There are pros and cons of selling or buying a home in the winter months. Our local real estate market in London, Ontario, is now a buyer's market. Inventory has climbed to multi-year highs, sales are steady but slower than summer, and pricing is holding or increasing slightly.

For Sellers: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Serious buyers are still active. Even with more choice, motivated buyers are writing offers on well-priced, well-presented homes.

• Stable pricing trends. Average prices have been steady year over year, especially for detached homes. London, Ontario, home prices are still well below those of other major cities in Ontario.

Cons

• More competition. Elevated months of inventory mean your home must win on price, condition, and marketing—no coasting, dreaming or testing the market.

• Longer days on market. With listings outpacing sales, patience and strategy matter.

Seller game plan: Price with the market (not ahead of it), correct flaws before listing, and insist on a launch that creates demand in week one. Staging + sharp visuals + targeted digital reach = showings, then offers.

For Buyers: Pros & Cons

Pros

• Choice and leverage. Higher inventory and a buyer-leaning SNLR (see example at the bottom of this page) improve selection and negotiating power.

• Fewer bidding wars. Balanced/soft conditions reduce pressure to rush.

Cons

• Rate sensitivity. Mortgage affordability still hinges on the Bank of Canada backdrop; movements in the policy rate ripple through borrowing costs.

• Decision fatigue. More choice can stall action—having a clear brief and pre-approval prevents “shopping forever.” 

Buyer game plan: Lock your rate, get fully underwritten, and focus on value drivers (location, condition, layout, light). When the right home appears, act with confidence.

Should You Act This Winter?

Potential advantages

• Less seasonal competition. The winter window often means fewer active buyers and a more focused pool of serious sellers. Combined with today’s higher inventory, that can create an opportunity.

• Clarity on financing. Securing a rate hold now reduces uncertainty if macro headlines wobble.

Potential disadvantages

• If you need to sell-to-buy, you’ll juggle timing in a market where homes can take longer to firm up. Bridge strategies and conditional sequencing matter.

Bottom line: Whether you’re selling or buying, the winners this quarter will be the ones with a plan—not just a listing or a search. If you want a steady hand, a clear strategy, and results without the drama, let’s talk.

What I recommend
If your home shows well now (clean, bright, staged), winter can be your sweet spot: motivated buyers = leverage. If you need time for touch-ups, we’ll plan a prep-now, list-early-March path and still launch ahead of the crowd. Either way, we choose the right pricing lane—ahead of the market, at the market, or behind the market—based on real data, not wishful thinking.

Everything you want exists on the other side of fear. If a move improves your life, let’s build a plan and move with confidence.

What Does SNLR Mean?

SNLR stands for Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio.
It’s a simple gauge of market balance:

• Formula: (Number of home sales ÷ Number of new listings) × 100%

• How to read it (rule of thumb):

  • < 40% → Buyer-leaning market (new supply is outpacing sales)

  • 40%–60% → Balanced market

  • > 60% → Seller-leaning market (sales are absorbing new supply quickly)

Example: If London, Ontario sees 600 sales and 1,800 new listings in a month:
SNLR = 600 ÷ 1,800 = 0.33 = 33% → buyer-tilted.

Why it matters:

• It shows real-time pressure: are buyers or sellers in London, Ontario, setting the tone right now?

• It helps guide pricing, offer strategy, and expectations (days on market, likelihood of multiple offers).

Caveats:

• It’s a snapshot, not the whole story—pair it with months of inventory, days on market, and price trends.

• Seasonal swings (e.g., late fall/holiday periods) can temporarily pull the ratio down.

• Sub-markets differ: condos vs. detached, entry-level vs. luxury will each have their own SNLR.

If you're not afraid of the cold, let me show you how to turn this winter into a profitable move!

If you’re past “just browsing” and ready to move to, from, or in London, Ontario—buying or selling, I can help you make that happen.

If you’re selling:

• Price with precision. Get a custom Home Value Report—not an automated guess. I give you the number and the why, so you can decide with confidence.

