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Is 2026 a Buyer’s Market in Niagara? What the Data Is Really Showing
If you have been following real estate headlines lately, you have likely heard the phrase:
“We’re in a buyer’s market.”
But what does that actually mean — especially here in Fort Erie and across the Niagara region?
More importantly:
Does a buyer’s market signal risk… or opportunity?
The answer depends on how well you understand the forces shaping today’s housing environment.
Let’s step back from the noise and look at what the data — and real-time market behaviour — are telling us.
First, What Defines a Buyer’s Market?
In simple terms, a buyer’s market occurs when the number of homes available exceeds the number of active buyers.
This typically leads to:
- Longer days on market
- More negotiation
- Conditional offers returning
- Greater choice for buyers
- Increased pricing sensitivity
However — and this is critical — a buyer’s market does not mean homes stop selling.
It means leverage shifts.
And markets that shift often create some of the best decision-making environments.
Inventory Has Rebuilt — But Context Matters
After the supply shortages seen during the pandemic years, housing inventory across Niagara has gradually improved.
When inventory rises, buyers gain the ability to compare properties rather than compete aggressively for them.
This creates a healthier marketplace overall.
Why?
Because balanced conditions tend to reduce emotional decision-making — replacing urgency with analysis.
Buyers begin asking smarter questions.
Sellers must respond with stronger strategy.
The Return of Negotiation
One of the clearest indicators of a buyer-influenced market is the return of negotiation.
Not extreme negotiation.
Not dramatic price drops.
But thoughtful conversations between buyers and sellers.
We are seeing:
- Inspection conditions reappear
- Financing clauses included again
- Flexible closing timelines negotiated
- Pricing conversations grounded in comparable sales
These are signs of a functioning market — not a failing one.
Days on Market Are Longer — And That’s Normalizing
For several years, homes selling within days became the expectation.
In reality, that pace was historically unusual.
Longer marketing timelines today should not automatically be interpreted as weakness.
Instead, they reflect a market recalibrating toward sustainable patterns.
A properly priced home is still attracting attention.
But buyers are allowing themselves time to evaluate.
And that is a sign of confidence returning — not disappearing.
Buyers Are Watching Value More Closely
Affordability continues to shape purchasing behaviour across Canada, and Niagara is no exception.
Today’s buyers are disciplined.
They are asking:
- Is the home priced appropriately?
- How does it compare to nearby sales?
- What updates will be required?
- Does the location support long-term value?
When those answers align, decisions follow.
This is why many well-positioned homes continue to transact even while overall market speed moderates.
Fort Erie Holds a Unique Position
Within Niagara, Fort Erie continues to attract attention for several structural reasons:
- Competitive pricing relative to larger markets
- Waterfront lifestyle
- Access to the Peace Bridge
- Expanding residential communities
- Appeal to both retirees and commuters
Markets offering lifestyle advantages often remain resilient — even while broader conditions adjust.
Buyers are not simply purchasing square footage.
They are purchasing quality of life.
A Buyer’s Market Often Benefits Sellers Too
At first glance, the term “buyer’s market” sounds unfavorable for homeowners.
But the reality is more nuanced.
Balanced markets create serious buyers.
Not speculative ones.
Not impulsive ones.
Serious buyers tend to:
- Complete due diligence
- Stay committed through conditions
- Close with confidence
For sellers, this often leads to smoother transactions.
Pricing Has Become the Ultimate Strategy
If there is one defining characteristic of today’s market, it is this:
Precision matters more than ambition.
The era of dramatically underpricing to spark bidding wars has largely passed.
So has the strategy of listing far above market value to “test.”
Instead, success now lives in the strategic price band — the range that attracts attention while remaining defensible through comparable data.
Homes that launch correctly often generate the strongest activity.
Those that do not may spend valuable weeks repositioning.
Are Buyers Actually Acting?
One misconception about buyer markets is that buyers disappear.
They don’t.
They simply become selective.
In fact, many buyers who paused during periods of rate volatility are quietly re-entering.
Stability — even at higher borrowing costs — allows households to plan again.
Planning leads to movement.
And movement drives real estate.
The Psychology Shift Worth Noticing
During overheated markets, buyers often feared missing out.
Today, the psychology has shifted toward careful progression.
Less rushing.
More measuring.
More intention.
This tends to produce healthier long-term ownership outcomes — something that benefits neighbourhood stability overall.
