Leo Tolstoy once wrote, “All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.”

One of the easiest ways to create an unhappy family? Ask for advice from your parents just before you make an offer on a home.

Buying a property is a big decision, financially and emotionally. It’s only natural to want advice from someone you trust with past experience. Often, that means parents - especially if they’re helping with the down payment.

Parents are protective by nature. That doesn’t stop when their children become adults. They have the life experience and want to make sure you’re making the right decision.

The problem isn’t asking for advice. The problem is asking for it at the very end, when they haven’t been through the experience you have as you go through the process of buying a home in today’s market.

The problem arises if parents only see the final property - the one you’re ready to make an offer on. If they haven’t experienced the weeks of showings and ridden the ups and downs of properties that didn’t work, or didn’t see the properties that were overpriced, poorly laid out, or unrealistic and they haven’t experienced the trade-offs that led you to this decision, they won’t quite understand the work you’ve put into finding “the one”.

Without that information, it’s easy for questions to surface:

Have you seen enough places?

Is this really the right one?

Should you keep looking?

Those questions are reasonable - but they’re much harder to answer at the eleventh hour.

If you’re going to involve your parents, involve them early. They don’t need to know every detail of your pre-approval or monthly budget, but they should understand what’s happening in the market. Bring them to showings when possible. Loop them in on listings. Keep communication open throughout the process.

When they’ve been part of the journey, they’re far less likely to derail it at the end. They may very well have good reason to “derail it” based on how they know you and your needs but without seeing all you’ve seen, they won’t understand how you’ve come to the moment to make the big decision.

I learned early on in my career to identify who the real decision-maker is. If a parent is going to influence the purchase, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that BUT they need to be part of the conversation from the beginning so they understand the market and stay as informed as you are as listings come in.

Buying a home is stressful enough. Keeping everyone informed early makes everything smoother later.

Alrighty! We’re deep enough into winter that we might as well lean into it - there's no point in grumbling about shovelling and iced-over sidewalks at this stage... And if you’re going to brave the cold, you might as well do it with laughter!

First up: The Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival is taking over the city next month, bringing us live comedy shows, big laughs, and late-night energy. And if you’re spending a little more time indoors these days, this fun look at kitschy décor ideas is a nice reminder that your home can have personality, not just neutral walls.

Sometimes the best market news is when nothing dramatic happens. The Bank of Canada held the key interest rate at 2.25% as expected, and January looked like a typical start of year market with quieter sales, softer prices, and no real surprises.

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Sales numbers released by TRREB for December revealed no surprises - it was a typical December market. With the exception of detached homes (sales were up by 10% compared to last December), both average prices and number of sales were down, year-over-year.

On average, it’s taking 65 days for a listed property to sell. As a comparison, in December 2021, it took an average of 19 days for a property to sell. Buyers know there is no sense of urgency to make a decision.

Another number to look at is the percentage of list price that’s being paid. In December, it was 97%. This tells us two things: Properties, in general, are being priced close to market value, and there is some room to negotiate. In a hot market, that number goes over 100%, when many properties are purposely underpriced and receive multiple offers.

What will 2026 bring?

There are many factors affecting the market. The uncertainty of what’s happening south of the border, not to mention internationally, has an impact on how confident people feel about making a big purchase.

Right now, the key rate is 2.25%, and based on information from the big banks, rates.ca is predicting that the Bank of Canada is going to keep the key rate steady for the next six months. If this happens, confidence in the market will improve and we’ll see more buyers coming out of the woodwork.

My prediction for the next six months is that we won’t see any dramatic changes. Condo sales will remain sluggish, especially smaller one-bedroom units. Prices will only drop where owners can’t afford to wait. As for the single famil home market, I feel we will continue to see some stability there.

Increasing inflation also has an impact on buyers. Even if people have the down payment, a higher cost of living impacts their monthly budget, so even with lower interest rates and softening prices, the carrying cost may feel like a stretch when you factor in everything else.

Bottom line:

We won’t see a huge difference in the first half of 2026 because the market doesn’t generally turn around that quickly. Inventory levels will remain high. Many properties that didn’t sell in late 2025 will be re-listed, and there will be other sellers who want to take advantage of the spring market. Buyers should be prepared to hold on to a property for the long-term before they see any significant profit. But ultimately, home ownership is about how you want to live and what kind of space makes sense for you.

If you’re trying to make sense of the current market - whether as a buyer or a seller - I’m happy to talk through your options and give you a realistic view of what makes sense right now.

