As the crisp autumn air settles over Fort St. John, it’s the perfect time for homeowners to prepare their properties for the long Northern BC winter ahead. Fall is a season of transition—not just for leaves, but for your home. A little preparation now can save you stress, money, and keep your home cozy when the snow arrives.

Start with the Exterior

Begin by tackling outdoor spaces. Clear leaves and debris from gutters to prevent ice dams and water damage. Inspect your roof for any missing shingles or weak spots that could cause leaks once snow arrives. Drain hoses, shut off exterior faucets, and store or cover patio furniture and equipment to protect them from the cold. Proper insulation and attic ventilation also play a big role in preventing ice buildup on the roof and reducing moisture issues inside.

Keep Your Home Cozy

Inside the home, focus on heating and comfort. Make sure your furnace is serviced and filters are replaced. If you have a fireplace or wood stove, have it cleaned and inspected. Small details like sealing drafts around windows and doors can make a noticeable difference in warmth and energy bills.

Safety and Preparedness

Safety is another priority. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and keep winter essentials on hand, from ice melt and shovels to emergency supplies. These simple steps keep your home safe, functional, and stress-free all winter long.

Why This Matters for Sellers

For homeowners planning to sell, fall maintenance has an extra benefit: homes that are clean, cozy, and well-prepared stand out to buyers. Motivated buyers in Fort St. John and the Peace Region appreciate a property that feels move-in ready, and a well-maintained home can help you attract more interest—even in the colder months.

Winter doesn’t have to slow down your plans. By taking proactive steps this fall, you can protect your investment, enjoy a comfortable season, and set your home up for success, whether you’re staying or selling.

📞 Call/Text Brenna at 250.262.6441 for expert advice on preparing your home for winter or navigating the Fort St. John real estate market.

Brenna Burns PREC
CENTURY 21 ENERGY REALTY
FORT ST. JOHN 📍

As summer winds down and fall arrives in Northern BC, the Fort St. John real estate market remains active. The Peace Region continues to attract buyers looking for residential homes, acreages, and rural properties. While every market is unique, some clear trends are emerging this fall:

• Sellers Still Have an Advantage: Inventory is relatively low, meaning homes that are well-priced and properly marketed stand out.

• Buyers Are Serious: Fall buyers tend to be motivated—they want to move before winter and school routines are in full swing.

• Rural & Acreage Properties Are Popular: Families and lifestyle buyers are seeking space and privacy outside the city, making acreages highly desirable.

• Neighbourhood Choice Matters: Homes in established areas like Sunset Ridge, Panorama Ridge, Westridge Estates, or close to amenities continue to attract attention.

Tips for Sellers This Fall

• Focus on curb appeal: clean yards, tidy landscaping, and small seasonal touches make a difference.

• Highlight cozy features: fireplaces, energy-efficient heating, and move-in readiness appeal to motivated buyers.

• Stage your home effectively: simple updates or decluttering can shorten days on market.

Tips for Buyers

• Be ready to act quickly: serious buyers are active now, and competition can be strong for desirable homes.

• Explore rural or acreage properties: the Peace Region offers lifestyle options that city properties can’t match.

• Think long-term: consider proximity to work, schools, and amenities, even if buying slightly outside city limits.

Why Fort St. John’s Market Stays Strong

Unlike some southern BC markets that slow down in the fall, Fort St. John’s resource-driven economy keeps housing demand steady. Families relocating for work, energy industry projects, and lifestyle buyers all contribute to a resilient local real estate market.

Fall 2025 is a smart time to buy or sell in Fort St. John and the Peace Region. Homes are moving, buyers are motivated, and sellers with the right strategy can stand out.

📞 Call/Text Brenna at 250.262.6441 for expert advice on the Fort St. John real estate market.

Brenna Burns PREC
CENTURY 21 ENERGY REALTY
FORT ST. JOHN 📍

If you’ve been exploring real estate in Fort St. John or the Peace Region, you’ve probably noticed one trend: acreages and rural properties are in high demand. From hobby farms to hobby ranches, these properties offer something that urban homes often can’t: space, privacy, and a lifestyle closely connected to nature.

In this blog, we’ll explore why rural living in Northern BC continues to attract buyers and why acreages are such a smart choice in today’s market.

1. Space and Privacy Are Priceless

One of the biggest draws of acreages in Fort St. John is the amount of land you get. Whether you’re looking for room to raise animals, grow crops, or simply enjoy privacy from neighbours, rural properties provide a lifestyle many buyers crave.

