Falling in Love with Opportunity in the Columbia Valley
February is often the month we talk about love ā and in real estate, itās about falling in love with the right home, the right timing, and the right strategy.
This February, the Columbia Valley market showed a mix of softer activity and stronger pricing ā a reminder that even in a quieter season, there are meaningful opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
š Sales Activity: A Quieter Month
There were 15 residential sales in February 2026, down 44.44% from 27 sales in February 2025 .
New listings also dipped, with 43 homes coming to market ā a 33.85% decrease year over year .
February is typically a transition month as we move from winter into early spring activity. While sales were below the 5-year February average, this type of slowdown isnāt uncommon before the spring market begins to build momentum.
š° Prices: A Strong Upward Shift
Hereās where things get interesting.
Average List Price: $656,307 (+34.11%)
Average Sale Price: $616,453 (+30.02%)
Despite fewer sales, prices climbed significantly compared to last year. This suggests that while fewer homes are trading hands, the properties that are selling are commanding stronger values.
Higher-end activity and well-positioned homes are continuing to attract serious buyers.
ā³ Days on Market: Patience Required
The average days on market increased to 123 days, up 100.30% compared to 61 days last February .
Homes are taking longer to sell, which tells us buyers are being more selective. With interest rates and affordability still front of mind, purchasers are taking their time and negotiating more carefully.
š Inventory & Supply: Moving Toward Balance
End-of-month inventory: 192 homes (down 13.51%)
Months of Supply: 5.43 (down 14.53%)
A months-of-supply figure around 5ā6 months typically signals a balanced market. Weāre sitting right in that zone.
That means:
Buyers have options.
Sellers still have pricing power ā but strategy matters.
ā¤ļø What This Means for You
Buyers
If youāve been waiting for the right time, February offered something attractive:
Stable inventory
Negotiation room
More time to make decisions
You donāt have to rush ā but well-priced homes are still moving.
Sellers
Pricing and presentation are everything right now. Strong average sale prices show that buyers will pay ā but only when value is clear and expectations align with the market.
š· Looking Ahead
As we move toward March and the early signs of spring, activity typically increases. More listings are likely to come online, and buyer energy often picks up with improving weather and renewed confidence.
February reminds us that real estate isnāt just about volume ā itās about strategy.
If you're thinking about making a move this spring, now is the perfect time to plan.
š Geoff Sherlock
RE/MAX Invermere
250-688-5151
geoff@remaxinvermere.com
š Lindsey Sherlock
RE/MAX Invermere
250-409-6464
lindsey@remaxinvermere.com
