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Fort Erie Market Snapshot — What the Numbers Are Really Saying
Market data often feels overwhelming, but trends become clearer when viewed calmly. In Fort Erie, sales volume through December 2025 remained stable year-over-year, while prices adjusted modestly.
This tells an important story. The market isn’t collapsing — it’s recalibrating. Buyers are selective. Sellers must be realistic. Inventory levels matter more than speed.
Fort Erie continues to behave differently from other Niagara municipalities, reinforcing the importance of hyper-local analysis.
Real estate is no longer about urgency. It’s about alignment.
For street-level insights and local context, watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube.
Understanding Timing: What Five-Year Appreciation Reveals for Today’s Buyers
In our weekly office meeting today, Eugene, our office manager, shared an important insight worth passing along. We reviewed homeowners who purchased at the peak of the market when interest rates were still low. We then amortized those purchases and examined the five-year appreciation on an average-priced home.
The appreciation was significant. It served as a reminder of how important it is to share this type of information with buyers who remain on the sidelines, uncertain about timing. Buyers waiting for interest rates to drop or prices to settle—while continuing to pay rent—may benefit from evaluating the financial impact of delaying a purchase.
Carbon Monoxide Rules — What Ontario Homeowners Need to Know in 2026
As of January 1, 2026, Ontario has expanded carbon monoxide alarm requirements under the Fire Code. These changes apply to homeowners, landlords, tenants, and condo owners.
CO alarms are now required on every storey of a home, not just near bedrooms, if fuel-burning equipment, fireplaces, or attached garages are present. The goal is earlier detection and safer outcomes.
For multi-unit buildings, requirements extend to units near service rooms or garages and to corridors heated by fuel-burning systems.
These changes are not about compliance paperwork. They are about safety and awareness. Carbon monoxide is odourless and invisible. Early warning saves lives.
Understanding these updates is essential whether you own, rent, or manage property.
For practical guidance and homeowner insights, watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube.
❄️ Why do sellers pause in winter… when buyers don’t?
❄️ Why do sellers pause in winter… when buyers don’t?
As you can see from the pile of donations behind me in this reel, I was helping prepare a home for market today, and the question came up:
“Should we just wait until spring?”
It’s a common thought.
Winter feels slower —
but slower doesn’t mean inactive.
I often think about it the same way I think about listening to audiobooks and podcasts.
Just because it’s winter, I don’t stop listening.
If anything, that’s when focus sharpens.
Real estate works the same way.
When sellers step off the market, visibility stops and momentum breaks.
At the same time, many unmotivated sellers exit, inventory drops, and what’s left gets more attention.
Yes, there are fewer buyers —
but the buyers who remain are watching, tracking, and deciding.
Staying active now keeps your home in front of that audience,
instead of restarting later in a louder, more crowded spring market.
📌 Strategy isn’t about timing the season.
It’s about staying positioned while others pause.
👉 Follow for more market insight and seller strategy.
From Farmhouse to Bungalow: A Busy Fort Erie Weekend
Good morning! I had a busy weekend – I hosted two open houses this weekend — one at 5930 Michener Road, which was busy from start to finish. People are always curious about this listing; it’s a gorgeous century farmhouse and definitely draws attention.
On Sunday, I also hosted an open house at one of my beautiful bungalow listings in Ridgeway by the lake. I’ve had quite a few showings on this property as well, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it doesn’t last long.
At that open house, the first hour was busy, followed by a slower second hour — possibly because of the Bills game?
Go Bills, go!
How Long Do People Actually Stay in Their Homes?
Many homeowners worry they are “behind” if they haven’t moved within five years. In reality, Ontario averages tell a different story. Outside of Toronto, homeowners typically stay between 8 and 12.5 years before selling.
This longer timeline reflects affordability pressures, borrowing costs, and inventory levels. It also reinforces the idea that real estate is a long-term asset, not a short-term transaction.
In Fort Erie and across Niagara, staying longer often results in stronger equity positions and less stress. Market cycles come and go, but time smooths volatility.
