Newsletter

Time to Sell ? Decisions to be Made….Part One

Spring is fast approaching (and not a moment too soon!). What does that mean for the GTA real estate market? More pertinently, what does that mean for those who are ready to sell their property? If you are planning to sell your property this spring, chances are you’ve been contemplating this move for a while, maybe even a couple of years. A lot of prospective sellers have been sitting on the sidelines, waiting (and hoping) that prices will return to where they were three or four years ago. If I may speak frankly, that’s not happening. Not now and not anytime soon. Sellers have to understand this and factor this fact into their plans. This is the new normal, and as the saying goes, “you can only play with the cards you’re dealt.”

For argument’s sake, let’s say the decision has been made. You are putting your home on the market this spring. Congratulations, you’ve made the first of many difficult decisions. It’s all systems go, the home or property is in great shape and ready to hit the market. This is the moment when the most difficult decision must be made. It’s not only the most difficult decision to be made, but it’s also the most impactful. What is the current market value of your commodity, and what will your asking price be? Why is this number so crucial? How will it affect the popularity of your listing? In my experience, there are two different avenues you can go down when settling on an asking price. Most sellers say to us, “I have to get (insert number here) for my house.” We understand the amount you get for your home will directly correlate with what you are able to purchase or what you are able to do moving forward. Nobody wants to take a loss; we get that. However, the market doesn’t care what you “need” to get.

Market dictates prices, that’s a fact. Listing prices don’t really matter; what matters is what homes and properties are selling for. If you want to sell your home and be attractive to prospective buyers, you have to price competitively. The question I always ask is simple: What’s more important to you, the selling price or closing a sale? Our strategy for this market is transparency. We firmly believe the best way to sell a home in 2026 is to be honest with your pricing. Price at a number you can accept. We prefer not to play games with our pricing. There is a lot of yo-yo pricing going on, and all that does is frustrate and confuse buyers. When the public sees one of our listings, they know the expectations. These decisions are not ours to make; they are yours. We are here to offer our best advice and guidance; what you do with that is absolutely your call. If you want to hold out for a little more money, you’ll need to be patient. Buyers nowadays are bargain hunting, and when there is a glut of inventory, buyers hold the leverage. If getting your home sold sooner rather than later is optimal, your price should reflect that. Aggressive pricing will result in more activity, and more activity equates to higher odds of selling your home. It’s becoming way more common to vastly underprice your home with the hope that it will generate multiple offers. It’s a risk, but when it works, the results could be spectacular.

At the very least, pricing aggressively should generate offers. They might not all be good offers, but at least they are offers. If you don’t get offers, you don’t sell. If you retain any information from this blog, let it be this: you might get less for the home you are selling, but you will pay less for the home you’ll purchase. Short term pain for long term gain.

I will talk more about the purchasing side next month in Part 2.

Experience and expertise are valuable tools for us as we navigate this market for our clients. We will always provide our clients with an honest opinion and guidance backed by our solid grasp of the GTA real estate market. We always take many factors into our assessment; everybody’s situation is different. We look at where we’re at, where we’ve been and most importantly, where we are going. Reach out to us today, and let’s start the conversation so you can make informed decisions for your family moving forward. Don’t hesitate! Get your home on the market before the spring rush!

It’s about Integrity

There are many misconceptions about the real estate industry and the people who choose this career path. This is not an easy route to success, nor is it a profession for those who crave stability. Most realtors would agree that the most frustrating—and anxiety-inducing—part of the job is the instability. You never truly know where your next paycheck is coming from.

That uncertainty isn’t just hard on the individual; it affects families and loved ones as well. When you have people—especially children—depending on you, the pressure can be overwhelming. To succeed in this industry, you have to be in constant motion. The hustle is real. Even if you have two active clients, there’s always a voice in the back of your mind asking, What’s next? What’s coming down the pipeline?

Turn on any streaming service—Netflix, Prime, Hulu—and you’ll be flooded with “reality” shows like Selling Sunset, Selling the O.C., Luxe Listings, or Owning Manhattan. These shows focus on glamour, drama, and massive commissions. But the truth is, that’s not reality.

