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Buyer Confidence Returns as Inventory Gaps Emerge
With interest rates stabilizing and prices down significantly from 2024, consumer confidence is starting to return and buyers are beginning to move forward in the marketplace. One challenge I am seeing is uneven inventory across price points. There is limited supply in the $650,000 to $725,000 range, as well as between $750,000 and $800,000. While there are properties available in these segments, many buyers feel the current inventory is not as strong as listings that previously sold in these price ranges. As a result, buyers are hoping to see additional inventory come to market in the near term.
Mortgage Renewals to Watch in 2026
In our meeting today, mortgage specialists shared that approximately 60% of all Canadian mortgages are coming up for renewal in 2026. What makes this notable is that homeowner situations will vary depending on when they purchased over the past five years. Some homeowners may face affordability challenges, while others will have built significant equity. Either way, the volume of mortgage renewals expected in 2026 will be substantial.
Ever start with a spotless kitchen… and decide to mess it up on purpose? 🧈
Ever start with a spotless kitchen… and decide to mess it up on purpose? 🧈
That was me here — trying homemade butter for the very first time.
No recipe confidence.
No idea how messy it would get.
Just curiosity and a mixer.
Whipping cream turned into whipped cream…
then stayed there longer than expected.
I tasted it (obviously).
Walked away for a minute (mistake).
Came back to buttermilk trying to escape the bowl.
Live and learn.
Turn it down once you hit the whipped stage.
It wasn’t perfect —
I lost some buttermilk,
made a bit of a mess,
but ended up with fresh butter and a good lesson.
There’s something satisfying about trying something new in your own kitchen,
even when it doesn’t go exactly as planned.
Have you ever tried making something from scratch just to see if you could?
👇 I’d love to know.
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#homecooking #simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#slowlivingmovement #learningbydoing #kitchenexperiments
#everydaymoments #joyinthejourney #realestatelifestyle
📉 Why fewer buyers doesn’t mean less opportunity
📉 Why fewer buyers doesn’t mean less opportunity
Many sellers assume spring is better simply because there are more buyers.
What often gets missed is that spring also brings more listings.
More listings mean more comparisons.
More comparisons mean slower decisions.
And more negotiating power shifts to buyers.
When everything is competing at once, attention gets diluted.
I think about it the same way I think about listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
When there are too many voices, the message gets lost.
When it’s quieter, focus sharpens.
Winter creates that same environment in the market.
With fewer listings available, buyers spend more time on what’s in front of them.
Staying active now allows your home to be seen, considered, and remembered —
instead of competing for attention later in a crowded spring market.
📌 Fewer buyers doesn’t always mean less leverage.
Sometimes, it means more clarity.
👉 Follow for practical seller insight and market strategy.
Weekend Open House Activity and Buyer Trends
Just wanted to highlight the activity I saw with my listings this weekend. I held four open houses and it was interesting to compare the level of traffic between lower price point properties and higher price point homes. The lower price ranges saw noticeably more buyer activity. It was good to see buyers out and active at this time of year.
Market Shifts Worth Noting in Fort Erie
Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed increased activity at the higher end of the market, with more properties receiving offers. Another trend emerging is that listings that have been on the market for extended periods are beginning to sell.
In conditions like these, longer days on market are something we need to expect. With interest rates stabilizing and inventory naturally declining due to seasonality, these factors may be having a positive effect on the local real estate market in Fort Erie.
When Compassion Shapes a Closing
I wanted to share an experience from one of my closings last week. The seller was feeling overwhelmed, living in a retirement home, and relying heavily on family members to help clear the property before closing.
This situation became a good example of how cooperation between agents—and compassion from buyers—can make a meaningful difference when everyone is doing their best. At 7:00 p.m. on a Friday evening, I received a call from the buyer’s agent. The buyers had arrived at the property, but the seller had not fully moved out.
I left what I was doing and went to the property, expecting a difficult situation. Instead, I was met by the buyer’s father, who reassured me that everything would be fine. The buyers were willing to move the remaining items onto the back porch so the seller could return the next day to retrieve them.
