Current Market Mood
Toronto’s real estate market is balanced but cautious. June saw a modest sales increase — roughly 8% higher than May — yet prices remain about 5% lower than this time last year. Interest rate cuts are improving affordability, but economic uncertainty and buyer hesitancy mean offers aren’t flying in overnight.
Inventory continues to climb, average days on market sit at 29 days, and buyers are well-informed, comparing hard data rather than reacting emotionally.
The Staging Myth: Why Sellers Should Rethink “All the Extras”
Everywhere you look, sellers are being told to stage, scent, and sweeten the deal with fancy furniture and fresh-baked cookies. Here’s the reality:
- Today’s buyers are analytical. They scroll through data, compare comps, and evaluate monthly costs — décor won’t distract them.
- Overspending won’t pay off. In a market where prices are softening, elaborate staging is money you won’t recover.
- Keep it lean and honest. Clean, declutter, fix what’s broken. No need to turn the home into a magazine spread.
Bottom line: Authenticity sells. Over-prepping wastes time and money in today’s market.
What to Expect in the Next 6 Weeks
Prices:
Likely flat to slightly lower (≈1% dip) through late summer.
Sales Volume:
Steady activity, but no surge — families finalizing moves before school starts.
Inventory:
Expected 3–5% increase in listings, giving buyers more options and leverage.
Condos & Pre‑Construction:
Resale condos may soften further; new builds offering incentives rather than price drops.
Seller Strategy for Summer 2025
- Price realistically — not lowball.
Forget the “list low and wait for offer night” tactic. It’s not working right now. Underpricing will frustrate serious buyers and waste everyone’s time. List at a common-sense price based on comparable sales and current data. - Simplify presentation.
Declutter, clean, and fix visible repairs. Skip the costly furniture rentals and focus on fundamentals. - Act decisively.
If you need to sell, list now and price fairly; waiting for a bidding frenzy isn’t today’s reality.
Buyer Strategy
- Negotiate wisely. Target homes sitting 30+ days; expect 1–3% discounts from asking.
- Look past cosmetics. Homes without staging may present the best deals.
- Secure financing early. Rate cuts help, but stability isn’t guaranteed — lock in now.
The CallMarta.ca Take
Toronto’s market is neither crashing nor surging — it’s recalibrating. Over the next six weeks, honesty and pragmatism win. Sellers: skip the theatrics and price sensibly. Buyers: know your numbers, move deliberately, and don’t be dazzled by décor.
