6 Things Canadian Sellers Need to Know Today that Weren't True Last Year

The housing market has been a seller's market throughout the pandemic, but is this still the case? The current trends are pointing towards an end to the real estate market conditions that created a bonanza for sellers. Many issues created a high-pressure market environment severely skewed in favour of sellers. From sky-high home prices, intense competition between buyers, and tactical play from sellers waiting for the right moment to put their homes for sale. 

It's worth saying outright: things are changing, and there are things home sellers need to be aware of today that weren't true last year. Here's what they are:

1. Price growth will return to pre-pandemic levels

There has been intense downward pressure on home prices over the last three months and much of the price gains we witnessed in the spring have been eroded.  Whether or not prices will continue to retreat is up for debate but what we do know is that we are unlikely to see the double digit % price gains that we have seen over the pas two years.  Once interest rates level out and the dust settle expect a return to pre-pandemic levels of growth. So, instead of the unprecedented increases, we will most likely see modest year-over-year growth. The number of home sales and mortgage applications are also on the decline from their peaks. This means that the waiting game is over for sellers in practice. You might have been thinking about selling your home but were waiting for home prices to reach their peak to maximize their returns on the sale. But the peak has already passed. It is doubtful that we'll see any more of the skyrocketing levels of home price increases any time soon. So, if you're unsure whether you should be putting your home up for sale right now, the answer is yes.

2. Popular relocation hotspots have the highest home prices

The way local home prices behave is always different from national averages. An area that's extremely popular with homebuyers will have different housing market conditions from one that homebuyers are keen to leave. In many cases of post-pandemic migration patterns, these local conditions have a marked effect on home values. If you are in a popular neighbourhood, you are in luck. You can command a higher home price even if the overall trend is for slower growth. We are fortunate to live in an area that is so sought after.

If you're not in one of those areas, you can still sell at a reasonable price if you know who your potential buyers are. An excellent real estate agent with local knowledge of your area can help find these buyers.

3. More affordable areas are in demand

The overall trend among homebuyers right now is downsizing and saving on housing as much as possible. Moving patterns indicate a strong preference for more affordable areas. People are moving from the biggest and most expensive cities to smaller urban and suburban areas. These smaller communities offer good amenities and schooling but don't cost as much as the traditional vast metropolitan areas. Home sellers need to be aware of this.

This doesn't mean you won't be able to sell if you are a home seller living in a metropolitan area. There is always movement both ways, and a general pattern away from a city doesn't equal an exodus. You need to market your home to the right buyer.

4. Homebuyer demand remains high

As a home seller, you will see headlines like "homebuyer competition drops to the lowest levels in two years" and think you'll struggle to sell. This is not the case. Homebuyer competition pre-pandemic was already very high, with record numbers of millennial homebuyers entering the housing market in search of their first home. This is a generational trend, and it won't go away any time soon. Indeed, you may not sell your home within days of it going on the market, as was so often the case during the pandemic. But you will still sell within weeks in many places.  What is most critical is pricing your home appropriately to reflect the changing market. Although the market has been slow over the summer months that trend is not uncommon.  Look for a spike in demand and buyer activity as we move closer to fall.  

5. You may not get your first buyer

One of the most prominent features of the pandemic-era housing market conditions was that many homebuyers were willing to waive conditions to secure a home. There is evidence that this is no longer the case. 

Some buyers may call off a deal after finding a less expensive home. Others may be forced to backtrack after a mortgage application falls through. While inconvenient, this is a common occurrence and something you must prepare for by giving yourself more time to sell this year than last year.  Look for conditional offers to become the norm.  Home inspections, financing and even sale of purchasers property conditions will become common once again. 

6. An experienced real estate agent is more important than ever

Housing market conditions are a little trickier for home sellers this year than last year. It is even more critical this year than last year to get a real estate agent with solid experience and expertise in selling your type of home in your area.  Marketing will once again become paramount and having an agent with a strong understanding of pricing and current market conditions is vital. This will maximize your return on the sale and minimize the potential for delays and a deal falling through.