Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
I’ve been thinking about pace.
It’s December 10th… the snow is falling… and I’ve been thinking about pace.
Alex and I were looking at our calendar this week —
holiday plans, family time, a few gatherings.
He loves having things to look forward to.
I tend to lean toward quiet days in between.
And the other morning, walking with Blue in the fresh snow,
I was reminded how much I need these slower moments.
There have been years where the calendar was full —
and by Christmas, I felt more depleted than present.
Now, I try to notice when I need stillness…
to create space,
not just for rest,
but for reflection.
There’s no right way to do this season.
Some find energy in celebration.
Some find peace in quiet.
Both are good.
Both are enough.
💬 I’m curious — with the snow falling today,
are you craving connection or calm?
Tell me below — I’d love to hear.
#GodMoment #DecemberSnow #HolidayPace #PresenceOverPressure #RealEstateWithHeart #FortErieRealtor #NiagaraRealEstate #RootedLiving #WomenInRealEstate #GentleDecember #MindfulHolidays #SeasonOfStillness #QuietJoy #WorkLifeRhythm #WalkingWithBlue #SnowyMorningThoughts
Niagara Real Estate Market Update – December 10, 2025
The latest numbers for the Niagara Region offer a clear look at current housing activity as we move deeper into December. This update highlights inventory levels, sales activity, and price averages across several communities, helping buyers and sellers understand how the market is functioning this week.
Across the Niagara Region, there are 2,746 active listings, reflecting steady inventory. Over the past seven days, 139 new listings were added, and 88 properties sold. The average days on market is 45, while the regional average sale price sits at $664,721. These figures show a market that continues to move, with buyers comparing a wide range of available properties.
Fort Erie reports 424 active listings, with 19 new and 7 sold in the last week. The 30-day sold count is 45, and the average days on market is 89, indicating longer selling times compared to other areas. The average sale price is $708,286. This reflects ongoing activity with a mix of property types across the town.
Niagara Falls shows 481 active listings and recorded 30 new and 12 sold in the past seven days. With 66 sales in the last 30 days and an average DOM of 55, the flow of listings and sales remains consistent. The average price is $564,723, offering a range that fits many buyer budgets.
St. Catharines continues to lead in sales volume with 26 sold in the last week and 115 sold over 30 days. With 442 active listings and an average DOM of 33, properties tend to move faster here than in other parts of the region. The average sale price reaches $633,261.
Port Colborne/Wainfleet holds 194 active listings, with 6 new and 7 sold over seven days. The 30-day sales total is 21, and the average DOM is 49. The average price is $545,143, reflecting steady activity in this lakeside area.
Fonthill/Pelham maintains 102 active listings. In the past week, 4 new listings were added and 5 sold, while the 30-day total is 17. The average DOM is 12, making this one of the quicker-moving sub-markets. The average sale price is $641,800.
Welland reports 352 active listings with 21 new and 14 sold in the past seven days. The 30-day sales total is 54. The average DOM is 58, and the average price is $689,929.
Lincoln has 134 active listings, with 3 new and 3 sold this week. 24 sales occurred over the last month, with an average DOM of 23. The average price reaches $760,000, the highest among the communities listed.
Thorold shows 269 active listings, with 16 new and 4 sold in the past week. The 30-day sold count is 24, and the average DOM is 32. The average sale price is $596,250.
These figures provide a snapshot of current trends across Niagara. Inventory remains strong, sales continue at a steady pace, and each municipality displays different patterns in pricing and days on market. Tracking these weekly shifts helps buyers and sellers stay informed as market conditions evolve through the season.
Choosing the Right Condo Type for Your Lifestyle
Ontario offers several condo ownership structures, and understanding their differences helps buyers choose what suits them best. The Condo Reference Guide breaks these into four main categories: Standard, Phased, Vacant Land, and POTL.
Standard condos offer shared amenities and predictable maintenance costs. Vacant land condos appeal to those wanting independence with some shared services. POTL homes provide freehold ownership while still tying owners to shared elements like roads or private utilities.
Leasehold condos (less common) offer long-term occupancy without land ownership.
Each structure comes with different agreements, fees, and ownership rights. Buyers should review legal descriptions, status certificates, and fee structures early to avoid surprises later.
Do you have that one appetizer everyone asks you to bring? 🦀✨
Do you have that one appetizer everyone asks you to bring? 🦀✨
Last weekend, I made my go-to crab and shrimp dip —
a recipe I originally found on YouTube
(I’ll link the video below).
It’s one of those easy, reliable dishes
that always gets comments when I bring it to a dinner party.
Simple ingredients, great flavour,
and it comes together quickly.
I seasoned the shrimp with Old Bay and a little chili,
picked up lump crab from @AnchorsontheRidge here in Ridgeway,
and used a mix of Gouda, cheddar, cream cheese,
spinach, onions, and a splash of white wine to finish the base.
I doubled the recipe so I could freeze one for the holidays —
something quick to pull out when company comes over.
Warm, comforting, and such a crowd pleaser.
Do you have a signature appetizer
you always bring to gatherings?
👇 I’d love to hear yours.
