There’s a lot of talk about affordability improving in Canada as fixed rates rise, but it’s important to look closely at what’s actually being reported. As someone who’s helped clients navigate the ups and downs of the real estate market for nearly three decades, I always look for the details that matter most to buyers and sellers. In this case, there were no specific figures on home prices, mortgage rates, sales, listings, or affordability for Canada as a whole—just broad numbers from certain metro areas. That means we don’t have a clear picture for our local markets, and no real way to gauge the direction of affordability at the town level. The mortgage stress-test discussion was also kept quite general, so there’s no concrete information about what today’s buyers might actually qualify for, or what monthly payments could look like in our area. My take? When the headlines get broad, it’s a good time to pause and focus on local expertise. Every community is unique, and market shifts can look very different from one neighborhood to the next. Straightforward, honest advice always starts with the facts—and right now, those local details matter more than ever.
Author: Bernice McNutt, REALTOR®
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Happy Thanksgiving
The perfect opportunity to embrace your inner "foodie" and unbutton your pants at the dinner table!In Canada, post-Thanksgiving is all about creative cranberry sauce solutions. Cranberry sauce pancakes, anyone?It's that time when multiple ovens are a blessing. Turkey, pies, casseroles – less stress!
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Ontario Builders Prepare for Growth with New Investments
If you’re watching the Ontario real estate market, you might have heard about new tariff disputes between Canada and the U.S. What does this mean for those of us buying, selling, or building? Builders are now facing construction cost increases of $9,000–$14,000 for single homes and $18,000–$28,000 for mid-rise units. These added expenses ripple out, affecting everything from the price of materials to the number of new homes being built—and ultimately, the affordability of homes across our communities.
Having spent 27 years helping families navigate these ups and downs, I know how changes like these can weigh on your plans and dreams. My approach has always been straightforward and honest—no flash, just real talk and genuine support. If you’re feeling uncertain about what these changes might mean for your next move, you’re not alone. Real estate should never feel overwhelming, and understanding how these shifts impact your options is the first step to making decisions you feel good about.
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Ontario HST rebate shields new home sales
When it comes to buying a new home in Ontario, the HST rebate has provided some real protection for buyers—especially in the GTA. In fact, single-family home sales reached 692 units, which is 47% above the 10-year average. Overall, there were 907 new home sales. But while those numbers are strong, the benchmark price actually dropped 14.6% compared to last year. On the other hand, condo sales took a hit, falling 78% below the average, partly due to limits on tax incentives.
After nearly three decades guiding clients through ups and downs in the market, I can say these numbers highlight just how important it is to understand what’s really driving today’s choices—whether it’s government rebates, pricing trends, or changing incentives. If you’re thinking about your next move, know that honest advice and truly listening to your needs is at the heart of what I do. Real estate should be straightforward, so you can focus on what matters most: making a house into a home.
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Oshawa – Most Affordable Homes of September 2026
When it comes to finding a place that truly feels like home, affordability matters. For September 2026, I’ve rounded up Oshawa’s most budget-friendly listings—each one a real opportunity for buyers looking to make a smart move without sacrificing comfort. Here are the top options, sorted by price:
1. Listing E13100096 — $229,000
2. Listing E13690948 — $299,000
3. Listing E13818984 — $324,900
4. Listing E13743078 — $337,700
5. Listing E13785856 — $339,900
6. Listing E13818920 — $349,000
7. Listing E13732342 — $359,000
8. Listing E13833118 — $359,999
9. Listing E13764532 — $369,000
10. Listing E13834658 — $379,000
11. Listing E13231170 — $379,900
12. Listing E13450018 — $379,900
13. Listing E13837222 — $388,000
14. Listing E13835306 — $389,900
15. Listing E13747880 — $395,000Whether you’re stepping into the market for the first time or looking for a fresh start, there’s real value to be found. I believe real estate should never feel overwhelming or rushed—just straightforward, honest, and supported every step of the way.
