2025 was a year of reflection and growth and it also marked four years in real estate for me.

Throughout my real estate journey, I’ve had the privilege of helping buyers and sellers navigate a wide range of transactions, from investment properties and rural homes to pre-construction, estate sales, mobile homes, condominiums, leases, and everything in between. Over the past four years, I’ve witnessed the market shift from record-high sales to periods of adjustment and recalibration. Through every change, one thing has remained constant: my commitment to guiding my clients with honesty, knowledge, and care.

In 2025, I also leaned into community connection more than ever. I launched a new series sharing local news and developments across the Region, with the goal of keeping my videos informative, relevant, and engaging, something I’ll continue throughout 2026. One of the biggest highlights of the year was the incredible response to my Have You Met Your Neighbour? series, which shines a light on the amazing local businesses that make Niagara such a special place to live and work.

As I look ahead to 2026, I’m grateful for the trust my clients place in me and excited for what’s to come. If you’re considering making a move in the new year,  or simply need guidance or advice.  I’m always here to help.

The Great One's Backyard Rink - Gretzky Estates

Join Gretzky Estates this winter in their backyard, rink side, for an authentic Canadiana experience. Relax at the heated Whisky Bar Patio as they serve up wine, hot and sturdy cocktails paired with warm winter-inspired menu created by Chef Maurice.

January 5 to 31, 2026:

• Monday & Thursday | 12:00 - 6:00 PM

• Friday & Saturday | 12:00 - 8:00 PM

• Sunday | 12:00 - 6:00 PM

• Community Skate Day, January 12 | 12:00 - 6:00 PM *Event

Admission:

• $5 per guest | $2.50 for Wine Club members

• Children 12 and under Free Skating and Rentals

• Rentals

• A limited amount of hockey skates are available to rent
  for $10 or $5 for Wine Club members.
  
  We strongly encourage guests to bring their own skates. 
  All skates are sanitized before and after guest use.
  Rental skates are gender neutral hockey skates ranging from
  youth size 12 to adult size 13.

Niagara Icewine Festival 

This January, escape to Niagara to experience wine country in a new way.

With thousands of acres of snow-covered vines to set the scene, the annual Niagara lcewine Festival offers three weekends of incredible wine and culinary events.

From the opulent Niagara lcewine Gala to street festivals and winery events, there is something for every taste and style.

Website link: Click here

Niagara Icedogs Hockey Games

Schedule Link:click here

Home games in January: 

• Jan 15th - 7PM

• Jan 18th - 2PM

• Jan 22nd - 7PM

• Jan 25th - 2PM

• Jan 29th - 7PM

Residential home sales activity recorded through the MLS® for the Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) totaled 332 units in December 2025, compared to 446 in November 2025. In December, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® listed 482 residential properties compared to 1050 in November 2025. The average days it took to sell a home in December 2025 was 61 days, a 22 % increase from November 2025. December’s market activity reflects an anticipated, seasonal transition as we head into what we anticipate will be a dynamic 2026 for the Niagara Region. While we saw the typical year-end dip in new listings, the steady HPI benchmark price of $575,200 demonstrates the underlying strength and lasting value of homeownership in our communities. As we enter the new year, the increase in days on market provides a window of opportunity for buyers to move with confidence, supported by the localized expertise that only a Niagara REALTOR® can provide. As always, obtaining the guidance and support of a local Niagara REALTOR® is the best solution to navigating our ever-changing and sometimes complicated real estate market. The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) tracks price trends far more accurately than is possible using average or median price measures. The overall MLS® HPI composite benchmark price for the Niagara Region was $575,200 in December 2025. This was a 1.3% decrease from November 2025. The characteristics of the HPI composite benchmark is a home between the ages of 51 to 99 with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. A full list can be found in the accompanying chart.

Disclaimer: Days on Market (DOM) reflects the number of days a property has been actively listed on the MLS® in its current listing period. It does not include Cumulative Days on Market (CDOM), which account for prior listings of the same property that may have been cancelled, expired, or re-listed. As such, DOM may not represent the total time a property has been publicly available for sale. Please also note that HPI data have been revised historically back to January 2005 as a result of the Annual Review.