• Launch right. The First 10 Days are everything. We prep, syndicate, and drive qualified traffic from day one.

• Serious showings only. You won’t babysit tire‑kickers. We screen. You get genuine buyers.

If you’re buying:

• 48‑hour shortlist. I’ll pull what fits—on and off MLS—and set a focused tour that respects your time. Start here.

• Offers that win. We don’t low‑ball; we out‑think. You’ll see the play, the comps, and the ceiling before we write.

• Want to study the field first? 

Relocating or downsizing:

• One‑floor living, right‑size plans, and timing that actually works with movers, lawyers, and life. Start with my Condo Buyers Guide—ideal for downsizers who want comfort without compromise.

Proof you can trust:

• Read what clients say when the dust settles. Results talk.

  
  

No fluff. No pressure. A clear plan and a clean execution to get you where you want to go.

Are you confident in your ability to avoid home repair fraud? But there’s still another hurdle to overcome.  And it’s an important one.

Thousands of consumers report home repair fraud to the Better Business Bureau each year.  Home repairs are second only to car repairs on the “rip-off” list.

Here’s the inside story on the most common games played, plus several tips to help you avoid becoming another contractor victim.

Selecting Painters     

The key to a great paint job isn’t necessarily in the painting but in the prep work. Ensure every inch is scraped, sanded, patched, and primed.

However, taking the time and effort may pay off with big dividends.   Here are a few tips to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth out of your painter:

1. Verify that all priming and preparation have been done. Ask your painter to use a primer paint colour different from the current or finish paint.  For example, if your existing colour is white, ask them to use a light-gray primer.

2. Get a detailed on-site estimate to avoid unpleasant surprises. You don’t need to go through three estimates for the same job.  Just get two estimates if they’re in the same ballpark.  But ensure they’re detailed so you know what you’re paying for.

3. Don’t scrimp on paint. Use high-quality paint, even if you can only afford a single coat. But don’t buy the top-of-the-line, either.  Your best bet?  Select a colour that’s one step down from the top-of-the-line premium paint.

4. Remember that painters do better on paint prices than you will. Frequently referred to as a “contractor price,” your painter can, for example, buy paint at $62 a gallon and resell it to you for $75.  Even with the markup, it’s still a better deal than buying it at retail for $85.   Make sure to ask your painter how their paint pricing works.

5. Remember, no matter how much you haggle with potential contractors to lower their bids, they still need to make a living. You can push too hard.  If you pressure painters to accept lower prices, it only means they have to find cheaper labour to do the job.  And affordable labour means a shoddy job.  Either way, you generally get what you pay for.

Selecting Plumbers

Here’s the “inside scoop” on plumbers: you won’t pay much for the “parts” they use; they make their money on labour and “mobilization charges.”  Frequently, plumbers charge a minimum of one hour, regardless of the actual time spent on the work.

If you’re paying a plumber a minimum fee to show up anyway, why not ask them to do other plumbing work, such as fixing disposals, pool or lawn sprinkler work, leaky faucets, or washers that need replacing?  Use up the minimum he will charge you for fix-up projects.

Plumbing problems are challenging to estimate.  To help you in the process, here are several tips to consider:

1. Explain your job or problem over the phone, then ask how they will address it, what the cost will be, and when the work will start and be completed. And here’s an important tip: if you live in an affluent neighbourhood, do not give your phone number or address until after you’ve been quoted a price.  Some plumbers pay 50% more when they learn you live in an affluent neighbourhood.

2. If a highly recommended plumber has no idea of the job’s cost, negotiate a flat rate to inspect the issue and provide a quality bid.

3. When dealing with tradespeople who charge by the hour, ask if travel time is also included in the clock.

4. If you suspect your plumber is overcharging you for materials, visit Home Depot or a plumbing supply house and obtain a price quote for the same materials. You can still check the price tags even if they don’t sell directly to consumers.

Selecting Electricians

Electricians receive the fewest consumer complaints, likely because they must adhere to the most stringent national standards.  Before hiring an electrician, make sure they are licensed.