December always feels like Toronto is in “full-festive mode” - shorter days, twinkling lights, and calendars filling up. Between client get-togethers, office celebrations, and family dinners, it is a month built around connection.

Holiday at The Well is a great excuse to get out, enjoy the city, and soak up a bit of holiday atmosphere. You will also find a few ideas for standout Canadian wines to bring to dinner parties or gift to your favourite host.

As expected, the Bank of Canada held the prime rate steady, signalling a continued wait-and-see approach as we head into the new year. This is unlikely to affect December’s sales, but it may help shape buyer confidence heading into the spring market.

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It’s hard these days to talk about the market without sounding a bit negative; that’s especially true right now. Not only are we experiencing a multi-year slowdown in the market, it’s compounded by the traditional December downturn. I feel as though the winter slowdown started even earlier this year – I noticed fewer and fewer listings hitting the market, beginning in November.

Last month, I predicted that the housing market is going to be quiet throughout 2026 and, regardless of what happens with interest rates, I think that still holds true. The Bank of Canada is releasing the last rate announcement of the year on December 10, but whether it holds the prime rate steady as predicted, or surprises us with a .25% rate cut, it’s not going to move the needle.

As for interest rates in 2026, each of the big banks is predicting different things, but recent history has shown that it won’t be interest rate reductions that start to get the market moving again.

So what will it take? I think it’s going to happen when the global economy feels more stable. When the threat of tariffs has settled, the potential renegotiation of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) happens and we’re not at the whim of the leader of the US, people will feel more confident. It’s hard to commit to a long-term investment when the cost of living continues to rise and there is less job security.

With prices continuing to soften, people are hesitant to make a long-term investment if they think the market will continue to go down. It’s less about the numbers than about the outlook. People are confused, don’t feel confident, and life is expensive.

Of course, there are always outliers in the market, though. There’s been a lot of chatter about the sale of a home on Shaw Street in November, which sold for over $400,000 over asking!! We can surmise two things from this sale. One is that the home was way underpriced to generate interest. Two, because there were 28 offers for the house, consumers do have money to spend.

The bottom line is, in any market, people are going to need to buy and sell. While it’s true that sales numbers are far lower than average, over 1,900 properties changed hands in November. We’ve become conditioned to think of homes in Toronto as an investment rather than a place to live. I think that properties are still strong investments, but we’re not going to see the rapid growth we saw a few years ago. Even if prices continue to drop, it’s impossible to time the bottom of the market and it should be more about how you want to live than whether you can make a quick buck.

For people who are looking for something super specific, like a particular unit in a particular building, if it comes up, you should jump on it. But if you’re not that specific, wait. In the spring there will be even more listings, so your selection will be greater then as will your negotiating power.  

If you have any questions about the Toronto real estate market or are curious about what is happening in your neighbourhood, please get in touch!

This is a difficult blog to post. It’s going to sound a bit negative and might not make a lot of people happy but it’s the reality of today’s condo market sentiment....

For many years, a one-bedroom condo was a great way of taking your first step on the property ladder. Although you were, maybe, only buying a compact 600 square foot (or smaller!) condo, it was a start. From the early naughts on to about 2022, history told you properties values were only going to increase. You could even buy a condo pre-construction and it would be worth more by the time it was finished. This was a tried and true, good strategy – until everything changed.

Post pandemic, the prime rate increased, mortgage rates followed suit and all of a sudden, the carrying costs of owning a smaller property out weighed the benefit; even more so as the prices started to soften.

Traditionally, not many consumers buy a one-bedroom condo and stay there for life. It sometimes home for a while and sometimes bought as an investment to live in first and then rent it out. Oftentimes, they partner up, start a family, and inevitably, want more space. Regardless of their situation, the plan is to sell the unit and use the profit to help buy something bigger.

Since 2022, prices have been softening and rents are too. Some feel it’s hard to justify the purchase of a small condo that you’re only going to be in for a few years and run the risk that prices will continue to soften. In addition, with mortgage rates higher than they were, the monthly cost of carrying that condo is higher so many feel they would prefer to rent, at a lower cost than what it would cost to carry a purchase, until they feel more stability in the market.

This new reality also applies to the investor market. Ideally, any investor’s goal is to at least breaking even month to month. If you were losing a little, you knew the value was going up. For some it’s becoming harder to stomach holding onto an investment property that is losing money month after month, regardless, rightly or wrongly,  of the tax write-off benefits. Because of this, some/many investors have been trying to sell their suites and this has resulted in a substantial increase of 1 bedroom condos on the market (over 1200 right now, not including studios). With an increase of listings for sale, many investors who find it difficult to sell with the increased competition, have turned to renting again. This now has increased rental listings which in turn has started to soften the rental market.

