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Spring Forward… and a Few Interesting Signals in the Market Don’t forget — Daylight Saving Time begins tonight. At 2:00 a.m., the clocks jump ahead by one hour, which means we lose an hour of sleep but gain longer evenings and later sunsets. One quick public service reminder: studies show there are more car accidents on the Monday following the time change, likely because people are a little more tired than usual. So take it easy on Monday morning. What the Latest Market Numbers Are Saying The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board released its February 2026 statistics, and while the year-over-year numbers still look softer, there are a few interesting signs beneath the surface. Compared to February 2025: But compared to January 2026, prices actually moved up: In other words, while prices are still lower than last year, the short-term trend is starting to move upward again. For buyers, that’s an important signal. Markets rarely turn overnight — they shift gradually. The early months of the year often give us the first clues. Key Takeaways from Benjamin Tal (Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC World Markets) Benjamin Tal continues to be one of the most thoughtful voices on the Canadian housing market. His big themes: He also touched on global issues — from trade tensions to immigration — and how they could shape the broader economy. One fascinating point: about 90% of antibiotics consumed in the U.S. come from China, illustrating how complex global trade dynamics have become. A Simple Investing Lesson Michael Kalles President, Harvey Kalles Real Estate Brokerage shared a line that stuck with me: “What would Warren Buffett do right now?” Buffett is famous for saying: “Be greedy when others are fearful.” In other words — the best buying opportunities often happen when everyone else is hesitant. Kalles joked that Toronto buyers often only want to buy when there’s a lineup at the door. And honestly… he’s not wrong. It’s a pattern we see again and again. Benjamin Tal’s Predictions for the Next Year One of the Post City moderator’s pointed out that during last year’s event, each panellist was asked to make predictions and Benjamin Tal came out the winner when it came to accuracy. So here are his predictions for next year: What This Means for You Markets move in cycles. Right now we appear to be in a transition period between the slowdown and the next phase of growth. For buyers, that can mean opportunity.For sellers, it means strategy matters more than ever. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply trying to understand what the market is doing, we’re always happy to talk through your options. Just give us a call. And don’t forget, just call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help. For Sale: Fabulous 3-Bedroom House in East Danforth (51 Bastedo Ave) This is where homes turn into lasting memories, whether you are looking for your first-home or looking for a change in lifestyle. This smart home is perfect for those who want space to grow and a fabulous neighbourhood. For Sale: Bright 1-Bedroom Condo in Corktown, Toronto (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once. For Sale: 2+1 Bedroom Loft in Queen West, Toronto (2 Gladstone Ave #404) Situated at the iconic corner of Queen and Gladstone in the heart of Queen West, this exceptional loft residence offers an inspired blend of authentic industrial design and everyday urban comfort. Soaring 10-foot concrete ceilings, expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, and warm hardwood floors create a bright, open interior filled with natural light throughout the day.

Last week, we brought two very different homes to market and the response was a reminder that strategy still wins. Sold Within 1 Day: 69 Manor Rd East A beautifully renovated 3-bedroom, 4-bath detached with parking in the heart of Midtown, hit MLS at 9am Monday, listed at $2,298,000. By the end of the day? 8 showing requests. By 7pm? A call from an agent: “We’re bringing an offer.” The offer came in slightly over asking, paired with a sizeable deposit. Our clients were thrilled. I told them it was their “IKEA Start the Car” moment. That feeling when you can’t quite believe how smoothly things just unfolded. (If you remember the commercial, you know exactly what I mean.) The deposit cheque was dropped off shortly after. Firm deal. Done. In a market that has largely shifted toward buyers, it’s incredibly rewarding for sellers to experience that kind of momentum. The right pricing. The right preparation. The right timing. That’s what creates opportunity. For Sale: 51 Bastedo (First-Time Buyer Opportunity) We also launched 51 Bastedo on Monday. A charming 3-bedroom semi-detached that’s ideal for a first-time buyer looking to get into the market. Showings have been steady, and we’re holding offers on March 2nd. I’ll report back next week on how it unfolds. For Sale: 1-Bedroom Condo in Canary District (60 Tannery Rd #516) Step into a sunlit living and dining space with clean sightlines and effortless flow. The open-concept kitchen keeps you connected – prep dinner, catch your favourite show, and take in the view all at once. Your private balcony is the perfect reset: morning coffee, evening unwind, fresh air above the city. The primary bedroom is smartly designed with wall-to-wall closets that maximize every inch. Toronto First-Time Homebuyer Seminar: Industry Expert Tips & Strategies (March 18, 2026) We’re also planning a First-Time Buyer event in the building’s party room on Wednesday, March 18th. If you know someone thinking about making a move this year, stay tuned for details. In Other News Reenie Banks has just listed an exceptional loft at 2 Gladstone and it’s a beauty. Whether the market feels fast or cautious, what we’re seeing on the ground is this: well-prepared homes are still being rewarded. If you’re curious what your home might command in today’s market, or if you’re thinking about making a move in 2026, let’s have a conversation. Because markets shift. But strategy never goes out of style. And remember if you need to buy or sell, please feel free to connect with us anytime. Want to Make This Market Work for You? As always, if you have questions about the market, or would like an updated home evaluation, we’re here to help.

