Believe it or not – it’s been 4 years since real estate prices hit their peak here in Centre Wellington & area. Since that time, real estate activity – and real estate PRICING – has slowly grinded lower and lower. Don’t worry, if you have owned real estate for 10 years or more, you’re still good. But the market has given back most – if not all – of the gains since COVID.

To say the least, it’s been an interesting 4 years as a realtor. Some may use a different word than “interesting”. Advising sellers has been a challenge – and there has been a fair bit of stress along the way for everyone involved. Certainly not fun for sellers.

But I thought now would be a good time to perhaps give a bit of advice to sellers. Two things have transpired over the past 4 years. Sellers listing their home for sale hoping they would get lucky and sell for close to 2022 prices. And sellers who waited on the basis the market was going to get a lot better “next spring” or “next fall”. Well – none of these things happened.

The reality is this: If you held out to get a better price or waited until the market got better – you are now selling for less than if you priced right and sold your home 1, 2 or 3 years ago. And based on what I have observed early in 2026, things are not going to change anytime soon.

So, the question is: What are you waiting for? While I still believe sales activity will improve year over year by the time we end 2026 (although our slow start this year is rather concerning), prices are not going up – and in fact, downward pressure on pricing continues. If you are retiring and wanting to utilize home equity, selling and moving to another province or warmer climate or simply downsizing – “waiting” will only mean less money in your pocket. Sometimes you just have to move on with life.

And while I think most sellers have got the memo by now, I really think it’s important to drive the following point home one more time. In this market, yes – great marketing is important. Staging is important. Choosing a qualified full-time, active, hardworking realtor is important. But it doesn’t matter how great the marketing is if your home is priced wrong. Your home is not going to sell. Period. In our market – if you are priced under $2 million and haven’t had a showing in over 2 weeks – or if you have already been on the market for over 60 days and had no offers – you are priced too high (I’m assuming you are working with a realtor who is doing the marketing and putting in the work as referenced above) .

Pricing a little above market price given current market conditions is a mistake. In fact, pricing it slightly below today’s market price will get you the most buyer eyes on your listing and best final results. Pricing a bit high in a declining market means you are always “chasing the market” – and end up selling for even less down the road – once – and IF – you sell. Price it right today – or you will end up selling for even less tomorrow.

For honest, straightforward real estate advice, give me a call today at 519-766-3716 or email gm******@*********ge.ca. Also, feel free to check out my blog section on my website georgemochrie.com and follow me on Facebook (George Mochrie – Realtor) or Instagram @georgemochrie

Until next month, take care.

George