Mortgage Renewals May Add Another Layer
As mortgage renewals approach for many Canadian homeowners, some additional inventory may enter the market over time.
This does not signal distress.
It signals transition.
Transitions are natural within housing cycles and often introduce fresh opportunities for both buyers and sellers.
Markets are dynamic systems — not static ones.
Timing the Market vs. Understanding It
A question that surfaces frequently is:
“Should I wait?”
Trying to perfectly time housing markets is rarely productive.
What tends to matter more is personal timing:
- Lifestyle needs
- Financial readiness
- Long-term plans
When those align, the surrounding market becomes a framework — not a barrier.
Signs of a Healthy Direction
Several early indicators suggest the Niagara market is moving toward greater stability:
- Interest rates showing signs of steadiness
- Buyers gradually returning
- Inventory improving
- Negotiations becoming measured rather than reactive
Stability may not generate headlines, but it often builds the foundation for sustainable growth.
What Sellers Should Focus On Now
If you are considering selling this year, preparation is your advantage.
Key priorities include:
- Accurate pricing
- Thoughtful presentation
- Strategic marketing
- Understanding local competition
Today’s buyers respond strongly to homes that feel move-in ready and well-positioned.
The goal is not just exposure.
It is confidence.
What Buyers Should Remember
Choice can be powerful — but so can decisiveness.
When the right property appears, hesitation can still carry risk.
Balanced markets reward prepared buyers who understand value when they see it.
Looking Ahead Through 2026
While no single metric predicts the future, the overall trajectory suggests a market searching for equilibrium rather than extremes.
And equilibrium is often where the smartest real estate decisions are made.
Not in frenzy.
Not in fear.
But in clarity.
Final Thought
So — is 2026 a buyer’s market in Niagara?
In many ways, yes.
But more importantly, it is becoming a thinking market.
A market where strategy replaces speculation.
And those are often the environments where lasting wealth is built through real estate.
Want to stay ahead of these shifts?
Want to stay ahead of these shifts?Watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube, where I break down Fort Erie and Niagara market trends so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Valentine’s is almost here…
Valentine’s is almost here…
and sometimes the sweetest moments are the ones we create at home.
This week on Thirsty Thursday, I’m shaking up a raspberry espresso martini — rich, slightly sweet, and perfect for a slow February evening.
Niagara is still wrapped in winter…
but small rituals help soften the season.
A favorite glass.
Fresh espresso.
A touch of raspberry.
Maybe shared with someone you love… or simply enjoyed in a quiet moment for yourself.
Because home isn’t just where we live — it’s where we create experiences.
Recipe (approximate):
• 1–1.5 oz vodka with a dash of vanilla
• 1 oz Baileys or cream liqueur
• ¾ oz raspberry simple syrup or puree
• Fresh espresso
Shake with ice. Garnish with raspberries, chocolate, and coffee beans.
Try it this weekend… it’s a good one.
Cheers ♥️
#ThirstyThursday #ValentinesCocktail #EspressoMartini #NiagaraLiving #WinterRituals #CocktailAtHome #HomeLifestyle #FortErieLiving #NiagaraRegion #RealEstateLifestyle #EntertainingAtHome #FebruaryVibes #CocktailRecipe #CoffeeCocktail #ScarlettRealEstateGroup #BarbaraScarlett #LoveWhereYouLive
Some days, just getting there is the win.
Some days, just getting there is the win.
In about five minutes, I’ll be rolling into yoga —
not early, not settled,
just showing up at the last possible moment..
It was really snow…
It didn’t go as planned.
I wanted to be there early,
to ground myself before class began.
But real life had other ideas.
Still, I’m going.
Because mornings are when I feel most aligned.
It’s when I do my best thinking,
my deepest work,
and my most consistent movement.
There were other things I could’ve prioritized this morning —
but they can wait an hour.
💬 If you’re flying by the seat of your pants some days too,
and still choosing to show up for yourself —
just know, that counts.
#RootedLiving #RealLifeRhythms #MorningEnergy #WomenInRealEstate #FortErieRealtor #RealEstateWithHeart #GodMoment #ShowUpAnyway #YogaMornings #PresenceOverPerfection #BusyButMindful #DailyReset #RealLifeRealEstate #TimeForYou #StillnessInTheMiddle #GraceInTheRush
Steak Night at Home 🥩🔥
Steak Night at Home 🥩🔥
Is there anything better than a good steak and fresh air?