The Economy Isn’t Broken. It’s Being Rewritten. This week, I had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Economic Outlook Roundtable at the Rotman School of Management; a thoughtful, sometimes sobering, and occasionally surprising discussion about where Canada is headed next. The panel featured three of the sharpest economic minds in the country: Here’s what stood out. Canada’s Next Chapter Isn’t About Panic. It’s About Adaptation One of the strongest themes of the evening was trade diversification. Canada needs more trading partners, but not in the way we usually think about it. Yes, we’re a resource-based economy. But instead of simply selling the same goods to different countries, the panel emphasized something we often overlook: services. Today, only about 25% of our services are exported, despite enormous potential in technology, finance, education, and professional expertise. And in a moment that surprised many in the room, the panel noted that Canada is actually gaining jobs, with real strength showing up in the tech sector. They also suggested that the recent reduction in immigration may help younger Canadians gain better access to entry-level roles. A Reality Check on Mortgages & Interest Rates A few statistics worth pausing on: According to the Bank of Canada, 24% of mortgage holders will see their payments decrease this year. That’s meaningful. That said, there is still real financial strain for many households. The overnight rate currently sits at 2.25%, and the panel does not expect dramatic rate changes this year, or even next year. Why? Because much of today’s inflation isn’t coming from demand. It’s coming from supply: Lowering interest rates won’t fix droughts or global conflicts. As one speaker put it rather bluntly:We need to stop asking the Bank of Canada to save Canada. Monetary policy can only do so much. The Productivity Problem We Can’t Ignore Perhaps the most urgent issue raised was productivity. Canada has experienced 40 years of declining productivity, and the panel agreed that one of the fastest, least expensive ways to address this is deregulation. Unlike stimulus spending, deregulation doesn’t cost money. But it does require political will. There was cautious optimism here. Canadian corporations appear ready to invest and improve efficiency. Now the question is whether government policy can move quickly enough to support that momentum. As one speaker noted, this crisis is too good to waste. What Keeps Economists Up at Night When asked what worries them most, the answers were refreshingly candid: And Their Hope? That we finally align around productivity. That business leaders start saying, publicly and confidently, “Our companies are doing well.” Because confidence, like markets, is contagious. What does this all mean? If you’re wondering what all of this means for housing, real estate decisions, or timing the market, that’s a conversation worth having. The headlines rarely tell the full story. The nuance matters. And as always, We’re happy to talk it through. If you need to buy or sell, please make sure you call Davelle. Want to Make This Market Work for You? If you’re ready to make a smart move, not just a loud one, let’s talk. The bottom may already be in the rearview mirror. For Sale: Renovated 1-Bedroom Suite in Yorkville, Toronto (40 Scollard Street #1502) Across from the iconic Four Seasons, this fully renovated one-bedroom residence puts you at the centre of it all.Think morning spa treatments, chic brunches, and evenings spent exploring Toronto’s most coveted restaurants—all just steps from your door. For Lease: Large 2-Bedroom Condo in Bloor West Village, Toronto (588 Annette St #205) Welcome to a bright, generously sized two-bedroom condo tucked into the heart of Bloor West Village, just moments from the Junction.

The Signals Beneath the Surface If you only follow headlines, you’d think the market is standing still. But on the ground, something else is happening. I’ve been noticing small shifts lately. The kind that don’t show up in monthly stats, but tend to matter more than people realize. Fewer frantic showings, yes. But more second showings. More thoughtful questions. More buyers circling back to listings they dismissed just weeks ago. Markets rarely turn with a bang. They turn quietly. The Waiting-for-Spring Reflex Every year, buyers say the same thing: “We’ll wait until spring.”And every year, spring delivers exactly what you’d expect; more activity, more emotion, and more competition. But sellers feel that pull too. The promise of spring is seductive: brighter light, greener streets, more buyers. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it simply brings more listings, often from neighbours who have been waiting for the same moment. When everything comes to market at once, homes don’t stand out as easily. Buyers compare harder. Negotiations get sharper. Choice expands, and urgency fades. Right now, the market is thinner. Fewer listings mean more attention per property. Serious buyers aren’t distracted by endless options. They’re focused, analytical, and prepared. There’s also a subtle shift in buyer psychology as inventory rises. In quieter markets, buyers lean in. In busy ones, they lean back. More choice often brings more patience, and sometimes tougher negotiations, not easier ones. The strongest seller outcomes I see don’t come from perfect timing. They come from clear positioning: pricing with intention, understanding buyer behaviour, and choosing moments when expectations, not seasons, are working in your favour. Spring will come. It always does. The better question is whether it will bring advantage, or just activity. What I’d Do If I Were Buying Right Now I wouldn’t chase “cheap.” I’d chase value that lasts. If I were buying a condo, I’d think about how the next buyer will live. Not just how I live today. The world has changed in the last five years, and almost