The real estate market in December 2025 looks very different from the market we experienced in 2022. Interest rates are higher, job security has softened, immigration levels have slowed, and inventory has increased dramatically. What was once a strong Seller’s market has shifted decisively into a Buyer’s market. Days on Market (DOM) have more than doubled, and multiple‑offer situations—once routine—are now the exception rather than the rule. In 2022, I had one property receive 14 offers, four of them unconditional. That is certainly not today’s reality.
What does this mean if you’re a Buyer?
Today’s market conditions strongly favour Buyers. You now have the time to view multiple properties without feeling rushed or pressured. You can include conditions that protect your interests—financing, inspection, insurance—without worrying that your offer will be dismissed simply because it isn’t unconditional. Negotiation has returned as a normal and expected part of the process. The pressure has shifted from the Buyer to the Seller, and if one deal doesn’t come together, there are plenty of other opportunities. Prices have come down, and Buyers have a much better chance of securing a quality property within a comfortable price range.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the importance of having your financing in order before you start shopping. As a Realtor, it’s heartbreaking to watch a client fall in love with a home only to lose it because financing wasn’t secured.
How I evaluate listings—for myself and for my clients
When I’m searching for properties, there are two key indicators I always look at: Days on Market and Price Reductions. In Ontario, these details are available only to Realtors, and they often signal potential value. A third indicator is found right in the public listing description—phrases like “handyman special,” “sold as is,” or “buyer to do own due diligence.” These can point to excellent opportunities, especially for those interested in a flip. In fact, even during the intense market of 2021–2023, this approach helped two of my clients purchase properties below asking price.
A word about making offers through the listing agent
Some Buyers believe that submitting an offer through the listing agent will save them money because the agent is “double‑ending” the deal. But it’s important to ask yourself: Do you really want someone representing your interests who is being paid by the Seller? This is called Multiple Representation, and you must sign a form acknowledging that you accept it. Please think carefully before agreeing. You deserve someone who is legally and ethically obligated to put your best interests first. Real estate is a negotiation—not a mediation—and multiple representation can put even the most ethical Realtor in a difficult position. I say this from experience.
Understanding the Seller’s motivation
Knowing why a Seller is moving can give you valuable insight into what will make a deal work. Do they need a quick closing? A long one? Have they already purchased another property? In today’s market, Buyers can also use a strategy that was nearly impossible during the boom years: walking away. If you like a property but don’t need it, the willingness to walk can be a powerful negotiating tool. The fear of loss is a strong motivator—ask any advertising agency. This approach is especially effective with listings that have long DOM and no offers.
Every deal is different
No two transactions are the same. After becoming licensed, I quickly realized there is a significant difference between representing clients and being the Buyer or Seller yourself. Having personally bought and sold more than 20 properties, I’ve learned far more from my own real‑world experience than from any textbook. That perspective helps me guide clients with both professional expertise and genuine understanding.