Adam treated us to a steak dinner,
and it was one of those simple, easy nights that just works.
We keep the marinade straightforward —
salt and pepper, chopped garlic,
a splash of soya and a touch of honey.
Alex has a system for how many times the steak should be flipped.
We don’t exactly agree on it 🙄😘
but somehow, it always turns out just right.
This time of year is perfect for grilling —
cooler air, the smell of the barbecue,
and a good excuse to get outside.
It gets me out of the house,
Blue is happy to be nearby,
and dinner feels a little more relaxed.
Are you team “flip once” or “flip often”?
👇 I’d love to hear where you land.
#steaknight #bbqlife #homecooking
#simplejoys #balancedliving #lifeinbalance
#joyinthejourney #everydaymoments
#familytime #outdoorcooking
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion
The Mortgage Renewal Wave Is Coming: What Fort Erie and Niagara Homeowners Should Prepare for in 2026
A major financial shift is quietly approaching the Canadian housing market.
Over the next 12–24 months, a large percentage of homeowners will renew mortgages that were secured during historically low interest rate periods.
Many of those rates began with a “1” or “2.”
Today’s lending environment looks very different.
For homeowners across Fort Erie and the Niagara region, renewal will not simply be a routine signature — it will be a financial checkpoint.
And for the broader housing market, it may become one of the most influential forces shaping supply, pricing, and buyer opportunity in 2026.
Why Mortgage Renewals Matter More This Cycle
Mortgage renewals occur every year. That alone is not unusual.
What makes this cycle significant is timing.
Between 2020 and early 2022:
- Borrowing costs were exceptionally low
- Purchasing power expanded
- Buyers maximized affordability
As those fixed-rate terms expire, many households will face payments that are materially higher than what they are used to.
Even modest increases can reshape financial decisions.
A Simple Illustration
Consider a homeowner who secured a mortgage near 2%.
If renewal occurs closer to 5%, the monthly payment could rise substantially depending on balance and amortization.
While every situation differs, the key takeaway is this:
Housing costs may no longer feel predictable for some households.
When predictability changes, behaviour follows.
What This Could Mean for the Niagara Market
Mortgage renewals do not automatically create distress.
Most homeowners prepare.
Many adjust.
Some refinance.
However, across an entire region, even small shifts in behaviour can influence market conditions.
We may begin to see:
- Some owners choosing to sell rather than renew at higher payments
- Others downsizing to reduce monthly obligations
- Investors reassessing portfolio performance
- Move-up buyers delaying purchases
Each decision adds inventory — or removes demand.
Both shape pricing.
Opportunity Often Emerges During Financial Transitions
Periods of adjustment tend to introduce options that did not previously exist.
For buyers, this can mean:
- Greater property selection
- Improved negotiation leverage
- More conditional offers being accepted
- Less competition
For sellers, it reinforces the importance of strategy.
Preparation and pricing will separate successful listings from stagnant ones.
Fort Erie Remains Structurally Attractive
Despite broader national conversations about affordability, Fort Erie continues to draw attention for several reasons:
- Relative value compared to larger urban centres
- Waterfront access
- Lifestyle-driven relocation
- Cross-border convenience
- Growing neighbourhood development
Markets with strong lifestyle appeal tend to remain resilient — even while adjusting.
Not Every Renewal Leads to a Sale
It is important to keep perspective.
Many homeowners have benefited from years of appreciation.
Some have paid down significant principal.
Others have experienced income growth.
Renewal does not automatically equal pressure.
In fact, many households will renew and continue building equity exactly as planned.
But collectively, renewal cycles can increase market fluidity — meaning more movement overall.
Movement creates opportunity.
Early Conversations Create Better Outcomes
One of the most valuable steps homeowners can take is starting the renewal conversation early.
Waiting until the final weeks limits flexibility.
Planning ahead allows time to explore:
- Rate options
- Term structures
- Payment strategies
- Equity positioning
- Long-term housing goals
Even homeowners not considering a move benefit from understanding their position.
Clarity reduces stress.
Buyers Should Pay Attention Too
Renewal cycles rarely affect only sellers.
They often reshape the landscape buyers step into.
If inventory gradually expands while rates stabilize, the result can be a more balanced environment — one where thoughtful purchasing decisions become possible again.
Not rushed.
Not reactive.
Strategic.
