Real estate advice, local market insights, and practical tips for preparing your home for another Saskatchewan winter.
As the temperatures begin to drop here in Regina and we prepare for another Saskatchewan winter, there's one question I find myself being asked quite often.
“Should I buy or sell my home during the winter, or am I better off waiting until spring?”
It's a great question, and one that doesn't necessarily have a straightforward answer.
Having worked in the real estate industry since 2008, I've seen firsthand that every market, every home, and every client's situation is different.
While there are certainly advantages to buying or selling during particular seasons, I always encourage my clients to look at their own circumstances, goals, and timelines before making that decision.
The truth is, there isn't one perfect season to make a move. It's about finding the right time for you.
Selling Your Home in the Winter: Is It Really a Bad Idea?
One of the biggest misconceptions I hear is that homeowners should automatically wait until spring because they'll get more money for their property.
While spring traditionally brings increased activity to the real estate market, that doesn't necessarily mean your home will sell for a higher price.
In fact, there can be some advantages to listing your home during the colder months.
Less competition from other sellers.
During the winter, there are often fewer homes available for sale. With less inventory, your property may have a better opportunity to stand out to buyers who are actively searching.
Buyers may be more motivated.
Let's face it, most people aren't spending their weekends touring homes in freezing Saskatchewan temperatures just for fun!
While every buyer is different, those actively searching during the winter may have a more immediate reason for making a move.
Your home can feel especially inviting.
There's something about walking into a warm, beautifully maintained home on a cold winter day.
With the right lighting, staging, and presentation, winter can actually be a wonderful time to showcase your property.
Of course, there are challenges too. Shorter daylight hours, snow covered landscaping, holiday schedules, and unpredictable weather can make showings a little more complicated.
And depending on the type of property you're selling, there may be fewer active buyers in the market.
My advice? Don't automatically rule out selling in the winter just because you've heard spring is better.
The right pricing, preparation, marketing, and current market conditions matter far more than simply choosing a season.
One of My Favourite Winter Selling Tips: Show Buyers What Is Under the Snow!
Something I always like to suggest to sellers listing during the winter is to provide photos of their yard from the spring or summer months, if they have them.
Think about it from a buyer's perspective.
You're looking at a beautiful home, but when you step into the backyard, all you can see is a huge blanket of snow!
What's underneath all of that snow? Is there a beautiful lawn? Mature landscaping? A garden? A patio? What condition is everything going to be in once the snow melts?
It can feel a little daunting purchasing a property when you can't fully see what you're getting.
Having a few photos from the warmer months can make such a difference.
Not only does it help buyers visualize the outdoor space, but it also gives them a better understanding of the property throughout the year.
And sometimes those outdoor features are a huge selling point!
Of course, any seasonal photos should accurately represent the property and be clearly identified as photos taken during the warmer months.
It's a simple little tip, but one I think is especially valuable when selling a home in Saskatchewan.
What About Buying a Home in the Winter?
If you're considering purchasing a home, winter may actually offer some opportunities worth exploring.
With fewer people actively house hunting during the colder months, you may experience less competition on certain properties.
This can sometimes mean having a little more time to consider your options, schedule viewings, and negotiate without the same pressure that can come with a busier market.
However, there is a tradeoff.
Fewer homes listed for sale can also mean fewer options to choose from. If you're searching for something very specific, you may find that your selection is more limited.
Another thing I always encourage winter buyers to consider is that Saskatchewan's weather can make certain aspects of a property harder to evaluate.
Snow covered roofs, landscaping, grading, and exterior features may not be fully visible.
A professional home inspection is always important, and additional consideration may be needed for anything that cannot be properly assessed until warmer weather.
And don't be afraid to ask for photos of the yard from the summer months!
It's a perfectly reasonable request and can give you a much better idea of what the outdoor space looks like when everything isn't buried in snow.
Winter can also give you an opportunity to see how a home handles our colder temperatures, including heating, drafts, and window condensation.