Compared to city lots, acreages offer wide-open spaces, often with mature trees, ponds, or even small forests. For families, this means safe areas for kids to play and explore. For professionals or retirees, it’s a retreat from the hustle and bustle.

2. Opportunity for Livestock, Farming, or Hobby Ranching

Many buyers in the Peace Region are attracted to agricultural potential. Even small acreages allow for:

• Keeping horses, cattle, or chickens

• Starting small-scale farming operations

• Growing gardens or orchards

• Creating your own private outdoor recreational spaces

Northern BC’s climate and fertile soils make hobby farming or ranching feasible, while still being close enough to Fort St. John for easy access to shops, schools, and services.

3. Strong Investment Potential

Acreages and rural properties are often undervalued compared to city homes, but demand continues to rise in the Peace Region. Buyers are drawn to:

• Long-term appreciation of land values

• Flexibility in building homes, shops, or outbuildings

• Ability to subdivide larger parcels (where zoning allows)

This makes acreages an appealing option for investors or those looking to diversify their real estate portfolio in Northern BC.

4. Lifestyle and Recreation

Living on an acreage isn’t just about property size—it’s about quality of life. Peace Region acreages give you:

• Privacy and tranquility away from city noise

• Access to hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, and ATV trails

• Opportunities for gardening, bonfires, and outdoor hobbies

• Stunning views of Northern BC’s forests, lakes, and mountains

For many, this connection to nature is what makes rural living so desirable.

5. Convenient Location Near Fort St. John

Despite being rural, many acreages are just a short drive from Fort St. John. Communities like:

• Charlie Lake

• Baldonnel

• Prespatou

• Montney

…offer the perfect balance: country living with access to schools, healthcare, shopping, and employment in the Peace Region.

Whether you’re seeking space, privacy, investment potential, or a lifestyle closer to nature, acreages and rural properties in Fort St. John and the Peace Region are highly sought after—and for good reason.

If you’re ready to explore acreages in Northern BC or want guidance on finding the perfect rural property, Brenna Burns can help you navigate the local market.

📞 Call/Text Brenna at 250.262.6441 for personalized guidance on finding your Peace Region acreage today.

Brenna Burns PREC
CENTURY 21 ENERGY REALTY
FORT ST. JOHN 📍

If you’ve been thinking about selling your home in Fort St. John or the Peace Region, now might be the perfect time. While many markets across BC slow down as summer winds down, Fort St. John’s real estate market often stays steady into the fall. With motivated buyers, low housing inventory, and the changing seasons, late August through fall can be one of the best times to sell your home.

1. Buyers Want to Move Before Winter Hits

In Northern BC, timing matters. Many buyers in Fort St. John are motivated to purchase before the snow flies. Families want to be settled before the school year is in full swing, and others are aiming to move before winter roads and colder temperatures make moving day more challenging. This creates strong buyer demand in September and October.

2. Low Inventory = More Attention on Your Home

One of the biggest advantages for sellers right now is low housing inventory in Fort St. John. Fewer homes on the market means your property gets more eyes—and potentially stronger offers. Buyers who may have been waiting earlier in the year are ready to act now, especially if the right home comes along.

3. Fall Shows Off Your Home at Its Best

The fall season in Fort St. John is beautiful—trees changing colors, cozy evenings, and crisp air. Homes often show better during this time, creating that “warm and welcoming” first impression that buyers are looking for. A well-maintained yard and seasonal décor can help your property stand out even more.

4. Serious Buyers Are Still Out There

Unlike the browsing buyers of spring and summer, fall buyers in FSJ tend to be more serious. They’re often relocating for work in the energy industry, upgrading for family needs, or downsizing before winter. These buyers usually have timelines in mind and are ready to move quickly when they find the right home.

5. The Peace Region’s Economy Supports a Strong Market

From energy projects like Site C Dam to oil & gas operations, the local economy continues to bring new residents and keep demand steady. While larger BC markets might see seasonal slowdowns, Fort St. John’s unique economy and affordability mean homes continue to move year-round.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Wait Until Spring

Many sellers think spring is the best time to list, but waiting could mean missing out on motivated buyers right now. By listing your home in Fort St. John this fall, you’ll face less competition and connect with buyers eager to move before winter.

📞 Call/Text Brenna at 250.262.6441 for a free home evaluation today.
Brenna Burns PREC
CENTURY 21 ENERGY REALTY
FORT ST. JOHN 📍