The Psychology Shift Already Underway
One noticeable trend emerging early this year is a quieter kind of buyer confidence.
Not the urgency of previous cycles — but a measured readiness.
Buyers appear more willing to act once value aligns with expectations.
This is often how stable markets rebuild momentum.
Pricing Discipline Will Remain Essential
If renewal-driven inventory grows, pricing accuracy will matter even more.
Homes positioned correctly from the start tend to:
- Generate stronger showing activity
- Maintain buyer interest
- Avoid prolonged market exposure
The goal is not simply to list.
The goal is to launch effectively.
What Homeowners Should Ask Themselves Now
Even if renewal is months away, three questions are worth considering:
1. Does this home still support my long-term lifestyle?
2. Would a different property better match the next phase of life?
3. How would higher payments influence my comfort level?
There is no universal answer — only informed ones.
Looking Forward Through 2026
Markets rarely pivot on a single factor.
Instead, they respond to a collection of influences:
- Interest rate stability
- Employment trends
- Consumer confidence
- Inventory levels
- Lending conditions
Mortgage renewals are simply one of the larger pieces entering that equation this year.
And they are worth watching.
Calm Markets Often Create Smart Decisions
The most productive housing decisions are rarely made in moments of frenzy.
They happen when buyers and sellers can evaluate options clearly.
The current environment is gradually moving in that direction.
Balanced markets tend to reward preparation over speculation.
Final Thought
Renewal is not just a financial event.
It is a moment to reassess direction.
For some, it will confirm staying put.
For others, it may open the door to a new chapter.
Either way, understanding your position early places you in control.
And control is one of the most valuable assets a homeowner can have.
Want to stay informed as these trends unfold?
Watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube, where I provide ongoing Fort Erie and Niagara market insights so you can plan with clarity and confidence.
Pricing Strategy in a Buyer’s Market: What Fort Erie Sellers Must Understand in 2026
The Niagara real estate market has shifted.
Not dramatically.
Not suddenly.
But decisively.
After years of rapid appreciation, multiple offers, and compressed selling timelines, today’s environment is asking sellers to approach pricing with far greater precision.
In markets like Fort Erie, pricing is no longer a marketing tactic.
It is the strategy.
The Market Has More Balance — And Buyers Know It
Over the past year, inventory has improved across Niagara while sales have moderated. When supply increases faster than demand, buyers gain negotiating power.
This does not mean homes are not selling.
They are.
But buyers are:
- Comparing more properties
- Taking longer to decide
- Including conditions again
- Negotiating price
The emotional urgency that defined the 2021–2022 market has been replaced with analytical decision-making.
For sellers, this requires a mindset shift.
The Risk of “Testing the Market”
One of the most common strategies still discussed at kitchen tables is:
“Let’s list high and see what happens. We can always reduce later.”
On the surface, this feels safe.
In reality, it often produces the opposite result.
Why?
Because your listing has a performance window.
The First 7–10 Days Matter Most
When a home first hits the market, it receives peak exposure:
- Saved searches trigger alerts
- Agents notify active buyers
- New listing traffic spikes
- Online algorithms prioritize it
If the price does not align with market expectations during this window, buyers do not rush in later after reductions.
Instead, they begin asking:
“Why hasn’t it sold?”
Perception becomes your biggest obstacle.
Overpricing Creates Three Silent Consequences
1. You Attract the Wrong Buyers
Buyers searching in your inflated price bracket expect finishes, size, or location that your home may not offer.
Result: showings without offers.
2. You Miss Your Ideal Buyer Pool
The buyer who would have written an offer never sees the property because it sits outside their search range.
3. You Chase the Market Down
Repeated price reductions can position the home as stale inventory.
Often, the final sale price ends up lower than if the home had been priced correctly from day one.
What Determines Market Value Today?
Many sellers still anchor their expectations to the peak.
But markets move — and value is always determined in the present.
The four factors buyers focus on most are:
Recent Comparable Sales
Not last year.
Not the pandemic peak.
Buyers — and their lenders — rely heavily on recent data.
Current Competition
If three similar homes are available, yours must stand out in either:
- Price
- Condition
- Features
Ideally all three.
Property Condition
Move-in ready homes continue to outperform those requiring updates.
Today’s buyers are more payment-sensitive and less eager to take on renovation costs immediately after closing.
Financing Climate
Stable interest rates are helping buyers re-enter the market, but affordability remains a consideration.
