by Rick Crouch | 2026 Real Estate Market Update & Trends, Buying & Selling Tips, Real Estate Buying, Real Estate Market Activity, Real Estate Selling
Most consumers are keenly aware that today’s real estate market has changed significantly from the robust conditions we experienced in 2020 and 2021. From my perspective that is not a bad thing. During that time period and into early 2022, it was clearly a “Seller’s market.” The demand for homes was high some of it driven from the COVID 19 pandemic induced “work from home” trend. The inventory of properties for sale on the MLS® System was near an all time low, coupled with historically low mortgage lending rates.
We were essentially “riding the crest of a wave” but eventually all waves crash on the shore. Further I felt the robust marklet of 2020/2021 was neither sustainable over the long term nor was it financially healthy cor consumers if it did.
Every market has opportunities. They may at times be hard to search out, but with the right approach and strategy, Buyers and Sellers can enjoy more balanced market dynamics even when they may not appear to exist In my prior post I explained how consumer debt in Canada is no doubt going to impact the recovery rate of the real estate slowdown we are currently experiencing.
In this post I will share what Buyers and Sellers need to focus on to seize the opportunities that exist in today’s market one which clearly favours Buyers. I share this not only as a real estate professional but from my own personal experience having sold many homes of my own stemming from job relocation etc. and often through several market shifts both up and down.
For Buyers: How to Capitalize on a Buyer’s Market
Today’s market offers increased inventory, reduced competition, and greater negotiating power, but only for those who act with intention.
- Get Fully Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)
Work with a lender to secure a firm mortgage pre-approval. This strengthens your credibility and positions you as a serious Buyer in negotiations. - Analyze True Market Value (Not Asking Price)
Focus on comparable sales, price trends, and days on market, not just list price. This is where many Buyers gain a critical advantage and is where the advice of a real estate professional acting in an advisory role with knowledge of the local market is key. - Identify Motivated Sellers
Look for:
- Properties with extended days on market
- Price reductions
- Estate sales or vacant homes
These situations often present below-market purchase opportunities. Ask your real estate professional how long a property has been listed, have they reduced the price and or had any offers? All this information is available.
- Use Conditions Strategically
Financing, inspection, and status review conditions are not weaknesses—they are risk management tools that protect your investment. Even with mortgage pre-approval, I often recommend a short-term “financing condition” just to be safe. You may be pre-approved but the home you are buying is not and mortgage lenders are cautious these days. - Negotiate Beyond Price
In today’s market, you can often negotiate:
- Closing dates
- Repairs or credits
- Included chattels, fixtures or upgrades
The best deals are structured—not just discounted.
For Sellers: How to Compete and Win in a Buyer’s Market
While Buyers have more leverage, Sellers who position correctly can still achieve strong results and successful sales timelines.
- Price for Today’s Market—Not Yesterday’s
Overpricing leads to stagnation. Properties that are priced accurately from day one generates more interest, stronger offers, and better outcomes. Too often Sellers will say, “we want or need X dollars” from our sale. That may be to finance their next purchase or pay off debts but in reality, “it has nothing to do with the value of your home today.” - Invest in Presentation and Preparation
Professional staging, photography, and minor improvements can significantly impact:
- Buyer perception
- Time on market
- Final sale price
First impressions drive online engagement and in-person showings. Consumers often select the homes they want to view by the listing photos alone and we have all seen photos of properties for sale that are a real turn-off. Even if a potential Buyer gets past photos that show a cluttered or poorly maintain property, they will use that as leverage when negotiating a price.
- Create a Competitive Listing Strategy
This includes:
- Strategic pricing (not aspirational pricing or what you need/want)
- Targeted digital marketing. While print media ads are still prevalent, they are for the most part, ineffective in driving interest and selling your home.
- Maximum exposure across MLS®, social media, and search platforms
- Be Open to Negotiation and Terms
Flexibility with closing dates, conditions, and inclusions can make your property more attractive to qualified Buyers. Real estate is a process that involves a strategy and negotiation. - Monitor Market Feedback in Real Time
Showings, agent feedback, and market response provide worthwhile date and input, use it to quickly adjust Buyer or REALTOR® comments from those that have viewed the property Stay competitive, if you learn that a Buyer who viewed your house bought something else, learn why and if possible address the reason be it the home’s appearance or price etc.
The Advantage of Working with a Professional Real Estate Advisor
In a market like what we have today, rolling the dice and “hoping for the best” is not an option and it is certainly not a strategy. A sound strategy is based on experience, data analysis, and negotiation expertise. This combination separates failed or average results from exceptional ones whether you are buying, selling or both.
As a Real Estate Broker and Residential Market Value Appraiser with 25+ years of experience, I have learned a great deal over the years. I too am a homeowner thatr has bought ans sold many times.. As such, these are just some of the key points I have learned to be successful:
- Accurate property valuation and pricing strategy
- In-depth market analysis (local trends, comparable sales, pricing, days-on-market, compeition and more)
- Skilled negotiation to protect your interests and maximize value
- A strategic marketing plan for Selling, there is no on-size-fits all
- Specific purchasing guidance for Buyers, decide clearly what you want/need and can afford
Final Thoughts
Today’s real estate market is not about “timing the market” and it certainly should not be approached like selling or buying stocks. It is about understanding the market you are engaged in, obtaining and using relevant information about that market from a knowledgeable local professional and responding to that information with the right strategy.
My goal is simple: It’s to act as your professional real estate Advisor helping you to move forward in a real estate tramsaction that generates Elevated Results.
NOTE: The author is a Broker, Market Value Appraiser-Residential with Sotheby’s International Realty Canada and a Past President (2008) of the One Point Association of REALTORS®.
This post is not intended to solicit homes or other properties already listed for sale.
📧 [email protected] 📞 Phone 705-443-1037 🌐 www.rickcrouch.realtor
