The HOLM Stretch | February 20th, 2026
Thanks for stopping by!
What Canadian buyers are prioritizing in 2026
Canadian real estate keeps changing, and buyer priorities are changing with it. Whether you’re thinking about selling this year or you’re simply keeping an eye on the market, it helps to know what buyers are paying attention to in 2026.
Based on RE/MAX Canada’s Housing Market Outlook, here are a few themes worth knowing:
👉 Monthly payment sensitivity is still the big driver: Many buyers are watching interest rates closely, and purchase decisions are heavily influenced by what the payment looks like, not just the list price.
👉 Affordability and value are under the microscope: With more inventory in many markets and more balanced conditions in others, buyers are comparing options more carefully and looking for homes that feel like a solid value for the money.
👉 Work patterns are affecting location choices: Commute flexibility is back in the conversation. For some buyers, “return to office” expectations are influencing neighbourhood and property decisions.
👉 Turnkey and low-maintenance homes are in demand: Features that reduce upkeep and improve efficiency matter, especially for first-time buyers and busy households who want fewer immediate projects.
The takeaway:
Buyers in 2026 are looking for a home that feels financially comfortable, practical to live in, and easy to maintain. If you’re considering selling, the best strategy is to present your home in a way that makes those factors obvious.
Talk soon,
CHRIS, PATRIC, JULIE, JASMINE, KRISTI & BRELL
Scroll down for our regular real estate and community features.
P.S. If you’d like, reply and we can put together a quick value estimate and talk through what buyers are responding to in our local market.
In North Okanagan Real Estate
As of the morning of Friday February 20 there are 726 homes showing as active listings here in North Okanagan. On February 13 there were 708.
Sales ranged from $130,000. to $1,364,000. Days to sell ranged from 4 to 302. 3 listings expired, 8 were cancelled.
19 prices were reduced over the last week.
Scroll down for our market recap for Vernon, Armstrong, Coldstream & Enderby real estate activity in the last 7 days.
$130,000.
Low Sale
49
New Listings
$1,364,000.
High Sale
19
Listings Sold
JUST LISTED
Armstrong, BC Real Estate |2455 Bradley Drive #102
Brand new in Armstrong, BC. You must see this real estate opportunity now! 4 Bed 4 Bath....
JUST SOLD
SOLD!! Armstrong BC Real Estate | 2455 Bradley 101
SOLD!! Brand new 3 bed 3 bath home in Armstrong, BC...
ICYMI...
WHAT'S HAPPENING?
WHAT ELSE WE ARE TALKING ABOUT
Your best offer is $10K higher.
But is it actually better?
Spoiler alert: the highest offer isn't always the best one.
Price matters. But so does how the buyer is financing, what conditions they included, how substantial their deposit is, and what their timeline is actually costing you per day.
We put together a guide that walks through all of it, with real examples and how to do a a side-by-side comparison before you sign anything.
How to Compare Offers Without Guessing
How to compare multiple offers on your home beyond price. Learn what financing, contingenc...
IN AND AROUND TOWN
WEEKLY REAL ESTATE REPORT
Armstrong BC Real Estate Recap
A look at Armstrong Spallumcheen Market Activity for the last 7 days.
3
New Listings
2
Listings Sold
0
Price Up
2
Price Down
Vernon BC Real Estate Recap
A look at the Vernon market activity in the last 7 days
39
New Listings
14
Listings Sold
0
Price Up
13
Price Down
Coldstream BC Real Estate Recap
A look at Coldstream market activity over the last 7 days
2
New Listings
2
Listings Sold
0
Price Up
1
Price Down
Enderby BC Real Estate Recap
A look at Enderby /Grindrod BC market activity over the last 7 days
3
New Listings
0
Listings Sold
0
Price Up
2
Price Down
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