If you're financially prepared, you've found a home that meets your needs, and the timing works for your lifestyle, there may be no reason to wait until spring simply because of the calendar.
What Is Happening in the Regina Real Estate Market?
One of the reasons I encourage people to look beyond the season is that our local market doesn't always follow the assumptions we make about real estate.
According to the Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association, Regina recorded 327 residential sales in September 2026.
While that was a decrease of 13 percent compared to September 2025, sales were still nearly 15 percent above the historical 10 year average for the month.
Regina's residential benchmark price was $343,900 in September, approximately 3 percent higher than the same month the previous year.
The city also entered October with approximately 2.54 months of available housing supply after accounting for conditionally sold properties.
What does that mean?
Although more homes were becoming available and buyers were beginning to see a little more choice, Regina's housing inventory remained relatively tight compared to historical levels.
And that is exactly why I don't believe in making real estate decisions based on the calendar alone.
Even when the market begins to slow seasonally, that doesn't necessarily mean buyers have stopped looking or that sellers should wait several months to list.
The type of property, price range, neighbourhood, and current competition can all influence the outcome.
Market information matters, but how that information relates to your specific home and situation matters even more.
Source: Saskatchewan REALTORS® Association, September 2026 market report.
So, Is Spring Really the Better Time?
Spring has always been a popular season in real estate, and for good reason.
The warmer weather brings more people outdoors, homes often show beautifully with green lawns and landscaping, and many families begin planning moves around the end of the school year.
We also tend to see more properties coming onto the market, which can give buyers a greater selection.
But there's another side to that.
More listings can mean more competition for sellers, while increased buyer activity can create more competition for buyers.
Depending on the market, some homes may attract multiple offers, while others may compete against several similar properties.
This is why I don't believe in telling every client to wait until spring.
A home doesn't automatically become more valuable because the snow has melted, and buying in the spring doesn't automatically mean you'll have a better experience.
It's important to understand what's happening in the Regina market at the time you're considering making a move.
5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding When to Move
Before deciding whether winter or spring is the right time, here are five questions I encourage you to think about.
1. Why am I considering moving?
Is your family growing? Are you downsizing? Relocating? Looking for a different neighbourhood or lifestyle?
Understanding what's motivating your move can help determine how important timing really is.
2. Do I have a specific timeline?
Perhaps you're starting a new job, hoping to be settled before the next school year, or coordinating the sale of your current home with another purchase.
Sometimes your personal timeline matters more than seasonal market trends.
3. Am I financially ready?
Whether you're buying or selling, it's important to understand your financial position, mortgage options, potential expenses, and what your next move will realistically look like.
4. Do I need to sell my current home before buying another?
This is a big one!
If you're both buying and selling, we need to look at the entire picture.
The amount of inventory available, potential sale timelines, possession dates, and your comfort level with the process can all influence the best approach.
5. What matters most to me: Timing, selection, convenience, or flexibility?
Some people have the flexibility to wait for the right property or market conditions. Others have a more immediate need to move.
Neither situation is right or wrong.
It's about understanding your priorities and creating a plan that works for you.
Preparing Your Home for a Saskatchewan Winter
Whether you're planning to sell your home this winter, thinking about listing in the spring, or simply staying put, fall and winter maintenance is something every homeowner should be thinking about.
Our Saskatchewan winters can be tough on our homes, and a little preventative maintenance can go a long way toward protecting your investment.
Here are a few things I recommend keeping on your seasonal checklist.
1. Give Your Furnace Some Attention
Before the really cold temperatures arrive, make sure your furnace is running efficiently.
Check and replace your furnace filter as needed, consider having your heating system professionally serviced, and ensure vents and cold air returns aren't blocked.
The last thing anyone wants is a furnace issue during a Saskatchewan cold snap!
2. Disconnect Outdoor Hoses and Protect Exterior Taps
This is one of those small tasks that can prevent a potentially expensive problem.
