Well here we are.

Over the past 10 years the real estate market has either favoured seller’s (79 months) or been considered balanced (20 months) over 82% of the time based on monthly sales activity. Therefore it should come as no surprise that now that the market is trending towards favouring buyers that the headlines are screaming market collapse.

But is the panic warranted, or as we head into the Fall 2025 selling season, can home sellers still find success?

In short - YES.

Even though buyers right now are sitting in the catbird seat, sellers can go a long way to accomplishing a satisfactory sale by getting back to basics and focusing on how well they position their home in the market. Proper pricing and presentation can still draw serious buyers, particularly in family-friendly areas like Holland Landing, Sharon, Queensville, and Mount Albert, where demand tends to stay a little more resilient.

Pricing: The Key to Standing Out

In a buyer’s market, pricing is everything. There were almost 40% more homes on the market during May, June, and July this year vs last year, so with more choice and less urgency, buyers will simply pass on overpriced homes. So it won’t matter how pretty your home is or how great the backyard is, or anything else for that matter, if pricing is perceived to be out to lunch.

Therefore, hard as it might be considering the past few years, be realistic with your price expectations. Base your price on actual sales results, not on unsold listings. Remember this is what buyers will do. (And perhaps more importantly, this is what appraisers will do when you eventually get a deal and the buyer needs a mortgage.)

Avoid the “start high and reduce” approach. Current buyers are typically serious and ready to move if they find the right home, but as noted above, they won’t bite if they feel the price is inflated. If you try the higher price “just to see” the only thing that happens is your home will sit on the market with no serious interest for weeks and weeks, losing out on the momentum normally seen in the first few weeks on the market.

Get educated on local market variations. Given the wide range of property types, the multitude of new subdivision developments, and the many small estate home enclaves located throughout East Gwillimbury, the value of 2 homes of similar size and features can vary greatly depending on exactly where within the Town it is located. Also be aware that EG has homes on municipal services and on well and septic, or a combination of the two. Sellers who arm themselves with this type of in depth local knowledge stand the best chance of maximizing their sale price when negotiating against buyers and their agents.

Prepping to Sell: Targeting Buyer Expectations

With more choice and less urgency, buyers can afford to be selective, focusing on their specific needs and wants. As we move into this time of year, many buyers want to close before winter or the holidays, which can work to a seller’s advantage if their home is ready to impress.

Staging should have a Fall flavour to it. Warm lighting, cozy textures, and a clutter-free layout help buyers imagine themselves settled in before the snow arrives. Small seasonal touches (like a tasteful fall wreath or neutral décor) can make homes feel inviting.

Professional photos and video matter more than ever. With fewer daylight hours and unpredictable weather, strong multimedia visuals are critical to helping buyers see what they are getting. A well-lit, high-quality set of photos and video will draw online buyers attention and increase their excitement.

Focus on high-impact updates: Fresh paint, clean landscaping, and minor touch-ups in kitchens and bathrooms can boost appeal without a full renovation. And don’t forget that if buyers see small things not cared for then, rightly or wrongly, they become fearful that there may be big problems that are more hidden.

So in light of all this, would-be sellers might be asking themselves if they should simply wait until the market shifts back a little. Perhaps, but waiting isn’t always the smarter play. 

More competition may come later. If interest rates drop over the coming months, Spring 2026 could bring a flood of new listings giving buyers even more homes to choose from, exaggerating many of the points made above. Selling this fall may actually give sellers a quieter playing field with less noise to distract potential buyers.

Also, life doesn’t wait for the perfect market so if a seller is motivated by life changes (downsizing, upsizing, or relocating), waiting for something that may or may not come about may not be an option. Luckily, a well-prepared listing now can still deliver the desired results.

And don’t forget, East Gwillimbury’s long-term outlook remains strong. Even with current price softness, values have more than doubled over the past decade. Infrastructure growth, great schools, and proximity to Toronto continue to support demand. 

Selling now isn’t about chasing the highest price; it’s about a seller positioning their home smartly for current conditions. And now more than ever a well thought out and executed strategy will get that seller the outcome they are looking for.