Selling a condo in Vancouver isn’t just about putting it on MLS® and hoping for the best. The market moves quickly, buyers move even faster, and the smallest oversight can cost you thousands. Before you list, make sure you’ve run through these five essential checks — the same five I walk every condo seller through on my team.

---

1. Review Your Strata’s Financial Health

Buyers look at condos differently than houses — they’re not just buying your home; they’re buying into your building. That means the strata’s financials can either boost your value or sink interest instantly.Check:

• Monthly strata fees and whether they’ve recently changed
• Any planned or upcoming fee increases
• Outstanding or upcoming special assessments
• The building’s contingency reserve fund balance
• Depreciation report items (roof, balconies, windows, elevator, etc.)
• Whether the strata is well-managed and organized

If your building’s financial story looks shaky, buyers will notice. Sorting through the documents early lets you get ahead of objections before they appear.

---

2. Inspect the Physical Condition of Your Condo

A condo that feels clean, warm, and well-loved always sells for more. The opposite? It sits. And sits. And… well, you get the picture.Before you list, check:

• Any obvious repairs — leaks, cracked tiles, running toilets, loose hardware
• Paint condition — a fresh coat can add surprising value
• Flooring — clean carpets, scratch-free hardwood, tight transitions
• Lighting — bright rooms photograph better and show better
• Mechanical systems — HVAC, appliances, thermostats, fixtures

This is also the stage for decluttering, depersonalizing, and staging. Think “hotel suite” level clean: intentional, minimal, and appealing to as many buyers as possible.

---

3. Know the Market and Price Strategically

Vancouver’s condo market changes like the weather. Some neighbourhoods heat up, others cool down, and pricing wrong can tank momentum.Here’s what to check:

• Comparable sales in your building and nearby buildings
• Current days-on-market for similar condos
• Buyer demand for your condo type (studio vs. 1-bed vs. 2-bed)
• Unique features that justify a pricing bump — views, layout, orientation, upgrades
• Features that might require a price adjustment — noise, lack of parking, proximity to elevators

A smart price attracts strong interest. An emotional price creates silence.

---

4. Prepare All Legal & Disclosure Documents

Selling a condo in BC comes with its own paperwork parade — and you don’t want to scramble for documents once offers start rolling in.Be ready with:

• Property Disclosure Statement
• Strata documents (AGMs, SGMs, minutes, bylaws, rules, financials)
• Insurance certificates
• Depreciation report
• Parking and storage confirmations
• Up-to-date key fob and strata fee information
• Any renovation permits or warranties

Having these ready early makes you look organized and reduces friction for buyers — which often results in higher confidence and stronger offers.

---

5. Build a Strong Marketing Plan

Great marketing doesn’t just advertise your condo — it positions it. It tells buyers “this is the one,” even before they walk in.Before listing, check:

• Professional photography (non-negotiable)
• Video tour or short-form marketing clips
• Staging or light styling
• Clean, modern listing description
• Showcase timing (launching mid-December is rarely a good idea)
• Showing strategy — flexibility pays off

Buyers make decisions emotionally first and logically second. Strong marketing hits both.

---

Final Thoughts

Selling a condo in Vancouver is part strategy, part preparation, and part presentation. When you handle these five checks before hitting the market, you control the narrative — and more importantly, you control your outcome.If you're thinking about selling your condo in Vancouver and want a strategic, well-prepared approach, reach out to Adam Chahl at the PLACE Real Estate Team – Oakwyn Realty.
I’ll walk you through your building’s strata details, the current market landscape, and the steps to maximize your sale price — with zero guesswork and a clear plan from day one.

FAQs

1. When is the best time of year to sell a condo in Vancouver?

Spring and fall typically bring the most buyer activity, but the right timing depends on your building, your unit type, and local inventory levels.

2. Do I need to stage my condo before selling?

You don’t need a full staging package, but light staging, decluttering, and clean, minimal décor can significantly improve your results.

3. How much do special assessments affect my sale?

A special assessment can impact buyer confidence and pricing. Being transparent and providing documentation upfront helps prevent surprises.

4. Should I renovate before listing?

Small improvements — paint, lighting, hardware, and basic repairs — often offer strong returns. Large renovations should be evaluated case by case.

5. How long does it take to sell a condo in Vancouver?

In a balanced market, most well-priced condos sell within 2–4 weeks. Unique homes, competitive buildings, or premium price points may take longer.