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Mortgage Rates Face a New Reality
Mortgage rates in Canada are holding steady at higher levels these days, and I know that means buyers and homeowners are feeling the pinch when it comes to affordability. If you’re hoping for lower rates to make things easier, keep in mind that any relief will depend on factors like inflation, the broader economy, and what the Bank of Canada decides to do next. In my 27 years of guiding people through these ups and downs, I’ve seen how uncertainty can make buyers pause and rethink their next steps. Higher borrowing costs are shaping not just who can afford to buy, but also influencing refinancing and housing demand overall. My approach has always been to help clients focus on what they can control—making solid plans based on today’s realities, not just hoping for what might come next. Real estate should feel honest and manageable, especially when things are changing. If you’re weighing your options, I’m here to listen first and help you sort out what matters most for your next move.
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Greater Toronto Buyers Find Value as Home Prices Adjust
This August, nearly 80% of homes sold in the Greater Toronto Area closed below asking price—on average, buyers negotiated a 3% discount. The average sale price landed at $855,000, which is a drop of just over 1% from July and almost 5% lower than last year. These numbers remind me that every transaction tells its own story, shaped by the type of home, the neighbourhood, and the needs of the people involved. With nearly three decades helping clients navigate markets like this, I know how important it is to approach each sale with honest advice, careful listening, and a steady hand at the negotiation table. The right outcome always starts with understanding what matters most to you.
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GTA Homebuyer Competition Weakens Further
Buyer competition in the GTA has continued to cool this Mid-Q3, with only 2% of qualifying neighbourhoods seeing homes sold above asking—down from 3% earlier in the quarter. Out of 267 neighbourhoods, 97% saw properties go for less than asking, and only 1% matched the list price. Bidding wars, which once felt like the norm, are definitely the exception now. The gap between single-family homes and condos is also closing: 95% of single-family neighbourhoods and 98% of condo areas saw homes sell below asking. According to one economist, this has been one of the quietest periods in GTA real estate, which translates to more breathing room for buyers and less frenzied competition. Of the 4,200 homes sold in Mid-Q3, 79% closed below asking (compared to 78% at the start of the quarter), which includes single-family homes finally falling in line with the broader trend.
For many, this shift can feel unfamiliar or even uncertain, but after nearly three decades of helping clients through all kinds of markets, I can say with confidence that a less pressured environment often leads to better decisions and happier outcomes. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or just understand what these numbers mean for your next move, honest advice and careful guidance go a long way.
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GTA new single-family home sales surge 246% in July as Ontario’s expanded HST rebate drives buyers back to market
July brought a remarkable 246% jump in new single-family home sales across the GTA, thanks in large part to Ontario’s expanded HST rebate and some timely builder incentives. Even with an 8.5% dip in prices, we’re seeing more buyers returning to the market—proof that the right support can make a difference when it comes to affordability. By staying on top of your savings, managing debt, and keeping an eye out for local programs, you can put yourself in a stronger position to find a home that fits your needs. After nearly three decades helping clients through every kind of market, I’ve learned it’s about making choices that work for your life—not just following the crowd. If you’re weighing your options, know that honest advice and a steady approach go a long way in turning a house into a place where life really happens.
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Durham Region Homes Remain Affordable at $819,569 in August
Durham Region’s real estate market is always shifting, and August 2026 brought a few notable changes. The average home price settled at $819,569—a 1.8% dip from July, and 4.8% lower than last August. Home sales slowed by 10.9%, while active listings also edged down by 8.4%. It’s normal to feel a bit uneasy when you see numbers like these, especially if you’re thinking about making a move. But it helps to look at the bigger picture: prices are still up more than 51% compared to where they stood in August 2016. After nearly three decades helping clients navigate these ups and downs, I’ve learned that every market has its own opportunities. Real estate is rarely straightforward, but clear information and steady guidance can make all the difference. If you’re weighing your next step—whether buying, selling, or just curious—know that I’m here to listen and help you cut through the noise so you can focus on what truly matters to you.
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