Disconnect and drain garden hoses, and properly shut off and drain exterior water lines where applicable.
Frozen pipes can cause significant damage, so it's worth taking a few minutes to make sure everything is prepared before temperatures drop.
3. Clean Your Eavestroughs and Check Drainage
Leaves and debris can collect in eavestroughs throughout the fall.
Keeping them clear helps water drain properly during thaws and reduces the risk of ice buildup.
Make sure downspouts are directing water away from your foundation wherever possible.
In Regina, where we can experience significant temperature fluctuations and spring snowmelt, proper drainage is especially important.
4. Watch for Window Condensation
Have you ever noticed moisture collecting along the inside of your windows during the winter?
Some condensation can occur when warm indoor air meets cold glass, but excessive moisture can lead to damage around window frames and finishes.
Monitor indoor humidity, use ventilation where needed, and keep an eye out for persistent moisture or frost buildup.
If you're noticing ongoing issues, it's worth investigating rather than ignoring them.
5. Check Weatherstripping and Exterior Doors
Cold drafts around windows and doors can make your home less comfortable and increase heating costs.
Inspect weatherstripping, door sweeps, and visible gaps where cold air may be entering.
Sometimes small adjustments can make a noticeable difference.
6. Keep Snow and Ice Under Control
Regularly clearing snow from sidewalks, driveways, steps, and entrances is important for both safety and maintaining your property.
Pay attention to ice buildup around walkways and drainage areas.
Keep exterior furnace, water heater, and other ventilation outlets clear of snow and ice according to manufacturer recommendations.
For anyone selling during the winter, safe and accessible entrances are especially important for showings.
7. Don't Forget Your Roof and Attic
Heavy snow, ice buildup, and changing temperatures can create problems if your roof or attic isn't functioning properly.
Watch for signs of ice damming, unusual frost accumulation, water staining, or ventilation issues.
If something doesn't look right, have a qualified professional assess it rather than attempting unsafe roof work yourself.
8. Test Your Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
With heating systems working overtime and homes closed up for the colder months, this is an especially important reminder.
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, replace batteries where applicable, and make sure your devices are installed and maintained according to current safety requirements.
It's a simple task that should never be overlooked.
Thinking About Selling in the Spring? Winter Is a Great Time to Prepare.
Even if you've decided that spring is your preferred time to list, that doesn't mean you need to wait until spring to start planning.
In fact, I often encourage homeowners to use the winter months to get a head start.
This might mean tackling small repairs, decluttering, refreshing paint, organizing storage areas, or making updates that will help your home show at its best.
With my background in interior design and decorating, I especially enjoy helping clients look at their homes through a buyer's eyes.
Sometimes the smallest changes can make a big difference in how a home feels and presents.
And not every improvement needs to involve a major renovation or a large budget.
Having a conversation early also gives us time to review comparable properties, discuss pricing expectations, and put together a marketing strategy that fits your goals.
That way, when you're ready to list, you're not rushing to get everything done at once.
The Right Time to Move Is the Time That Makes Sense for You
After years of working with buyers and sellers in Regina, one thing I've learned is that real estate decisions are rarely the same for everyone.
What makes sense for one family might look completely different for another.
Some homeowners benefit from listing during the quieter winter months. Others may be better positioned to wait until spring.
And sometimes, the right home comes along when you least expect it.
Rather than trying to predict the perfect season, I believe in looking at your goals, your financial situation, your timeline, and the current market conditions to create a plan that makes sense for you.
If you've been thinking about buying or selling, whether it's this winter, next spring, or sometime down the road, I'd love to have a conversation.
There's never any pressure or obligation. Sometimes simply understanding your options is the best place to start.
Jenna Selinger | REALTOR®
306-540-4968
jennaselinger.com
jenna@jennaselinger.com
Realty Executives Diversified Realty
Helping you make confident real estate decisions in Regina and surrounding communities.
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