Within about 20 minutes of my arrival, the remaining contents were cleared with help from myself and nearby neighbours. I was grateful that the buyers chose compassion in a moment that could have easily escalated. Their response helped resolve the situation quickly and respectfully during a stressful time for the seller.
Niagara Market Update to December 2025
The following chart displays the MLS number of sales for 12 months to December 31, 2025 vs. 12 months prior. The HPI prices uncover the trend year-over-year. Yellow denotes a loss in sales and prices.
Niagara Region Market Stats — Sales and Prices Year-Over-Year
The Fox Shop + Koko & Jinx
Do you ever set out to do one thing… and the day unfolds into something else entirely?
I was down on Jarvis Street last week doing some business and thought I’d pop into The Fox Shop to say hello and grab a bowl of soup.
Simple plan.
Before I knew it, I was sitting at the bar enjoying something warm and homemade, watching people come and go, and then wandering across the street to Koko & Jinx.
One stop led to another.
A bowl of soup turned into a little shopping.
A sweater, a coat, a few small pieces I’ve already been using at home.
Those are the kinds of experiences I love most —
unplanned, easy, and a reminder that some of the best days aren’t scheduled.
If you’re looking for an experience, not just an errand,
Jarvis Street delivers.
Some of the finest local shopping in our area, all within a short walk.
Have you had a day like that lately — where one stop turned into a great afternoon?
👇 I’d love to hear.
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
#supportlocal #shoplocal #simplejoys #balancedliving
#lifeinbalance #joyinthejourney #slowlivingmovement
#localshopping #jarvisstreet #realestatelifestyle
So far this week in Fort Erie
So far this week in Fort Erie 
5930 Michener estate has been SOLD! Congratulations to the families for a great start of the year!
We’ve seen two price reductions and we’re hosting four open houses this weekend — a good opportunity to compare value, layouts, and pricing in person.
Price Reductions
Price Reductions427 Williams Crescent — $525,000
• Bungaloft townhouse in Peace Bridge Village
• 2 bed / 2 bath
• 1,471 sq ft (plans)
• Primary bedroom on main with ensuite
• Loft space for office or guests
• Full unfinished basement with bath rough-in
871 Burwell Street — $599,900
• Raised bungalow in the Lakeshore community
• 3 bed / 2 bath
• Open-concept main floor
• Kitchen with centre island
• Full unfinished basement with egress windows
• Attached garage + double driveway
Open Houses — Come See Them In Person
Open Houses — Come See Them In PersonSaturday, January 17
12–2 PM | 871 Burwell St | $599,900
2–4 PM | 394 Hummel Cres | $699,900
• Modern bungalow
• 2 bed / 2 bath
• 1,382 sq ft (MPAC)
• Quartz kitchen + large island
• Primary with walk-in & ensuite
• Double garage + fenced yard
Sunday, January 18
12–2 PM | 544 Rosehill Rd | $849,900
• Raised bungalow on approx. 0.66 acres
• 4 bed / 2 bath (2+2)
• Finished walk-out basement
• Sunroom + multiple garages
• Mature lot with privacy
2–4 PM | 407 Louisa St | $719,900
• New-build bungalow
• 3 bed / 2 bath
• 1,391 sq ft (builder)
• Open-concept layout
• Attached garage + private drive
• Unfinished basement for future space
Also Available: 397 Garrison Rd (The Sugarbowl)
• Several townhome units available
• Bungaloft & bungalow designs
• Low-maintenance living
• 1.58% financing option available for qualified buyers only
DM me to learn more
If you’re watching the market or thinking about making a move, this is a weekend worth getting out.
#FortErieRealEstate #FortErie #NiagaraRealEstate #OpenHouseFortErie #PriceReduction #BungalowLiving #Bungaloft #TownhomeLiving #LakeshoreFortErie #HouseHunting #OntarioRealEstate #NiagaraHomes #GarrisonRoad #Century21