Homeownership is not a race. It’s a strategy.
For grounded insights on long-term ownership, watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube.
Selling Too Soon — The Hidden Cost of Short-Term Decisions
In a depreciating or flat market, the cost of selling too soon becomes more visible. Buyers often assume equity equals profit, but transaction costs, mortgage insurance, and higher interest rates can quickly erase gains.
The Niagara example of a 2022 purchase followed by a 2025 sale highlights this risk. Despite making mortgage payments for three years, the seller still experienced a loss once costs were factored in.
This doesn’t mean homeowners are “stuck.” It means decisions must be made with full awareness. Life changes sometimes require moves regardless of market conditions. The goal is clarity, not avoidance.
Understanding timelines allows homeowners to plan proactively rather than reactively. In many cases, staying put longer protects equity and creates flexibility.
To understand how timing impacts real outcomes, follow my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube.
The 5-Year Rule — Why Time Matters More Than Timing
Financial professionals often reference the “5-year rule” when discussing real estate, and for good reason. In Niagara, history shows that homeowners who remain in their property for at least five years tend to recover transaction costs and build meaningful equity.
Equity grows in two ways: mortgage principal reduction and market appreciation. Even during periods of price correction, consistent mortgage payments quietly build value. This is often overlooked when people focus solely on sale price comparisons.
A homeowner purchasing in 2020 and selling in 2025 saw modest price appreciation, yet the real gain came from principal paydown over time. That patience created a stronger financial position.
Shorter timelines, especially in declining or flat markets, increase risk. Selling within three years can result in losses even after equity gains are considered.
The takeaway isn’t “never move early,” but rather to understand how time influences outcomes. Real estate rewards structure, not impulse.
For real-life examples and deeper explanations, watch my Value Series on Instagram or YouTube.
Do you ever go out for dinner and come home inspired to cook? 🦞🍲
Do you ever go out for dinner and come home inspired to cook? 🦞🍲
Over the Christmas weekend, we met a group of friends for dinner at @tideandvine .
What I didn’t realize until that night was that they also have a fishmonger shop next door —
full of fresh seafood and great ideas for home cooking.
While I was in there,
I couldn’t stop thinking about a seafood stew.
The next day, we enjoyed Tide and Vine —
beautifully prepared, simple, and fresh.
And two days later,
I was back in my own kitchen,
making a seafood stew inspired by that visit.
I love when a meal carries forward like that —
from restaurant,
to market,
to home.
It’s a reminder that good food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Sometimes it just starts with seeing what’s fresh.
Do you ever let a restaurant visit shape what you cook next?
👇 I’d love to hear.
#forterielife #forterie #forterieliving #niagararegion #niagaraeats
#balancedliving #lifeinbalance #joyinthejourney #simplejoys
#slowlivingmovement #foodiefriday #seafoodlovers
#localrestaurantsniagara #realestatelifestyle #lakeerielife
Two opportunities to step inside very different lifestyles — both open this weekend.
Two opportunities to step inside very different lifestyles — both open this weekend.
🏡 32 Sunrise Court | Ridgeway
$799,900
📅 Saturday, Jan 11 | 12–2 PM
A well-designed bungalow in one of Ridgeway’s most established neighbourhoods.
Vaulted ceilings.
Fireplace + sunroom.
A layout that feels easy and comfortable — with access to the Algonquin Club amenities just down the road.
Quiet streets.
Close to the lake.
Minutes to downtown Ridgeway.
🌾 5930 Michener Road | Sherkston / Port Colborne
$1,150,000
📅 Friday, Jan 10 | 12–2 PM
A rare country estate on 10 acres.
Historic charm with modern updates.
Barn, paddocks, and room to breathe.
This is the kind of property that doesn’t come along often — and needs to be experienced in person.
If either of these feel like your next chapter, come by this weekend.
I’d love to walk you through.
#openhouse #forterierealestate #ridgewayontario #portcolbornerealestate #niagararealestate #bungalowliving #countryestate #homesforsale #scarlettrealestategroup #barbarascarlettbroker #niagaraliving
