A Changing Spring Market and How Buyers Navigate It
The spring real estate market has traditionally been a busy time for both buyers and sellers. It’s often when people who have spent months thinking about a move finally decide to act, with activity typically ramping up early in the year and carrying through to the end of the school calendar.
Over time, the way homes are bought and sold has evolved. Periods of disruption have pushed the industry to rethink how properties are shown, marketed, and evaluated, with a greater emphasis on preparation, efficiency, and respect for everyone involved in the process.
Even today, many of the practices that emerged during those shifts remain part of how buyers approach house hunting, simply because they’ve proven to be effective.
A More Thoughtful Approach to Showings
Start online
Technology now allows buyers to get a strong sense of a property before ever stepping inside. High-quality photography, floor plans, video walkthroughs, 3D tours, and detailed descriptions make it easier to narrow the field early. Taking the time to review these materials carefully helps eliminate homes that aren’t a fit and keeps in-person showings focused and purposeful.
Do more research up front
Asking questions early has become an important part of the process. Details like the age of the roof, furnace, or major renovations are worth understanding before booking a showing. If there are known deal-breakers, such as wiring concerns, low ceiling heights, or finishes that won’t work for your needs, it’s better to clarify those points in advance rather than discovering them once you’re already inside the home.
Be mindful inside the home
Showings today tend to be more intentional. Buyers are generally encouraged to move through a property efficiently and respectfully, allowing the space itself to be the focus. Sellers often prepare homes to be easy to view, with lights on and doors open where possible, so buyers can concentrate on layout, condition, and overall feel rather than logistics.
It’s also considered poor form to use the washroom during a showing or to handle a seller’s personal belongings unnecessarily. Parents are usually asked to keep children close and discourage touching, for the same reason. Treating a home with care and restraint helps keep the experience positive for everyone involved.
Smaller groups, clearer schedules
Overlapping showings were once common, particularly in busy markets. Increasingly, sellers prefer staggered appointments and smaller groups. This gives buyers a better opportunity to take in the space without distraction and helps ensure showings run smoothly for everyone involved.
Buying and selling a home is still a personal process, even as the mechanics continue to evolve. Many of the practices that have become more common over time are simply about being better prepared, more respectful of shared spaces, and clearer about expectations.
Thoughtful habits make showings smoother and more productive for buyers, sellers, and agents alike, and help keep the focus where it belongs: on finding the right home and making informed decisions along the way.
Updated December 2025
