone for our team, as we celebrated two incredible career anniversaries. Kathleen marked 32 years in real estate, bringing decades of expertise, insight, and guidance to every client she serves. Lyle celebrated 30 years, contributing his professionalism, integrity, and deep understanding of the Comox Valley market. Their combined experience and unwavering dedication continue to inspire our team every day. I’m truly grateful to have both Kathleen and Lyle by my side, helping us deliver the highest level of service and making our team stronger with every year that passes.

Another highlight of 2025 was welcoming a new team member, Chris Swift—a local realtor with deep roots in the Comox Valley. His energy, community knowledge, and commitment to client care have already been a wonderful addition to our team.

We also had the opportunity to attend the Royal LePage National Convention in Nashville, Tennessee, where we heard from inspiring speakers, fundraised for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, and connected with generous colleagues from across the country. Experiences like these remind us how strong, supportive, and community-minded the Royal LePage network truly is.

Supporting the Comox Valley goes hand in hand with our work. This year, we’re proud to contribute to the Royal LePage Sharing the Christmas Spirit Hamper Program by donating two tickets to the Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs game on January 31, 2026, plus a $100 gift card—a $965 value. Proceeds from this fundraiser help ensure families who need a little extra support during the holidays receive food and gifts. If you’d like to purchase raffle tickets and support this important cause, feel free to reach out to me directly—or visit https://sharinghampers.rafflenexus.com to get your tickets online.

Community involvement is also deeply personal for me. I serve as Chair of the Board at 4R’s Education Centre (Soc.), a local registered charity supporting students who learn differently. This cause is very close to my heart, as 4R’s played a significant role in helping my daughter learn to read. The impact was so meaningful that I joined the Board in 2012 and became Chair in October 2018. Since its founding, 4R’s has provided over $346,000 in Fee Assistance and continues to raise vital funds through its ongoing bottle drive. You can donate your bottles at the Return-It Depot by letting them know it’s for 4R’s, or pick up Great Little Coupon Books directly from their centre at 581 McPhee Avenue in Courtenay. Tax receipts are also available for donations.

Together, our team is proud to have earned both the Royal LePage National Top 5% Award* and the Ruby Award* this year—recognitions that reflect our shared commitment to exceptional service and results.

I’m deeply grateful for every client, friend, and community member who has supported us along the way. Thank you for being part of these achievements—and these milestones. We look forward to continuing to serve you in the year ahead.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a new year filled with happiness, health, and the comfort of home.

Kevin Dol

Sources

* Royal LePage Overview – REALTOR® Count & Locations: royallepage.ca/en/realestate/about-us

* Royal LePage Shelter Foundation – Funds Raised, Shelters Supported, Women & Children Impacted: royallepage.ca/en/realestate/about-us/shelter-foundation/

We’re excited to welcome Chris Swift to the Comox Valley Homes Team!

A lifelong Comox Valley resident, Chris brings a wealth of local knowledge and a genuine passion for helping people find their place in this incredible community. With deep roots in the Valley, he offers clients more than real estate expertise — he provides an insider’s perspective on the lifestyle that makes this region so special.

Before becoming a Realtor®, Chris worked in healthcare, where he developed a strong understanding of individual needs and life transitions. That experience now shapes his compassionate approach to real estate, especially when helping seniors navigate housing transitions with care and confidence.

As a proud father of two, Chris also understands the importance of finding the perfect home to build a family and a future. Whether he’s guiding first-time buyers, supporting seniors, or helping families make their next move, Chris approaches every client relationship with empathy, dedication, and local insight.

When he’s not assisting clients, you’ll find Chris out enjoying everything the Comox Valley has to offer — from fishing and snowboarding to golfing, foraging, and exploring the great outdoors.

We’re thrilled to have Chris on board and know his passion for people and our community will make him a valued member of our team.

Welcome, Chris!

Kevin Dol

Comox Valley Homes Team

If you’re interested in seeing what a move-in ready property in Courtenay looks like, take a look at Chris’s listing of B-2709 Bickle St, Courtenay, BC (MLS® 1012752) — a stylish, single-level home with 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms built in 2017.