From the blog...

Dynamic Market Sending Mixed Signals

There are a lot of different opinions floating around about the state of the market, so I wanted to share what I’m seeing on the ground day to day, working with buyers and sellers across the city.

When you look at the full picture—year-to-date stats from January 1st to now—sales are actually down by several hundred units compared to 2024. Meanwhile, inventory is climbing. We’re currently sitting at about 4.2 months of inventory, which signals a balanced market overall. But because we’ve spent the past 6–7 years in a strong seller’s market, even balance can feel like a buyer’s market to many.

Of course, real estate is hyper-local and highly segmented. While Ottawa overall is balanced, different areas and property types are telling their own stories. If you’re buying a condo downtown, you’re firmly in a buyer’s market. Inventory is high in several buildings, and prices are under pressure. Sellers are adjusting prices just to stay competitive. On the flip side, we were just in a multiple-offer situation in Westboro under $900K—with 14 offers. That’s a clear seller’s market. Most areas fall somewhere in between, but one thing is consistent: pricing matters a lot.

Right now, sellers are often missing the mark. I’m seeing price reductions of $100K–$150K, or 15–20% from the original list price. That’s a massive gap. In many cases, the home was simply overpriced to begin with—sometimes based on outdated comps or wishful thinking.

Here’s the key: Pricing high doesn’t mean you’ll get more. In fact, it can have the opposite effect. If you miss that critical first impression window, buyers move on. The listing gets stale, and by the time the price comes down, the momentum is gone. That’s why hitting the pricing sweet spot from day one—paired with strong presentation and marketing—is more important than ever. The home needs to show well and be priced right.

Another trend I’m seeing? More negotiations, especially after inspections. Buyers are using inspections to re-open conversations, and sellers need to be ready. It’s not just about price anymore—it’s about navigating all the moving parts of an offer. Experience really matters here.

If you’re wondering what all this means for your specific neighborhood or situation, reach out. Whether you’re buying or selling, now’s a great time to get clear, honest advice that helps you move forward with confidence.