Welcoming 2026: A Reflection on What Worked in 2025
As we step into 2026, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on 2025 — what worked, what didn’t, and what we would confidently repeat.
Having been in the real estate business for over 13 years, we can say this clearly: 2025 was a different year.
It was slower, more selective, and required a higher level of precision and preparation. But it also reinforced something we have always believed — good results come from strong fundamentals, especially in quieter markets.
Below are a few key takeaways from how our listings successfully sold in a slower market.
1. Knowing the Market — Before the Listing Goes Live
Market knowledge should not start after a listing goes live.
In 2025, we began sharing market data and comparable sales with our sellers months before listing. This helped sellers understand how similar properties were actually selling, and why even homes in the same area can perform very differently due to factors such as location, condition, layout, and strata management.
Knowing what your home is realistically worth is foundational to a successful sale.
2. “Exponentially Beautiful”: First Impressions Matter More Than Ever
In a slower market, buyers are more selective.
We stage our listings intentionally so buyers can fall in love at first sight. A well-laid-out home with thoughtful staging significantly outperforms one without, especially when buyers have more choices.
Who doesn’t want to live in a home that feels like a show home?
3. Professional Photography, Virtual Tours & Accurate Floor Plans
Today, buyers begin their search online.
Professional photography, virtual tours, and accurate floor plan measurements are no longer optional. Strong visuals create interest, drive showings, and build momentum before buyers ever step inside.
4. Strata Documents Ready from Day One
For strata properties, preparation is everything.
Strata documents should be ready the moment a listing goes live. Buying real estate requires decisiveness — and it is often the biggest purchase of one’s life. Delays in providing key information can mean missed opportunities.
5. Open House Preparation Is Not an Afterthought
Open houses work best when preparation is done properly.
Decluttered spaces, odour-free environments, and completed staging allow the home to stand out among competing listings and maximize exposure.
Setting the Right Expectations: Patience Matters
One important lesson from 2025 is that today’s market is very different from a few years ago.
Even when everything is done right — pricing, staging, marketing, documentation, and exposure — a sale may still take time. Buyers are more cautious and deliberate.
This doesn’t mean something is wrong with the property.
It means patience is part of the strategy.
Looking Ahead
2025 reminded us that discipline, preparation, and clarity outperform shortcuts. These are the strategies we will continue to apply in 2026.
Thank you for your continued trust. We look forward to another year of steady guidance and smart, well-executed decisions.