Will 2026 be a buyer’s market or a seller’s market?

I believe the answer depends far more on strategy than on headlines. In my opinion, 2026 won’t be a “good” or “bad” market, it will be a strategic market. It will reward those who are informed, prepared, and intentional, and it will be unforgiving for those who rely on guesswork.Some buyers will win quietly because they are prepared, decisive, and guided by the right information. At the same time, some sellers will remain frustrated by pricing based on emotion rather than data.

This market rewards buyers and sellers who are positioned correctly. That’s why the better question isn’t “Should I buy or sell in 2026?”, it’s “Am I positioned properly for the market I’m in?” Those who succeed in 2026 will be the ones who understand the landscape early and move forward with clarity and confidence.

Interest Rate Announcements - 2026

The Bank of Canada interest rate schedule for 2026 has been released, and it’s important to understand what these changes could mean for homeowners, buyers, and anyone managing debt.

2026 Dates:

• January 20, 2026

• March 3, 2026

• April 13, 2026

• June 2, 2026

• July 13, 2026

• September 8, 2026

• October 27, 2026

• December 8, 2026

What Does This Mean?:

• For homeowners, now is a great time to review your mortgage strategy and consider locking in fixed rates if rates are expected to rise.

• For buyers, pre-approval at current rates can give you leverage and certainty as you search for a home.

• For anyone with high-interest debt, rate changes can affect repayments—this could be a good time to explore consolidation or refinancing options.

Key Takeaways:

• Impact on Borrowing Costs: Mortgage rates, lines of credit, and other variable-rate products are directly influenced by these moves. This could affect monthly payments, refinancing options, and new home purchases.

• Opportunities to Act: Understanding the rate environment early can help you secure the best terms before rates adjust further.

Christmas Market in Fonthill

Mark your calendars and get ready to shop, celebrate, and soak up the holiday spirit at the Fonthill Christmas Market!

• Date: Saturday, December 13th, 2025

• Venue: Meridian Community Centre, Fonthill

•  Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

 What to Expect:

• Unique holiday gifts & local artisan vendors

•  Delicious festive treats

• Joyful Christmas music & warm holiday vibes

• A fun-filled community celebration for all ages

Whether you're searching for the perfect gift, enjoying a cozy holiday outing, or supporting local small businesses, this is the place to be this season.  FREE ENTRY – Bring your friends and family for a festive day out!

Get Cozy Pop-Up Market - Fonthill

Get Cozy Holiday Pop-up Market at Sons and Daughters Winery:

• Fri Dec 12th / 4-8 PM

• Sat/Sun Dec 13-14 / 11-6 PM

One of a kind gifts, no shipping delays, smaller environmental footprint, actual humans behind every item! Shop local this holiday season, it matters more than you think!

Featuring:

• Wine and za from Sons and Daughters Winery 

• Coffee from Fieldnote Coffee

• Cozy soup from Fireside Drive 

Pelham Winterfest! 

Celebrate the joy of the winter season with community events, unique experiences and festivities! From marque events including the Outdoor Winterfest Market and new Outdoor "Glice" Skating rink, there is something for everyone! Join in the winter fun from December 4th until January 15th!

LINK TO EVENTS: CLICK HERE

Irving Berlin’s White Christmas

Back by popular demand, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas is the ultimate festive treat for the whole family. Follow Bob Wallace and Phil Davis as they team up with the sister act Betty and Judy Haynes to stage a spectacular Christmas show at a charming Vermont Inn. With dazzling dance numbers, a beautiful holiday score featuring classics like “Blue Skies,” “Sisters,” and, of course, the title track, this heartwarming musical captures the spirit of a white Christmas perfectly.

Whether you’re a local or visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake for a holiday getaway, this joyous production is a must-see for anyone looking to embrace the magic of the season.

