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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
⭐ Two-Week Real Estate Wrap-Up
⭐ Two-Week Real Estate Wrap-Up
A busy and productive couple of weeks across Fort Erie and Niagara.
Here’s what’s been happening lately:
🔑 Firm Deals – Congratulations!
466 Belleaire Blvd (Seller & Buyer)
18 Court St
70 Dodds Court
So happy for everyone involved — thank you for the trust.
🏁 Closed Deals
75 Ventura Dr #51
16 Meadowbrook Cres
Wishing each client all the best in their next chapter.
📉 New Price Improvements
Three great opportunities now live on the market:
🏡 690 Bridge Street — $349,900
• Peaceful semi-rural setting
• Large 120’ x 160’ lot
• Bright sunroom (guest room potential)
• One-floor living + main floor laundry
• Minutes to QEW + U.S. border
🏡 15 Malkin Avenue — $579,900
• Side-split in Lakeshore neighbourhood
• Updated flooring, kitchen + bath
• Eat-in kitchen, dining room, breakfast nook
• Finished lower level + storage level
• Attached garage + close to beaches & parks
🏡 544 Rosehill Road — $849,900
• 0.66-acre property, beautifully maintained
• 4 bedrooms (2+2), vaulted ceilings, updated kitchen
• Three-season sunroom overlooking mature gardens
• Walk-out basement + attached/detached garages
• Near Lake Erie, Friendship Trail + uptown amenities
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or want market clarity for 2026, I’m always here.
#FortErieRealEstate #NiagaraRealEstate #ScarlettRealEstateGroup #BarbaraScarlettBroker #JustSold #ClosedDeals #PriceImprovement #FortErieHomes #NiagaraRegion #RealEstateUpdate #MarketWatch #FortErieLiving #C21HeritageHouse #HomeBuyers #HomeSellers #NiagaraHomes #LocalRealtor #RealtorLife
What Buyers Should Know About POTL Properties
POTL (Parcel of Tied Land) properties blend freehold ownership with shared access to common elements such as private roads or shared utilities. According to the Condo Reference Guide, POTL properties can be identified by terms like “CECC,” “undivided interest in common elements,” or “POTL.”
Although owners hold the freehold land, they also share responsibility for the operating costs of the privately maintained areas. These fees differ from traditional condo fees; they cover items like snow removal, road maintenance, and shared systems, not building insurance or reserve funds.
Buyers often assume POTL homes are fully freehold, only to discover later that legal obligations exist through the CECC. For Realtors, reviewing the legal description and explaining the implications early prevents surprises during closing.
POTL properties can be appealing for clients wanting low-maintenance living without traditional condo rules, but they require careful explanation.
White Christmas Margarita…
White Christmas Margarita…
the first holiday cocktail of December. 
Thirsty Thursday always feels different this month.
A little more festive.
A little more playful.
A little more magical in the kitchen.
I picked up my Christmas hat at the market last weekend…
couldn’t resist matching it to the apron.
December invites that kind of fun.
Today’s drink is creamy, bright, and simple to pull together —
tequila, coconut milk, lime, triple sec.
Sweet rim.
Candied raspberries and rosemary.
Just enough winter charm to feel like the season has officially arrived.
It’s mid-afternoon here,
quiet in the house except for Blue,
and I’m mixing this up before heading to a holiday gathering tonight.
A little moment to pause…
to taste…
to ease into December before the pace picks up.
Here’s to the first Christmas cocktail of the month.
Here’s to cozy kitchens, small rituals,
and finding beauty in the simple things. 
Cheers, everyone — and welcome to December. 
#ThirstyThursday #WhiteChristmasMargarita #HolidayCocktails #FortErieLife #NiagaraRealtor #BarbaraScarlettBroker #ScarlettRealEstateGroup #LifestyleProject #DecemberVibes #RealEstateLife #CoconutMargarita #FestiveDrinks #SeasonalLiving #HomeMoments
Understanding Condo Types in Ontario: A Quick Guide
Condo terminology can be confusing for buyers and even agents. The Century 21 Condo, POTL & Vacant Land Condo Reference Guide provides clear distinctions.
Standard Condominiums:
These are the most common and include individual units plus common elements such as hallways and amenities. They are identified by legal descriptions containing “UNIT,” “LEVEL,” and the condo plan number. (Form 101 APS).
Phased Condominiums:
These start as a standard corporation but grow over time with additional buildings or phases. They must be completed within 10 years. (Form 101).
Vacant Land Condominiums:
Here, the “unit” is actually a parcel of land. Owners may build homes on the land or buy lots with structures already added. These are also Form 101 transactions.
POTL (Parcel of Tied Land):
These properties look like freehold homes but are tied to shared common elements through a CECC. They require Form 111 APS.
Freehold Properties:
These contain only LT/BLK/PL descriptions. They are not condos and use Form 100 APS.
Helping clients identify their property type ensures the correct agreement and proper due diligence.
If the pace of your business has slowed down… maybe that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.
If the pace of your business has slowed down… maybe that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen.
I’m out walking with Blue this morning,
just thinking about the ebb and flow of real estate.
It’s early December —
and naturally, things start to slow.
Deals still happen (they always do),
but the energy shifts.
There were years when I’d push hard through this season,
worried about squeezing in one more closing.
But lately, I’ve learned to appreciate this pause.
Because this business runs full tilt most of the year.
And if you’re not busy right now —
that doesn’t mean you’re falling behind.
It means your body and mind
have a chance to restore themselves.
Like sleep at the end of a long day —
this season is a reset.
And if a client calls, I’ll be ready.
But until then, I’m going to walk a little slower,
breathe a little deeper,
and feel grateful for the year behind me
and the one ahead.
💬 If your industry slows in December,
don’t fight it.
Let it do its work.
Follow for more grounded reflections from the path — and the pause.
#GodMoment #WalkingWithBlue #DecemberPace #RealEstateWithHeart #FortErieRealtor #NiagaraRealEstate #YearEndReflection #WorkLifeRhythm #SlowDownSeason #PresenceOverPressure #WomenInRealEstate #RootedLiving #HolidayReset #MindfulBusiness #WinterWisdom #RealLifeRealEstate
