Buyer vs. Seller: Which Side Are You On

Hi ,

“Cale, seriously, what’s it going to be this year – a buyer’s or seller’s market? I want to sell quickly, get the best price, and still be able to buy without losing out to multiple offers.”

No problem! After helping over 15 families move in 2024, here’s the simplest rundown of our real estate market and what to actually expect in 2025. This will help you get top dollar when selling and avoid losing out to multiple offers IF you’re buying.

1. What is a Buyer’s Market?

(“Cale, I don’t need to understand what a buyer’s or seller’s market is—I just want to know how our market is right now and where it’s headed for 2025.’’

*No problem! Go to point 3. 😱)

A buyer’s market happens when there are more homes for sale than buyers. This means:

• More choices for buyers

• Better prices for buyers

• More time for buyers to shop around

A buyer’s market usually has 6+ months of inventory. This is the time it would take to sell all the homes for sale right now in a specific area.

2. What is a Seller’s Market?

A seller’s market happens when there are more buyers than homes for sale. This means:

• Fewer homes to buy

• Higher prices from bidding wars

• Buyers need to act fast

A seller’s market usually has less than 3 months of inventory, with homes selling quickly and for more money. (Below you will find Ottawa’s current market!)

3. What’s Happening in Ottawa Right Now?

Buyers market! Sellers market! Neutral market!

In 2024, Ottawa’s residential market ended the year with 3.0 months of inventory, leaning toward a seller’s market, as per stats provided by the Ottawa Real Estate Board for December 2024 residential market activity.

Overall, it was a balanced market where sellers did well with smart listing prices, and buyers had opportunities to negotiate on overpriced homes. Now that we know that, what will the 2025 market look like?

4. Ottawa 2025 Market Outlook!

• HUGE FACTOR: The January 29th interest rate change will impact the market. A drop helps sellers; a rise helps buyers.

• SELLER’S MARKET: We’re in a balanced market with low supply and few new builds. Buyers can afford more, and the market is already shifting toward a seller’s market. Another interest rate drop could solidify that trend in 2025.

2025 Buyers ⭐️:

Competition is high and could keep rising, so act fast on well-priced homes. Work with an agent who can give you live listing updates and help with multiple offers so you don’t miss your dream home.

2025 Sellers ⭐️:

Timing is key. If possible, wait until late February to early spring when the snow melts for better photos and simple staging. Strategically priced, move-in ready homes sell faster and for more, while overpriced ones sit longer and sell for less.

If you can’t wait, late January and all of February are still great times to list, especially if rates drop. Make sure you have the right listing strategy to attract the right buyers and stand out from the competition.

Thinking of Selling or Buying?

Respond to this email to schedule a no pressure, zero hassle home sale consultation.

THANK YOU

Thank you for reading this week’s edition of my newsletter. I look forward to consistently bringing you helpful knowledge and being your one-stop shop for anything real estate.

Best regards,

Cale

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