Real estate is about grinding through the trenches. It’s about putting your head down and doing the work. More often than not, it’s selling a challenging $900,000 townhouse rather than a $5 million cash deal. It’s phone calls, research, follow-ups, and networking. It’s sourcing new clients and selling yourself before you ever sell a home. The work is exhausting—but also exhilarating. We all make our choices, and I knew exactly what I was signing up for when I chose this path.

Today, the GTA real estate market is more difficult than it has been in recent memory. That’s not because opportunities don’t exist—I firmly believe opportunities are created, not given. The real challenge lies in the lack of transparency and professionalism that has crept into the industry.

I’ve always approached every transaction with both sides of the deal in mind. My goal is, and always has been, a win-win outcome. There is a way to conduct business where everyone walks away feeling respected and satisfied. Unfortunately, not all agents share that mindset. While my primary responsibility is to protect my clients’ interests first and foremost, I believe it’s entirely possible—and necessary—to do so with honesty, respect, and professionalism toward the other side.

At Tate Homes, we hold ourselves to a higher standard of service. We understand the weight and complexity of each client’s situation, and we go above and beyond to deliver results. What we will not do is make promises we can’t keep. Our integrity is non-negotiable, and we refuse to compromise it for the sake of closing a deal.

We are realistic and honest in every situation. We don’t tell prospective clients what they want to hear just to secure a listing or attract a buyer. We tell the truth—good or bad—and we stand by our word. Transparency is essential to building trust and security, and that trust is something we never take lightly. Your confidence in us means everything, and it will never be taken for granted.

At this Time of Year…

It’s a busy time of year. We all have too many places to be and things to do. There just isn’t enough time in the day! It’s the season for rushing around, completing our Christmas shopping, going to seasonal parties, visiting family, and preparing for the holidays. Some are getting ready to travel, while others are hosting family and friends. Bottom line, everybody is busy for some reason or another. At this time of year, I do my best to find a quiet moment to myself, take a step back and reflect both personally and professionally on the year that’s past, and look forward to the year in front of us.

Speaking as an Agent, I don’t think it’s a stretch to say most GTA Realtors will be happy to see 2025 come to an end. It’s been a difficult and tumultuous year in real estate; transactions were not easy to come by, and a lot of agents struggled to make ends meet in what’s been a historically soft market. I think that statement is true for most of us in any industry that’s not part of the 1%. It’s been a difficult year with lots of upheaval and turmoil. The circumstances through 2025 provoked a fight or flight response in most. Some buried their heads in the sand, hoping things would change on their own. Most of us had to fight for our economic stability and mental well-being. We all have choices to make. Do we walk around angry, tired and frustrated all day, or do we try to find the joy and beauty of life that is mostly hidden in plain sight?

“What doesn’t kill us only makes us stronger.” Words to live by. I make a conscious effort to keep a positive attitude and outlook, especially when looking into the future. We all have bad days and disappointments that cloud our optimism; we are all fighting the system for our piece of the pie. With that said, I try to take every experience, good or bad, and allow it to enrich my understanding of my life, my surroundings, and our society. I am grateful for my family, who understand the long hours and dedication it takes to succeed in this business. They are my support system and my reason for everything. Thank you to my wife for being my partner in life and for being my home. Wherever you are is where I want to be. I am thankful for my community and my country for giving me the space and opportunity to thrive. This holiday season, I have pledged to live in the moment and experience the joy that this season offers. I will soak in everything the holidays are about and fully embrace being with the people I love.

Our mission statement states that we treat everyone like family. At Tate Homes, we understand that the real estate business ultimately revolves around family, because we are family! We strive to deliver the most favourable outcome for all our clients, and we never stop working towards that goal. I want to express our sincerest gratitude to all our clients, past and present. Thank you for trusting us with your family and allowing us to represent you in the biggest financial decision of your lives. Obviously, you are the lifeline of our business, and without you, there is no us.

I want to thank my Father, who is also my business partner and my friend. Thank you, Dad, for showing me what being a real estate agent is really about. Thank you for your guidance and wisdom. I am always amazed by the way your clients return to you time and time again, even 20/25 years later. I strive to uphold the legacy you’ve built and to maintain the client relationships that you’ve cultivated. You’ve set the standard that I try to live up to every day.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who enriched our lives and our business. I wish you nothing but the best in 2026. Here’s to a fantastic year filled with joy and prosperity for all!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Sincerely,

Thomas Tate

The Calm before the Storm…

The weather is getting colder. The days are getting shorter. Time is running out.