every buyer we work with now wants true work-from-home space. Not a nook. Not a corner. A den that actually functions as an office. With a door, proportions, and purpose. I’d choose a parking spot whether I owned a car or not. Why? Because flexibility matters. A parking space protects resale value and, in the meantime, it can often be rented out for extra cash. Optionality is underrated. I’d want outdoor space. Somewhere to step outside, open a door, take a breath. And I’d pay close attention to the building itself. Reputation, management, and long-term maintenance matter far more than granite or stainless steel. If I were shopping for a house, I’d prioritize light and flow. An open-concept kitchen that connects people, not corridors that divide them. Windows that bring the outside in. I’d make sure the primary suite actually works. Enough closet space, enough room for a proper bed, enough comfort to feel like a retreat, not an afterthought. And if possible, I’d want an income suite. Not because I have to rent it, but because choice is power. A good mortgage helper can change how a home feels financially, and emotionally. Whether it’s a condo or a house, one rule doesn’t change. Location still matters most. Because layouts can be adjusted. Finishes can be updated. Even uses can evolve. But location quietly determines everything that comes after. A Quiet Advantage The best opportunities rarely announce themselves. They appear when the noise fades and decision-making becomes more rational. This feels like one of those moments. If you’ve been thinking about a move, now or later, this is a good time to talk it through. No pressure. No predictions. Just a clear plan built around what makes sense for you. Want to Make This Market Work for You? If you’re ready to make a smart move, not just a loud one, let’s talk. The bottom may already be in the rearview mirror. For Sale: Renovated 1-Bedroom Suite in Yorkville, Toronto (40 Scollard Street #1502) Across from the iconic Four Seasons, this fully renovated one-bedroom residence puts you at the centre of it all.Think morning spa treatments, chic brunches, and evenings spent exploring Toronto’s most coveted restaurants—all just steps from your door. For Lease: Large 2-Bedroom Condo in Bloor West Village, Toronto (588 Annette St #205) Welcome to a bright, generously sized two-bedroom condo tucked into the heart of Bloor West Village, just moments from the Junction.

Seeing What Others Miss Last week, I sat down with Jason Mercer, TRREB’s Chief Market Analyst. We talked about the thing most people never question: the numbers. Every headline blends houses with condos, 416 with 905, apples with oranges. And when you mix everything together, you get… mush.Not clarity. Not direction. But decisions, big ones, are often made from that mush. Jason and I unpacked what really drives the market, how condos and houses behave like two entirely different species, and why December quietly reshapes buyer psychology every single year. If you’re curious about what’s actually happening (not just what’s printed), you can listen here. Tales from the Trenches The last couple of weeks have been… colourful. On a couple of our listings, we’ve seen extreme lowball offers—the kind that make you wonder if the buyer accidentally dropped a digit. But here’s the interesting part: when we sign the offer back, instead of negotiating, the buyer suddenly backs out. The Dance It’s a strange stance to take when someone is literally inviting you to negotiate. I like to think of an offer as an invitation to dance—you take a few steps forward, a few steps back, until you find a rhythm that works. But sometimes ego gets in the way, and the music stops before it ever starts. It’s a reminder:An offer is not a verdict.It’s not a win.It’s not a loss.It’s an invitation to dance. Some people accept the invitation.Some let ego lead.And the music stops before it begins. Another Moment We also made an offer for a buyer on a condo that had been sitting on the market for 71 days. Naturally, a lower offer seemed reasonable… until a competing offer suddenly appeared. Overnight, the strategy shifted—and the competing buyer was willing to go over asking. Markets shift in a heartbeat.The question is whether you’re ready when they do. Our clients made the smart choice not to overpay, especially in this market, but it was a great reminder that even slow-moving listings can surprise you. December Is a Portal Every year, December opens a small window.Less competition.More motivation.Better conversations. Most people wait for January, because January feels safer.But the opportunity is now, in the quiet month everyone ignores. If you’ve been thinking about buying, this is the moment between the beats. Let’s explore it together. What the Globe Wanted to Know The Globe and Mail interviewed me last week about what I’m seeing on the ground—inventory patterns, buyer behaviour, and the subtle signals that don’t show up in the stats. You can read it here: Toronto housing inventory gets a December refresh For those ready to explore, here are a couple of listings you may want to see before everyone else rediscovers the condo market: Want to Make This Market Work for You? If you’re ready to make a smart move, not just a loud one, let’s talk. The bottom may already be in the rearview mirror. For Sale: Renovated 1-Bedroom Suite in Yorkville, Toronto (40 Scollard Street #1502) Across from the iconic Four Seasons, this fully renovated one-bedroom residence puts you at the centre of it all.Think morning spa treatments, chic brunches, and evenings spent exploring Toronto’s most coveted restaurants—all just steps from your door. 2-Storey Townhouse at King West, Toronto (12 Sudbury Street, #2212) Tucked between West Queen West and King West, and just a jog away from Toronto’s waterfront, this two-storey townhouse delivers the kind of lifestyle the sky-high towers can’t touch.