You should also check (along with all tradesmen you consider) that:  1) he’s licensed and insured; 2) he has no complaints with the Better Business Bureau in your area; 3) he’s driving a truck or van with a painted-on sign and logo; and 4) he’s willing to write you an estimate on his own printed invoice, which should reveal a street address rather than a post office box.

However, electricians can easily take advantage of you on parts.  A cheap electrical switch costs your electrician $0.99 compared to $4 for a longer-lasting one.  When obtaining parts from your electrician, ensure he uses “specification grade or better” products – a standard set by the CSA.

Selecting Roofers

Better Business Bureaus have their files stuffed with stories of roofers who ripped off consumers and skipped town.

If you’ve got a leaky roof, chances are it’s a flashing problem.  This is the material, typically made of copper, galvanized steel, or aluminum, that connects your roof to the chimney with a black, sticky substance called asphalt cement.  If you need flashing fixed, plan to spend about $30 to $50 per hour to set it correctly.

Be wary of the roofer who gazes at your roof and announces, “Your roof is 15 years old, and it’s gonna leak soon if you don’t replace those shingles.”  The only way to determine whether you need a new roof is to get up there and inspect it.  Worn-out shingles, which have lost their oil and thus water repellency, look brittle, curl up at the edges, and often crumble into powder when broken.

A new asphalt shingle roof is typically costed out per “square” (a roofer’s square is 100 square feet), depending on the quality of the shingles and the slope of your roof.  A shingle roof should last 15 to 20 years.

If you plan to move out of your home soon, you might want to consider a “second coat” of shingles.  This will eliminate the need to strip off the first layer, saving you approximately 20% in labour costs.

Selecting HVAC Specialists  

The most common scams involving HVAC (an acronym for “Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Cooling”) include substituting used parts for new ones and replacing components that don’t need replacing.

The solution?  Always ask to see the old or broken parts before they’re replaced, and examine the packaging and documentation of any new features used.

And here’s another tip: have any HVAC repairs performed during the off-season.  Air conditioning and heating work is up to 10% less expensive during the off-season.

Also, avoid extended payment plans.  There’s no free lunch, and it’s assumed you’re paying for the costs of money somewhere in the job.   If you purchase a service contract, ensure that your contractor details everything that will be performed under the agreement and that they have the most up-to-date equipment to complete the job.

If you need to replace an air conditioner or furnace, eliminate the bidder who estimates the job without measuring your windows, inquiring about your insulation type, and considering your home's orientation.

Should You Get A Written Contract?

Written agreements hold a tradesperson to their word, provided they’re detailed.

Ensure you receive a written statement stating that all work performed has been paid in full.  Or, better yet, when you submit your final payment, write that statement yourself and ask the tradesman to sign it.

Get Expert Advice and “Hand-Holding” Guidance In Getting the Most Value Out Of Your Home

Age affects the real estate market in London, Ontario, in many ways! Whether you are thinking of a real estate move this year or staying put, agreeing or disagreeing, age-related real estate trends affect the market as much as interest rates, comfort zones, and lifestyle changes.

What category are you in? Scroll down and find where you are or could be!

Impact of Gen Z on the Real Estate Market (1999-2004)

Now:

• Many Gen Zers face financial difficulties, such as student loan debt, which can hinder their ability to buy a home. They know that housing costs are outpacing pay growth and homes are becoming more expensive. That is why those Gen Zers who can afford to buy are eager to do so. 

• Therefore, most Gen Zers prefer to purchase a home at a higher price than to pay steadily rising rent. Gen Z has begun to make inroads into the housing market in mid-sized cities.

In the future:

• Larger homes, better schools, and a more family-oriented lifestyle may lead Gen Z to move to the suburbs as they grow older, earn higher wages, or start families.

Impact of Younger Millennials on the Real Estate Market (1990-1998)

Now:

• Younger millennials are impacting the real estate market as they become first-time homebuyers and seek urban living near their workplaces. Some in this age group may delay homeownership or other housing options due to affordability issues driven by student loan debt and rising housing costs. The impact of low inventory, remote work, and their preferences for sustainability and well-being are shaping the features and locations of their homes.