As we head into the holiday season, the real estate market is preparing to go into its annual winter slumber. The GTA real estate market never comes to a complete halt; however, at this time of year, most Canadians turn their thoughts to the holidays, warm weather vacations and the coming new year. As a society, we tend to tighten our belts a little bit at this time of year, anticipating that this can be an expensive time of the year. Parties, gifts, dinners, it all adds up. How does this affect GTA real estate?

Most realtors know that this time of year is not especially active. New listings are few and far between, prices are stagnant, and buyers go into hibernation. The fall market was fairly active. Consumers got tired of sitting on the sidelines as they had done for the majority of 2025. Further Bank of Canada interest rate cuts made borrowing money a little easier and more manageable, and stimulated a rise in transactions. What it didn’t do was raise the average selling price. Prices dropped throughout the first half of 2025, but they began to plateau in August and have held firm since. The indications are that this soft buyer’s market is about to come to an end. Economists and prognosticators are looking at 2026, and they believe that we are entering a more active and balanced real estate market.

With that being said, I want to talk to all potential buyers out there If you are ready to purchase, DON’T WAIT! Now is the time. Selection is good, prices are as low as they are going to get, and there are plenty of motivated sellers. Now is the perfect time to upsize. Take advantage while you can. If you wait until spring, there will be a lot more competition. More competition means one thing….higher prices. Supply and Demand. With demand expected to rise prices will start to trend upward.

If you have been sitting on the fence, unsure of when the right time to buy is. Call us, let’s have a conversation, and let’s come up with a plan. We are here to guide you through the process with patience, experience, and determination. Make a move, before it’s too late!

More of the Same?

There is no easy answer to the question: Are potential buyers and sellers in for more of the same going into the 2026 real estate market? Unfortunately, no magic eight-ball or crystal ball prognostication will offer any clarity. There is no definitive answer; all we can do is look at the numbers, the market trends, the history and try to decipher where the market is heading as we enter colder weather and shorter days.

Let’s start with the September numbers. The quarter-point rate drop by the Bank of Canada did offer some increased activity as sales numbers rose from August to September. This is not unusual as the fall market, which typically kicks off in September, is generally very active as people prefer to get everything completed prior to the grip of our Canadian winters. Sales were up in September, while for the first time in months, new listings dropped slightly. Buyers are definitely more active as they try to take advantage of lower selling prices, whereas sellers are deciding to wait for a market rebound before listing their properties for sale. Sellers have taken the biggest hit this year as they have come to the realization that it’s not 2021. What your home was worth 5 years ago is not equal to what your home is worth in 2025. You’ll get less for your home, but there is always a silver lining.

With supply levels at a high point, the timing for purchasing has never been better. Lower prices and plenty of selection put the advantage squarely in the buyer’s hands. However, this buyer’s market will not last forever. As I stated, sales are up and inventory has plateaued, signalling a change is coming. Slowly, we are heading towards a more balanced market. Prices have started to steady, and demand is catching up to the supply. With another rate drop coming at the end of October (and possibly a 3rd consecutive rate drop before the end of the year), this balancing trend becomes more inevitable. A balanced market creates more win-win opportunities. Nowadays, this might not be a popular opinion, but I believe it’s a better world when everybody wins.

Professionally, there is nothing more satisfying to me than seeing my clients excited and happy with their purchase or sale. Every deal comes with its obstacles, but fighting our way through the nonsense and finding the light at the end of the tunnel is why I love this business. I get to work with families that are looking for a new start or are expanding their family. I work with seniors who want to move closer to their grandchildren or young families expecting their first child. I am working with people who, for most, are making the most significant financial decisions of their lives, and the responsibility that comes with that trust carries considerable weight. For me, the extra weight is not a burden; it’s a privilege.

What to expect from the Fall Market?