What will the future bring?

I suspect that prices aren’t going to return to the peak of 2022 for at least five and, quite honestly, maybe closer to ten years. With any large investment, the mindset of a buyer should always be to hold on for 5-10 years, even in good times.

Is now a good time to buy or should I continue to rent?

Obviously, there are considerations other than financial when it comes to buying a condo. For one thing, stability. When you own your own condo, there won’t be any surprise rent increases (maintenance fees will go up every year, and if you have a variable mortgage, that will fluctuate). There’s also no chance you’ll be evicted because the owner wants to live there. There’s also the idea of being able to make the place your own… that brings comfort to many.

The opportunities are there for buyers with cash and/or sizeable down payments. If you’re looking to live in a space for a number of years, this could be an excellent time to jump into the market. There are definitely deals to be had. If you can get it at a good price now, even if the market continues to soften, the market will have to climb less for you to be assured you’ll get your equity out if ever it comes time for you to sell.

Why would I sell in today’s market?

Some people have to sell. Some don’t have to but really want to and they’re having to make some tough decisions. There are those that need more space and can’t buy another property without selling. There are those who put down the minimum amount on a purchase at the peak of the market and are now renewing their mortgages and are feeling the pinch. Some are looking at the reality of selling for less than they paid, and sometimes they may not even be able to sell it even for what they’ve mortgaged it for.

But if selling at a loss means getting on with a new life experience, then you do what you have to do.

The challenge is preparing today’s sellers for this reality. The type of conversations I’m having with sellers right now is setting expectations. Chances are they will be insulted, disappointed, surprised, and offended at how low someone’s coming in with an offer. Right now, an offer is an offer, and you work with what you get.

If there are a couple of similar units in your building for sale, you want to be the first one to sell, because current buyer sentiment is to get a property at a lower price than the last sale. As a seller, you want to set the precedent in a down market so you don’t sell for less than the last sale.

Moving into 2026, I think there will still be more play with prices and availability. I don’t think anybody will miss out by waiting, but I don’t think you’ll regret by buying now either as long as you understand the risks in whatever market you’re buying into. The market will come back but it depends on your timelines and your expectations.

If you want to have a conversation about your situation or are curious about how much your home is worth, please get in touch!

Fall is in full swing, and with Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s the perfect time to enjoy delicious local eats and fun events in the city.

The September housing market numbers are in and it looks like the fall market has started off slower than usual. We'll have to wait and see if the recent Bank of Canada rate reduction spurs buyers to make a move. Although it's possible that prices will go lower, there are no guarantees, and with the amount of inventory on the market, now is a good time to find your dream home!

And speaking of finding your dream home, scroll down to check out my latest listings, including a serene townhome in the heart of downtown, a one bedroom + den condo on the waterfront, a trendy loft on King West, and a newly renovated condo in Radio City!

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These days I am happy to see a bright spot in Toronto’s real estate market news.

Home sales in September 2025 were up by 13% compared to the same month in 2024, which is the good news. But (and you know there’s always a but), sales in 2024 were exceptionally sluggish due to a higher interest rate climate and consumer confidence riding lower than current levels.

The other qualification to keep in mind is that the number of sales is still historically low. Last month, 2,063 properties sold. Compared to September 2021 where TRREB recorded 3,377, sales were down 39% from the high’s of 2021!

Now, just because there are sales doesn’t mean the market trajectory is going up. It means to me that people are taking advantage of a down market as opposed to thinking they have to get in on a hot market.

This time last year, people were sitting on the fence thinking that the sky was falling and it wasn’t the right time to move. Now I’m detecting a shift in mindset. There’s definitely money out there that people are itching to spend, but they want to spend it wisely. They're taking time to make decisions and there’s so much more inventory out there, they can. It feels more stable now, less of a guessing game and more strategic.

In a hot market, people make a purchase in the fear that they’ll be priced out of the market; classic FOMO. In a down market, buyers are now confident that they’re not overpaying, despite the fact that prices continue to soften in some sectors.

If you’re looking to sell a property this fall, there are two reasons to list it sooner rather than later:

1.    It’s better to lead the market than chase it. Should prices soften, each new buyer expects to pay less than the one before — so waiting can mean selling for less.

2.    People used to list in November and sell within a week, but considering the length of time it’s taking to sell, listing in November could be a little late in the game. Historically, we see lower average prices in December, January, and February.

