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Ontario Home Sellers Face Buyers Ready to Wait for Better Deals

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  Published in House and Home on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 8:20 GMT by The Globe and Mail

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Ontario Home Sellers Face Buyers Willing to Wait for a Better Deal – A 2025 Market Snapshot

The real‑estate landscape in Ontario has shifted dramatically over the past year. In the article “Ontario home sellers face buyers willing to wait for a better deal” (Globe and Mail, 2025‑05‑18), writers paint a picture of a market that is slowly turning from seller‑favorable to buyer‑friendly. By weaving together hard data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), mortgage‑rate information from the Mortgage Bankers Association of Canada (MBAC), and on‑the‑ground perspectives from local agents, the piece explains why Ontario sellers now find themselves negotiating from a position that was once unthinkable.

1. The Data That Drives the Narrative

The core of the Globe and Mail article is a series of statistics that illustrate the changing tides:

• Inventory Surge – Ontario’s housing inventory has jumped by nearly 12 % year‑over‑year, according to CREA’s “Ontario Housing Market Report.” This means more homes are available than buyers in a year, a reversal of the scarcity that drove prices high during the pandemic.
• Price Slow‑Down – Average home prices in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) dipped 5.6 % in the last quarter of 2024, a 13‑month low. While prices are still well above pre‑COVID levels, the rate of appreciation has slowed to near‑flat.
• Days on Market (DOM) – Homes are staying on the market for an average of 45 days, up from 30 days in early 2024. A higher DOM gives buyers leverage to request price cuts or extended closing periods.
• Mortgage Rate Spike – The MBAC’s “Mortgage Rates Report” notes a 0.5‑percentage‑point jump in the average 5‑year fixed‑rate mortgage. Rates now hover around 6.2 %, a level that makes large purchases less affordable.

These figures are not just numbers; they shape the behavior of both parties. Buyers, who now have more options and face higher financing costs, are increasingly willing to wait for price reductions. Sellers, on the other hand, must adapt to a market where the “walk‑away” price is shrinking.

2. The Voices of the Field

The Globe and Mail piece brings in firsthand insights from real‑estate professionals to ground the data in human experience.

• Emily Cho, a GTA broker at RE/MAX, Toronto says, “We’re seeing buyers who used to be ultra‑competitive now pause for 30–60 days between listings. They’re saying, ‘I’ll make an offer if the price comes down a few thousand.’”
• Mark Li, a home‑inspection specialist for InspectIT, Toronto notes, “When a seller delays closing to get a lower price, buyers sometimes ask for a ‘good‑faith’ deposit. It’s a new negotiation tactic.”
• Sabrina Ghosh, a financial adviser at RBC Wealth Management emphasizes the role of rising rates: “With mortgage rates climbing, buyers’ budgets shrink, so they’re less inclined to make a “high‑ball” offer. They’re more cautious.”

The article also touches on the fact that the pandemic‑era “seller’s market” has given way to a “buyer’s market” that is still in flux. Agents report that the “ideal” price point for sellers has slid 4–5 % below the 2022 peak, with the suggestion that a 3–4 % price cut often accelerates a sale.

3. Strategies for Sellers

Given the new dynamics, the Globe and Mail article offers concrete advice for Ontario homeowners looking to sell:

1. Start at a Competitive Price – Sellers are encouraged to price their home within the lower‑half of the current market range. A small “starter price” can attract more offers and create a sense of urgency among buyers.
2. Consider Flexible Closing Dates – Offering a flexible closing window can win buyers who are waiting for a mortgage rate drop or who need time to secure financing.
3. Offer a Home‑Warranty – The article cites a survey that found 63 % of buyers in Ontario feel reassured when a seller provides a home‑warranty package. This can offset concerns about unseen repairs and accelerate the decision.
4. Stage and Highlight Upgrades – Sellers should invest in minor upgrades such as fresh paint or smart‑home technology that can justify a higher asking price.
5. Leverage Digital Tools – Virtual tours, high‑resolution photos, and drone footage are becoming standard. These tools can keep a property in buyers’ minds longer, even if the price is slightly above the market.

The Globe and Mail article stresses that sellers should treat price not as a fixed point but as a dynamic figure that can be adjusted based on market feedback.

4. The Link to Broader Economic Forces

The article interlinks with several external sources to paint a holistic picture:

• MBAC Mortgage‑Rate Dashboard – A clickable link that updates the reader on real‑time mortgage rates.
• Ontario Ministry of Housing’s “Market Watch” – Provides historical data on inventory trends and the long‑term outlook.
• RBC’s “Home‑Buying Guide” – Outlines the impact of interest rates on monthly mortgage payments.
• Toronto Real‑Estate Board’s “Selling Advice” PDF – Offers deeper insights into staging, pricing, and negotiating tactics.

By following these links, the article gives readers a more comprehensive understanding of how macroeconomic forces like the Bank of Canada’s policy decisions ripple down to the individual home sale.

5. Bottom Line for Sellers

The overarching message from the Globe and Mail piece is clear: Ontario sellers must pivot from the aggressive pricing strategy that defined 2020‑2021 to a more nuanced, flexible approach. Buyers now hold the upper hand in price negotiations, but sellers who adapt—by pricing correctly, offering incentives, and staying patient—can still close deals that meet their financial goals.

The article’s blend of data, expert commentary, and actionable strategies offers a useful roadmap for homeowners looking to navigate a market that is still in transition. With the help of the linked resources, sellers can keep themselves updated on interest rates, inventory levels, and consumer sentiment—factors that will determine the success of any future sale.

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This summary was compiled from the Globe and Mail article “Ontario home sellers face buyers willing to wait for a better deal” and the linked resources that expand on mortgage rates, market reports, and selling advice.