It’s been a long, hot summer with very little rain—the flowers and the grass are in constant need of watering to avoid drying out. The same can be said for the summer Real Estate market in the GTA. Despite the lack of big numbers as far as prices are concerned, there are still signs of life! The constant nurturing has had a positive effect, just like in the garden, patience and consistent care will eventually yield results. With the number of active buyers growing and a potential rate cut coming, we firmly believe we are moving into a much more dynamic Fall market.

Typically, the spring and fall markets are the most active, with the majority of home sales happening during these brief seasons. In years past, it’s been the spring market that’s been the leader in transactions; however, it’s beginning to look like that might not be the case this year. Momentum is starting to build as July and August have been more active than usual. Year-over-year statistics for these months show increases in the number of active listings and the total number of transactions. The fear of a recession is still there and is reflected in the selling price of GTA homes, but society is starting to come to terms with the new normal. It’s true, home prices have come down, and it appears as though these prices will be around for some time. That being said, there are still a vast number of sellers who cannot or will not part with their property for what the market is dictating its worth. Prices will not drop continuously, and evidence of prices plateauing is evident.

Total transactions in July increased by a whopping 11% compared to July 2024, marking the most activity reported in July since 2021. “It’s clear that a growing number of households are finding affordable options for home ownership,” said the President of Toronto’s Real Estate Board. However, she went on to state that to truly revive Toronto’s real estate market, more change is needed “particularly where borrowing costs are concerned.” If Canada’s economy continues its resilience in the face of US uncertainty and Tariffs, we could see interest rates come down. Lower interest rates would bring a surge of buyers to the market. The Bank of Canada will be watching closely as the Americans appear as though they are heading towards an interest rate drop.

What’s changing in the market is the level of demand. Supply is there, and buyers are starting to realize that with good prices and plenty of selection, now is the right time to make a move. Especially if you are planning to upsize. The market is showing signs of more balance, which lessens the leverage buyers are currently enjoying. If you are a buyer or an investor, now is the time!

There are currently a lot of prospective buyers waiting for the Bank of Canada’s next interest rate announcement, coming on September 17th. All indications are that they will drop the rate. Some are saying it could be a big drop of 0.75% however, we feel it will probably be more conservative. 0.25% is most likely, but 0.50% is not out of the realm of possibility. Their decision is always a reflection of the current job market and the state of inflation. Those numbers will be released on September 16th and will give us a clearer indication of the health of our economy. If there is a rate drop, there will definitely be increased activity; how much action will depend on how deep the cut is.

At Tate Homes, we are positioned to handle the increased activity. We are poised to take advantage of the lower rates for buyers and are prepared to engage with all potential buyers for our sellers. Which ever side of the market you are on, buying, selling, or both, reach out to us and we will guide you through every step of the process. We look forward to hearing from you today!

Trust No 1 ?

There are times in life when we must trust the professionals. In this day and age of misinformation and heightened awareness, this act of blind trust can be more difficult than it has been in the past. There was a lot more faith in mechanics, health care professionals, contractors, consultants, etc. If a doctor told you that you needed a procedure or if a mechanic told you needed a Johnson rod, you wouldn’t question the professional. They are the professionals, they must know best, and they have your best interest at heart…right?

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The days of multiple offers and skyrocketing prices are gone and are not predicted to come back anytime soon. Now, there are exceptions to every rule, but for the most part, the strategy of vastly unpricing your home and expecting a bidding war is not advantageous. The crazy days of Covid in the early 2020s are still fresh in all of our minds, so psychologically, sellers still believe their homes are worth what they were worth then. Take a look at the graph above. You’ll notice the average value of a home in Canada spiked in 2022. That was 3 years ago, and there has been a steady decline to more manageable and realistic levels since then. Homes are still worth 50% more than they were 10 years ago. RBC recently posted that the Canadian real estate markets are starting to rebound from some historical lows at the beginning of the year; however, “markets in Southern Ontario and parts of B.C. – the country’s least affordable areas – remain especially soft. Activity is close to cyclical lows and will take time to rebound to more robust levels.” The graphic below is a stark reminder of where we were and where we are today. The total number of sales in Canada spiked to over 750,000 in the first quarter of 2021. Juxtapose that against April 2025, where the were fewer than 450,000 sales. For context, look at the 3rd quarter of 2022 to the first quarter of 2023, this was the time of rising interest rates, which caused widespread fear and halted the market in its tracks.