When payments matter, buyers become disciplined.
The Strategic Price Zone
Rather than asking:
“What is the highest number we can list at?”
Successful sellers ask:
“Where is the strategic price that creates activity?”
Activity creates:
- Showings
- Emotional connection
- Offers
- Competition
Even in a balanced market, competition can still occur — but only when pricing invites it.
Signs Your Price Is Working
Within the first two weeks, you should typically see one of the following:
Strong showing volume
Positive buyer feedback
Second viewings
Early offers
If none of these are happening, the market is already sending a message.
Ignoring that message rarely improves the outcome.
Days on Market: A Number Buyers Watch Closely
Longer selling timelines are becoming more common across Niagara.
However, buyers interpret extended days differently depending on price positioning.
A well-priced home:
“Looks like good value — let’s see it.”
An overpriced home:
“What’s wrong with it?”
The psychology is subtle but powerful.
Preparation Is the New Negotiation
Before pricing is even discussed, preparation should answer one question:
Does this home compete confidently against everything else available right now?
Strategic preparation may include:
- Minor cosmetic updates
- Professional cleaning
- Decluttering
- Light staging
- Professional photography
These are not expenses.
They are positioning tools.
But What If You “Need” a Certain Price?
This is one of the hardest conversations in real estate — and one of the most important.
The market does not adjust to a seller’s financial goals.
Instead, the strategy must adjust to the market.
Sometimes this means:
- Waiting to list
- Re-evaluating timing
- Exploring alternative scenarios
Clarity is always better than chasing an unrealistic number.
Fort Erie: A Market Buyers Continue to Watch
Fort Erie remains attractive for several reasons:
- Relative affordability within Niagara
- Proximity to the U.S. border
- Waterfront lifestyle
- Growing communities
- Strong commuter appeal
Because of this, well-priced homes continue to transact — even while the broader market normalizes.
Opportunity exists.
But it rewards precision.
The Role of Professional Guidance
Automated estimates and headline predictions cannot replace hyper-local analysis.
Pricing today requires reviewing:
- Micro-neighbourhood trends
- Buyer behaviour
- Competing inventory
- Property positioning
Strategy has replaced guesswork.
Looking Ahead Into 2026
As mortgage renewals approach for many Canadians and inventory gradually rebuilds, pricing discipline will likely remain one of the defining themes of this market cycle.
The sellers who succeed will not be the ones who “aim high.”
They will be the ones who aim accurately.
Final Thought
A buyer’s market does not eliminate opportunity.
It simply changes how success is achieved.
Price is no longer just a number.
It is your strongest marketing tool.
Want to understand how today’s pricing trends apply to your property?
Watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube, where I break down Fort Erie and Niagara market behaviour so you can make informed decisions with confidence.
Niagara Real Estate Market Update 2026: What Falling Prices Mean for Buyers and Sellers
The Niagara real estate market has entered 2026 with a noticeably different tone than the fast-moving years many homeowners still remember. Sales have softened, prices have adjusted, and inventory remains elevated — all signals of a market recalibrating after one of the most aggressive housing cycles in Canadian history.
For buyers and sellers across Fort Erie and the broader Niagara Region, understanding these shifts is no longer optional. It is essential for making confident decisions.
A Market Reset Is Underway
Recent MLS® data shows both sales activity and benchmark prices trending lower year-over-year across most Niagara communities.
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Niagara recorded 6,177 sales compared to 6,689 the prior year, a decline of 7.7%, while the benchmark price dropped to $573,900 from $626,000 — down 8.32%.
Fort Erie followed a similar pattern.
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Sales decreased 3.8%, and the benchmark price moved from $540,000 to $503,600 — a 6.74% decline.
While headlines often frame falling prices as negative, seasoned observers recognize this phase as a normalization period rather than a collapse.
Markets rarely move in straight lines.
Year-Over-Year Snapshot
Niagara Market Comparison
| Metric | Jan 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 6,689 | 6,177 | -7.7% |
| Benchmark Price | $626,000 | $573,900 | -8.32% |
Fort Erie
| Metric | Jan 2025 | Jan 2026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales | 610 | 587 | -3.8% |
| Benchmark Price | $540,000 | $503,600 | -6.74% |
(Source: MLS® data via Niagara Association of REALTORS®)
Why Prices Have Adjusted
To understand today’s market, it helps to revisit the peak.