Recipe source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gi9lKvjhyA
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion #homecooking
#balancedliving #lifeinbalance #joyinthejourney #simplejoys
#slowlivingmovement #foodiefriday #appetizerideas #holidayhosting
#realestatelifestyle #lakeerielife #supportlocalniagara
⚠️ What if the fear of missing out is the thing causing the wrong decisions?
⚠️ What if the fear of missing out is the thing causing the wrong decisions?
This isn’t about saying no to great homes.
Sellers panic because they think a home will disappear if they don’t react immediately.
But until you’re sold, you can’t buy it anyway.
Rushing leads to premium pricing, unrealistic expectations, and stress.
Walking Blue shows me the value of the right pace.
Selling first isn’t missing out — it’s preparing properly.
When your sale is firm, the foundation is solid and the right home becomes a real option.
📲 DM me if you want a step-by-step plan for selling and buying with clarity.
#FortErieRealEstate #NiagaraRealEstateMarket #SellFirstBuyNext #SellerEducation #MarketFacts #RealEstateStrategy #KnowledgeBroker #BarbaraScarlett #C21HeritageHouse #FortErieHomesForSale #NiagaraHomes
What the Latest CMHC Data Means for Niagara Sellers
Months of inventory across Niagara have climbed, as indicated on page 16 of the CMHC Symposium report. Semi-detached dwellings now show 10.6 months of inventory, while townhomes and single-detached homes are at 6.8 and 6.9 months respectively.
For sellers, this means longer market times and greater need for strategic positioning. Benchmark prices (page 15) continue to decline year-over-year but remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Buyers are comparing more properties and are willing to negotiate. Sellers should focus on pricing accuracy, condition, and presentation. Realtors can use this data to help clients set realistic expectations and make decisions aligned with current local trends.
Big Change in Canada’s Federal Budget 🇨🇦 (Good News for U.S. Property Owners)
Just a quick update from this week’s Federal Budget here in Canada:
The government has officially removed the 1% Underused Housing Tax starting in 2025 and onward. This tax previously applied to many non-resident owners — including Americans with property in Canada.
If you or someone you know owns a home here, this is helpful news and removes a yearly cost and filing requirement going forward. (Note: 2022–2024 filings still remain.)
If you’d like a simple breakdown or have questions about cross-border ownership, feel free to reach out anytime.
Have a great Sunday!
Bill 60: What Investors Should Pay Attention To
Ontario’s Bill 60, the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act (2025), introduces several changes to landlord-tenant processes. These include:
• Unpaid rent notices shortened to 7 days (from 15)
• Personal-use evictions now require 120 days’ notice, with compensation no longer mandatory
• Appeal windows reduced to 15 days
• Adjustments to fixed-term lease renewals
For investors, these changes mean more predictable workflows and potentially fewer procedural delays. For homeowners considering renting out existing properties, the reduced notice periods and simplified personal-use eviction rules may remove barriers that previously discouraged them.
Realtors can use this update to support discussions with clients debating whether to sell or rent—especially in a market where months of inventory are rising and some owners are evaluating different exit strategies.
CMHC Data: Niagara Rental Market Shifting
The CMHC Symposium charts show an interesting shift in Niagara’s rental landscape. Page 7 indicates that advertised rents in St. Catharines–Niagara fell by 4.9% year-over-year, reflecting cooling rental demand.
One major contributor is increased supply. Page 8 shows 16 purpose-built rental units per 10,000 population currently under construction in the region—significantly more than prior years.
At the same time, the region is experiencing a significant decline in international students, down 25.8% year-over-year (page 10). This reduces rental pressure, particularly in St. Catharines where post-secondary populations play a key role in demand.
For investors, this means future rent growth may moderate. For renters, it may bring greater choice and stability. Understanding these dynamics helps set realistic expectations around rent, investment returns, and vacancy conditions.
Do you ever just look in your fridge and let the ingredients decide the meal? 🍽️
Do you ever just look in your fridge and let the ingredients decide the meal? 🍽️
Last week, I had boneless chicken breasts to use up,
some green beans, kale…
and a memory of the Chicken Cordon Bleu
my mom used to make when we were young.
I didn’t have the traditional ingredients,
so I improvised.
I butterflied the chicken,
pan-fried it with a little butter and olive oil,
and used stove top stuffing
because this truly was a last-minute idea.
A bit messy while filming with one hand —
but sometimes the best meals are.
I layered deli ham on top (ran out halfway through,
so I mixed in another kind — still delicious),
then skipped the oven step
and made a quick white sauce right in the pan:
butter, garlic, broth, a splash of non-dairy cream,
and all those browned bits scraped up
for extra flavour.
Green beans with spices
and a simple kale salad on the side —
and dinner was done.
It wasn’t planned,
but it turned out to be such a comforting meal.
A little nostalgic, a little improvised,
and very much worth making again.
Do you ever recreate dishes from memory
even when you don’t have all the ingredients?
👇 I’d love to know your version of “just make it work.”
#forterielife #forterie #niagararegion #homecooking
#balancedliving #lifeinbalance #simplejoys #joyinthejourney
#slowlivingmovement #foodiefriday #dinnerathome #realtorlife
#realestatelifestyle #comfortfoodmoments #creativecooking
