August was a very interesting month in the local Centre Wellington area (Fergus & Elora) real estate market, with overall activity meaningfully stronger than 2025. August is normally a somewhat sleepy month – not so much this year.

Now, I don’t want you to misinterpret what I’m saying here. I’m still not calling a bottom on pricing overall – and certain parts of the market are still struggling. Many listings will still need to lower pricing to sell. And remember July activity was lower than 2025.

But based on anecdotal info crossing my desk and my observation on the ground that sentiment is changing in a more positive direction, the upcoming Fall Market may give us a clearer confirmation on whether our local market is stabilizing.

Keep in mind that we have seen this story before. Heading into last Fall it looked like things were picking up. Well, we know how that turned out.

Last Fall and this past Spring was one of the slowest markets we have witnessed. So, I remain cautious – but admittedly more optimistic. Even with all the never-ending geopolitical and tariff headwinds.

Higher showing activity, higher sales activity, and more properties selling with multiple offers is just some of the data that indicates a change in the market. I even had a $2 million + listing that ended up with multiple offers after months on the market. Go figure.

And we saw another condo sale over $2 million – although condos in general are still challenging (when a market improves, condos are often the last to join the rebound). But increased activity is happening across all price points. This is a good sign.

Now, if all this tariff warfare throws the Canadian economy back into recession – or if the stock market tanks – all bets are off. But for the first time in a while I get the sense our local market

may start shifting more and more toward a balanced market vs. a deep buyer’s market as we head into 2027. Not a seller’s market. Definitely not a return to 2021-2022. Just a good ol’ healthy balanced market. But until the data backs this up – this is just the musings and gut feeling of an ol’ realtor who has been around the block a few times. We shall see.

I’m off to the Greek islands folks! Still feel free to reach out to me at 519-766-3716 or gm******@*********ge.ca as I’ll be checking my messages daily. However, for the next couple weeks my partner Amanda will be my boots on the ground. You can reach her at 519-820-0506.

Until next month, take care.

George