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Niagara’s benchmark price reached $811,700 in March 2022.
Today’s benchmark:
$573,900 — roughly 29.4% below the peak.
This shift reflects classic supply-and-demand dynamics.
During the pandemic surge:
- Buyers outnumbered listings
- Competition drove bidding wars
- Many purchases were emotionally charged
Now, conditions have reversed.
Inventory has improved, urgency has cooled, and buyers are negotiating again.
The Buyer’s Market Reality
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Overpricing in a buyer-driven market is described as “looking for a needle in a haystack.”
That phrase captures today’s environment precisely.
Buyers have options — and they know it.
When choice expands, patience follows.
Four Pricing Myths Sellers Must Let Go Of
One of the most valuable insights from current market research is what does not determine your home’s value.
1. Your Financial Needs
Buyers do not consider your mortgage balance, retirement goals, or debts when deciding what a home is worth.
2. Renovation Spending
Improvements only add value when they match buyer expectations in that neighbourhood.
3. Emotional Attachment
Buyers purchase based on their future — not your memories.
4. Your Original Purchase Price
Real estate value is tied to recent comparable sales, not historical numbers.
This is where strategy becomes critical.
Mortgage Rates Are Providing Stability
The financing environment is also contributing to renewed buyer confidence.
Current examples include:
- 3-year fixed insured: 3.84%
- 5-year fixed insured: 3.79%
- Variable insured: 3.35%
- Bank of Canada policy rate: 2.25%
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
(Rates apply to “A” credit borrowers and are subject to change.)
Stable borrowing costs often act as a psychological turning point for buyers who have been waiting on the sidelines.
What This Means for Buyers
Periods like this historically create opportunity.
Advantages include:
- Greater selection
- Negotiation leverage
- Reduced competition
- Conditional offers returning
Buyers who focus on long-term ownership rather than short-term gains typically benefit most from transitional markets.
What This Means for Sellers
Success in 2026 will depend less on timing and more on positioning.
Well-priced homes are still selling.
Overpriced homes are sitting.
The difference is preparation and data-driven strategy.
Regional Price Trends Worth Watching
Several Niagara communities saw notable shifts:
- Lincoln: –11.55%
- Niagara-on-the-Lake: –11.45%
- Thorold: –10.54%
Newsletter February 2026 Print …
Luxury markets often adjust more noticeably during normalization cycles because discretionary buyers move more cautiously.
Is the Market Weak?
No — it is disciplined.
Healthy markets are not defined by constant price growth. They are defined by balance.
Today’s conditions are restoring that balance.
Strategic Insight for 2026
Instead of asking:
“Is it a good time to buy or sell?”
A better question is:
“Does this move support my long-term plan?”
Real estate remains one of the most durable wealth-building tools available — when approached with patience and clarity.
Final Thoughts
The Niagara market is not collapsing.
It is recalibrating.
For buyers, this creates opportunity.
For sellers, it demands strategy.
And for both — it rewards informed decisions.
Want deeper insight into what’s unfolding locally?
Watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube, where I break down Niagara and Fort Erie trends in real time so you can move forward with confidence.
⏳ Why patience matters more than ever when selling today
⏳ Why patience matters more than ever when selling today
Longer market times are catching many sellers off guard.
If a home hasn’t sold yet, it’s easy to assume something is wrong.
But today’s buyers take longer.
They compare more.
They move more cautiously.
That doesn’t mean your listing isn’t being seen.
Progress isn’t always obvious.
Whether it’s learning through a book, a webinar, or a podcast, understanding builds over time through consistent exposure.
Selling works the same way.
When a home is pulled off the market too early, visibility stops and momentum breaks.
Exposure and buyer feedback are what guide the next right adjustments — not impatience.
📌 Staying listed gives your home the time it needs to work through today’s longer market cycles.
👉 Follow for practical guidance in today’s market.
#forterierealestate #niagararealestate #homesellingtips #staylisted #sellerstrategy #marketmomentum #realestateeducation #realestatecanada #sellwithconfidence
Foodie Friday — Dinner at Dario’s 🍝❄️
Do you have a restaurant that feels authentic the moment you walk in?
I arrived at Dario’s Family Owned & Operated Restaurant a little early —
Alex was driving back in from the city through the snow —
so I grabbed a seat, caught up on some work, and waited.
Alex arrived, said hello to the chef (as he always does),
and we settled in for one of those easy, shared meals.