My prediction? I think we’ll continue to see an increase in the number of sales. Last October, there was a bump in sales (almost 2,500 properties sold in Toronto) so whether we beat that is hard to say. I also think we’ll continue to see price softening across the board, but not significantly.

The big banks are predicting another rate cut before the end of the year (there are two more announcements, with the next one being October 29). Keep in mind this affects variable rates, not fixed ones.

Overall, it’s a more balanced market - one where patience and strategy matter more than panic or hype. If you’re thinking about selling, now’s the time to position your property ahead of the next wave of listings and before prices dip further.

Ready to talk strategy? Let’s discuss the best timing and approach for your sale - reach out anytime to start the conversation.

Market Snapshot:

The numbers are in for the Toronto housing market and to nobody’s surprise, fewer properties sold than last August and the average price for all housing types were also down. As a rule, August is almost always one of the slowest months of the year so this isn’t groundbreaking news. I was hoping that there might be a turnaround in September, but unfortunately, much of the market is still feeling sluggish.

Echoes of the late ‘80s??

I don’t think we’re anywhere close to that yet but, depending on the housing type, it might feel that way to some. Way back then, there was an overall malaise to the market in general. Interest rates hovered at about 10% (unfathomable now!) and inventory levels were very high. The average days on market soared and nothing was selling, so sellers were dropping their prices like a rock. We’re not there in our overall market, but the sense of uncertainty and the wait and see attitude from buyers is familiar, especially in the condo market. 

Why is this happening?

The media has been reporting a slight increase in mortgage defaults, but I believe (and this is backed by CTV) that some are secondary and investment properties. I imagine that investors are the ones defaulting because it’s difficult to rent an investment property where the rent covers today’s rates and price points, and they are having trouble selling their units because there’s so much inventory. People that live in their homes have a higher incentive to keep paying their mortgage as best they can. Investors are more likely to walk away and take the loss if pushed to that point.

Everyday expenses - groceries, utilities, gas - are eating into budgets. Even if people qualify for a mortgage, many feel stretched and hesitant to take on more debt.

When the news is full of economic warnings, international conflicts, and shifting government policies, it’s no wonder people hit pause. Big moves feel risky when the future is so unpredictable.

Rate cuts aren’t enough

With the recent Bank of Canada rate decrease, interest rates are at the lowest they’ve been in three years. However, I don’t see anything on the horizon that’s going to change buyer sentiment any time soon unless we get back down the interest rates we had during the pandemic, and I don’t foresee that happening. 

In addition to that, even if the prime rate decreases, the big banks aren’t adjusting their fixed mortgage rates so there really isn’t much of a savings being felt. Lowering the prime rate really only benefits those with variable mortgages or lines of credit.

Short-term outlook

My prediction is that the market will remain stagnant for a while. Investors who can’t sell are renting out their units for less as the rental market becomes flooded, which means it’s a good time to be a renter… and with the continued sense of market unpredictability, some may feel that renting is a safer bet for their situation at this time.

My advice for sellers

Sellers will continue to face increased competition. In an up-market, every sale sets a new precedent at a higher price. In today’s market, precedents are still being set - but in the opposite direction.

If there are multiple listings on your street or in your building, your goal should be to sell first out of all of them. That requires standing out, both in presentation and in price. An attractive price often means going lower than you’d like, but that’s the reality we’re facing. You can list at any number you choose, but pricing too high only guarantees your property will be overlooked while someone else sets the benchmark.

My advice for buyers

The leverage you have as a buyer right now is fantastic, regardless of whether a seller is willing to accept an offer, they’re willing to negotiate. You may end up paying a little more now than if you hold off and buy in a year, but if you’re secure in your finances and living in a space that no longer suits your needs and moving into a different space would mean a better quality of life, it’s something to strongly consider.

My prediction for the September numbers?

We will see a huge uptick in the number of new listings. There are over 11,900 listings currently available. I don’t think we’ll see a significant number of sales. Of course there will be sales but prices overall will also/probably continue to slowly soften. 

The bottom line

Waiting and watching can cost you - or it can set you up for the right move. If you’re unsure which way to lean, reach out today and we’ll walk through your options together.

Can you believe it’s already August? Summer always seems to fly by, but there’s still plenty of time to soak it up. Whether you're catching some patio sunshine, sneaking away for a weekend escape, or just enjoying a slower pace, August is all about taking a breath and enjoying the little things.