In the future:

• Younger millennials continue to impact the future real estate market significantly. Due to the high percentage of first-time homebuyers and the growing suburban living trend, demand in those areas will be driven by preferences for larger homes and better access to schools and transportation. Their focus on sustainability and technological integration will also influence the rise of eco-friendly communities and smart home features. 

• Furthermore, their reliance on friends and family for financial support underscores the role of social networks in their home-buying decisions. It emphasizes the relevance of referrals in the real estate market. In addition, due to higher home ownership costs, rent prices are increasing much faster than purchasing. This trend will lead to lower homeownership rates and higher rental market vacancies. 

Impact of Elder Millennials on the Real Estate Market (1980-1989)

Now:

• As elder millennials start buying residential real estate, technology plays a significant role in their home search. This generation uses mobile or tablet devices to look up properties, view them, and contact real estate agents. In addition, they are progressively purchasing larger first houses than earlier generations. They were among the groups buying homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, when house showings were conducted only online. Plus, older millennials typically favour living close to their jobs.

In the future:

• Elderly millennials are anticipated to play a significant role in the future of the real estate market. As many homebuyers are married couples with a high median household income, their preferences for detached single-family and family-friendly homes, neighbourhood quality, and affordability will continue to drive demand in these sectors.

• Additionally, their reliance on savings for down payments, preference for referrals and past real estate agents, and tendency to recommend their agents all underscore the value of personalized, trusted relationships in real estate transactions.

Impact of Gen X on the Real Estate Market (1965-1979)

Now:

• Of all the generations, Gen Xers are in the best position to afford homes in the current housing market. They were well-established in their careers before the property market crash and subsequent recession in 2001. Gen X found housing relatively more affordable because they earned more or saved more than previous generations. As a result, Gen X is currently quietly dominating the housing market.

In the future:

• Gen X will continue to have the highest percentage of homebuyers who prefer homes with extra rooms and spaces for multigenerational living, such as caring for adult children and aging parents. 

Impact of Younger Boomers on the Real Estate Market (1955-1964)

Now:

• Many younger boomers choose to downsize from their larger family homes to more compact living as they enter retirement. Some want a property that requires less maintenance and is easier to manage, while others like easy access to medical facilities and social activities within the community to accommodate their needs. In any case, the demand for smaller homes—predominantly single-family, condominium, and townhouse properties—is rising due to this trend.

In the future:

• Younger boomers will continue to be active homebuyers and sellers, as homeownership reflects their accomplishments and plans.

Impact of Older Boomers on the Real Estate Market (1946-1954)

Now:

• Older boomers feel the need to buy or sell, and an increasing number prefer to downsize for reasons such as health difficulties, the death of a spouse, financial concerns, or retirement. However, some older boomers opt to live with family members, resulting in multigenerational households. 

• Multigenerational family arrangements have become more prevalent as older adults move in with their adult children after selling their homes to receive the support they need and want. As a result of this trend, the need for larger homes to accommodate extended families is increasing.

In the future:

• Older boomers will continue to significantly impact the housing market. This age group, which makes up a significant share of home sellers, has successfully leveraged market conditions to sell their properties for higher prices. We can expect them to continue buying and selling their properties, seeking to upgrade or downgrade their current living situation.

Impact of Silent Generation on the Real Estate Market (1925-1945)

Now:

• The Silent Generation’s impact on the real estate market will persist, albeit not as buyers or sellers, but rather due to the homes their children inherit. If they prefer to buy, this age group moves closer to family and friends. Properties that make their lives easier while maintaining a high level of privacy are ideal as they age and may require extra attention.

In the future:

• As the Silent Generation ages, they will gradually transition out of homeownership, leaving chances for younger people to enter the real estate market. However, since the Silent Generation comprises experienced, repeat home sellers, selling their homes later in life affects the availability of homes for sale and may drive up prices.