Our table was small, so everything went right in the middle:
• Eggplant Parm with penne Alfredo
• A side of meatballs (someone nearby was definitely in for a feast 😉)
• A fresh salad
• Alex started with a bowl of soup
Simple. Generous. Meant for sharing.
Dario’s feels like one of those little Italian spots
that hasn’t tried to be anything other than what it is —
family-run, welcoming, and consistent.
And yes… there are plenty of prepared meals to take home,
and wine too.
Alex is always a good sport when I show up early,
camera in hand, already settled in.
If you haven’t been, it’s well worth a visit.
Do you have a local restaurant you keep coming back to?
👇 I’d love to hear.
#foodiefriday #forterielife #forterie #forterieliving
#niagararegion #niagaraeats #supportlocal
#italianfood #familyowned #simplejoys
#balancedliving #lifeinbalance #joyinthejourney
#realestatelifestyle #lakeerielife
Friday Wrap-Up 🎥
Friday Wrap-Up 🎥
Another productive week across the Fort Erie market — steady movement, strategic pricing, and continued opportunity for buyers preparing for their next move.
✔ Accepted Offer — 32 Sunrise Court
This Ridgeway property is now conditionally sold with an accepted offer in place. Momentum continues early in the year, and we’ll watch for it to convert to firm shortly. Congratulations to the sellers as they move through the next step.
⬇ Price Adjustment — 15 Malkin Avenue | Now $564,900
Set on a mature lot near the Friendship Trail and Lake Erie, this well-maintained side-split offers comfort, natural light, and flexible living space.
Features include:
• Attached garage
• Modernized kitchen and updated bathroom
• Bright den overlooking the backyard
• Finished lower-level living space
• Additional unfinished level for storage or future expansion
• Close to amenities, trails, and the waterfront
Open House: Feb 22 | 12–2 PM
🏡 Open House — 8845 Banting Avenue | $599,900
Saturday, Feb 21 | 12–2 PM
A thoughtfully updated mid-century bungalow in the desirable Chippawa neighbourhood, offering flexibility, functionality, and modern finishes throughout.
Highlights:
• 3 + 1 bedrooms | 2 bathrooms
• Carpet-free with luxury vinyl plank flooring
• Updated kitchen with quartz countertops and subway tile backsplash
• Bathroom remodel (2022)
• Major updates: windows (2016), roof (2016), furnace & A/C (2021)
• Spacious rec room + dedicated home office
• Additional bonus room ideal for gym, hobby space, or dressing area
• Separate main-floor office — ideal for a home-based business
• Wood deck with built-in gazebo
• Three attached sheds + rear workshop
• Generous 54 x 138 ft lot
A move-in-ready home with space to grow in a well-established community.
Newer Homes Snapshot in Fort Erie
🏘 397 Garrison Road – New Construction Bungaloft Townhomes
Starting at $599,000–$599,900 (Phase III)
• Builder financing as low as 1.58% for qualifying buyers
• 3 beds | 3 baths | approx. 1,465–1,491 sq. ft.
• 9’ ceilings with open-concept design
• Main-floor primary suite + in-suite laundry
• Attached garage
🏡 871 Burwell Street — $599,900
• Raised bungalow | 3 beds | 2 baths
• Approx. 1,360 sq. ft.
• Main-floor laundry
• Attached garage | Lakeshore neighbourhood
🏡 407 Louisa Street — $719,900 (New Build)
• Bungalow | 3 beds | 2 baths
• Approx. 1,391 sq. ft.
• Open-concept layout with fireplace
• Attached garage | Peace Bridge Village
🏡 427 Williams Crescent — $525,000
• Bungaloft townhouse | 2 beds | 2 baths
• Main-floor primary + loft bedroom
• Attached garage
• Townhome with no condo fees
🏡 394 Hummel Crescent — $699,900
• Bungalow | 2 beds | 2 baths
• Quartz kitchen with centre island
• Main-floor laundry
• Double garage | Peace Bridge Village
🏡 1050 Kettle Court — $799,000
• Bungalow | 4 beds | 3 baths
• Finished basement
• Composite deck, fenced yard, swim spa
• Double garage | Cul-de-sac near lake & trail
Opportunities continue to present themselves for buyers who are prepared — and for sellers who are pricing with today’s market in mind.
If you’re watching the market or planning a move in 2026, I’m always available to help you understand what these shifts mean for your property and your next step.
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