In this issue, you’ll find a few ways to make the most of what’s left of summer - from spots where you can escape the city buzz to where to find the best Italian food in town.

Before we look ahead, here’s a quick glance back at July's real estate stats: sales were actually up compared to July 2024, though prices have continued to soften. That being said, sellers continue to list their properties giving buyers more options to choose from. Considering the Bank of Canada continues to hold interest rates steady, the hope is that with this stability, it might just help move a few more buyers into action and sales numbers will continue to grow.

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In July 2024, interest rates were still high and that was reflected in the number of sales. Now that rates are lower, it’s not a surprise that sales were up this July (not by much, but it’s an improvement!)

Why? People are seeing more stability in the market and are beginning to see the value again. There is a ton of inventory (over 11,700 properties are currently on the market), which means that power has swung back into buyers’ hands, and they’re able to negotiate. Yes, there are still multiple offers in the key neighbourhoods for the perfect house but for the most part prices have softened.

While the Bank of Canada may hold rates steady for the next little while - with a potential cut later this year - smart buyers are moving forward now.

If you're both buying and selling, it's better to sell first in this market. That way, you're in a stronger position to negotiate on a new home and, once your home is sold, you can focus on finding the right place without all the what-ifs. Buyers sometimes worry there won’t be anything out there, but once we start looking, they usually feel a lot more confident. With so much on the market, there will be something that ticks all the boxes.

If you’re a seller, with so much competition, this is not the time to “test” the market to see if maybe you can get a jaw-dropping sale price. You have to set a realistic price, otherwise you’re just wasting your time.

This is a different market than it was a year ago, and some sellers aren’t adjusting well to this new reality – they hope that what they read in the news about softening prices isn’t what’s going to happen with their property.

Even with a property that’s priced well, it’s the properties that are “totally done” where a buyer can move right into and live in their dream aesthetic, that are selling the fastest. Unless a home is in a specific neighbourhood, it’s rare that something in need of renos goes over asking, unless it’s priced really low… and even then it’s rare.

If you don’t have to sell, my advice is just relax and enjoy the rest of summer. Let’s see what the fall brings!

If you’re thinking of making a move this fall, let’s talk. Whether you’re buying, selling, or still figuring things out, it’s worth a conversation. The market may be shifting, but that doesn’t mean you can’t move forward with confidence.

Toronto’s real estate market is anything but traditional this year. There was a very slow start to the spring market, but it feels like things are starting to move again.

Prices might have dipped, so while some folks are still doom-scrolling real estate headlines, others are out there making moves - and finding deals. With more listings to choose from and a little less competition, now might just be the moment to strike (or at least sneak in an offer and see what happens).

With the amount of inventory available, I don’t think it’s any surprise that prices came down a bit. I think that we’ll continue to see a slight price drop when July stats are released– it’s certainly not unusual for activity levels to slow in the heat of the summer.

As well, I believe we’ll continue to see inventory levels grow with sellers who feel now is the right time to sell. It feels like there’s more positivity in the market, perhaps because people are willing to invest again or they’re feeling like there’s a good opportunity out there and it’s worth taking the plunge.

As has been the case over the past few months, there are a number of variables affecting the market. Most banks are predicting that we won’t see another interest rate deduction on July 30, though there are mixed opinions about where rates will be at the end of the year.

And then of course, there are “the tariffs”. The latest announcement is that a tariff of 35% will kick in on August 1, but nobody can predict if that will actually happen. I think people will be watching, but are going to be less incensed, concerned and/or bothered by them than they were in April.

There could be a slowdown, but I don’t think it will stall the market as it did this spring, unless something more dramatic happens, which would not be unprecedented.  Crystal ball, anyone?!?

What we really need for the market to pick up again is stability because that will help people feel confident that the turmoil is nearing it’s end.

On the bright side, homes are still selling (2319 properties sold in June) so there is still movement. The properties that sell the fastest are renovated homes in the more popular neighbourhoods, especially those that are priced right. The challenge is pricing it properly because as prices continue to go down, buyers are looking at recent sales, and they want their purchase to be for a little bit less.

Where are the opportunities right now?

Properties that need some work are a smart place to start. Homes that have been sitting on the market for a while can also present a real opening. They might be appear overpriced to the hopeful buyer, sure - but many sellers won’t budge until there’s an offer in front of them. Sometimes, you don’t truly spot the opportunity until you take that first step and put something on paper. You can’t win unless you play!

If you're thinking about entering the market, this could be your moment to act. Let’s talk about what’s out there and how to make it work for you.