• Dates: November 7 – December 21, 2025

• Venue: Festival Theatre, Niagara-on-the-Lake

• Tickets: Available online – book early to secure your seats

I was lucky enough to be gifted tickets to the opening act and it was spectacular! Click the link below to get an inside look at our experience!

Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights.

November 15, 2025 to January 4, 2026

The most enchanting of Niagara Falls attractions, the annual Winter Festival of Lights is Canada’s largest FREE outdoor light festival. Experience the spectacular displays with millions of lights and larger than life displays across the tourism districts.

“Sparkling Winter Lights” Falls Illumination

To celebrate the beauty and majesty of the winter season and the annual Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights, an illumination light show “Sparkling Winter Lights” has been produced for Niagara Falls Tourism by the Niagara Falls Illumination Board. The display features the subtle and sometimes harsh movements inspired by winter in the north. From gentle snowfalls to the aurora borealis gliding over snowy tundra, to blizzards and the frosted falls; winter’s spectacle is exciting and magical.

Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade 2025

Come to see Santa when he visits Niagara-on-the-Lake this December. Considered one of Ontario’s most anticipated Santa Clause parades, it’s a favourite for locals and Niagara visitors alike. See the many beautifully constructed floats that are sure to inspire holiday memories. See the Niagara-on-the-Lake Christmas Parade route for details.

• Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025, 11:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M.

• Cost: FREE

• Location: Niagara-on-the-Lake Heritage District

Winter Wonderland Gardens 

Step into a sparkling world of holiday magic at Vintage Hotels’ Winter Wonderland Gardens, where twinkling lights, festive floral displays, and enchanting seasonal décor bring the spirit of Christmas to life. Wander through beautifully illuminated pathways, admire the grand Christmas tree decorated by Clippings Floral Design, and enjoy whimsical holiday installations that make every corner a photo-worthy moment. Whether you’re visiting with family, strolling hand-in-hand with someone special, or capturing festive photos with friends, this breathtaking display transforms the gardens into a winter dreamscape.

Dates: November 21, 2025 – January 5, 2026

Location: The Gardens at Pillar and Post, Niagara-on-the-Lake

The Ultimate Victorian Christmas Village in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Immerse yourself in the festive world of everyone’s favourite Dickens’ classic during Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Ultimate Victorian Christmas Village. Running through December to January, this “village” combines activities that are tailored to adults, children and the entire family. See how Niagara-on-the-Lake is transformed with decorations, holiday cheer and all the fixings you’ll be wishing for this Christmas season. Plan your visit and consider booking the Prince of Wales Dickens, A Christmas Carol Getaway package to make the most of your stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Dates: November 1, 2025 – December 21, 2025

Breakfast with Santa

Join us on Saturday, December 13 & 20 for a festive breakfast with Santa at Prince of Wales before visiting Santa at the Churchill Lounge. Santa will be ready to take pictures with all the girls and boys in the morning from 9:30 am to 11:00 am before he heads off to the big parade on Queen Street on December 13th! Be sure to bring your cameras to capture these memories that the little ones will remember for a lifetime.

• Date: Saturday, December 13 & 20, 2025 | 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M.

• Location: Prince of Wales Hotel, 6 Picton St, Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON L0S 1J0

• Cost: $35 Breakfast Buffet, Kids 12 & Under are $20. Kids Under 3 are Free.

Holiday Shopping at Niagara Heritage District & Outlet Collection

Why shop in a humdrum mall when you can spend your weekend looking in truly unique stores, within one of Ontario’s most festive towns? During the Christmas season, you can enjoy a hot chocolate as you walk between our heritage boutiques in Old Town Niagara-on-the-Lake – or you can hit up the outlets before coming into the heart of town to enjoy a magical night for holiday memory-making.

Outdoor Ice Skating in The Gardens at Pillar and Post

This winter, we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Ice Rink at the Gardens at Pillar and Post. Enjoy the beautiful grounds while skating under twinkling lights and sipping on signature beverages from The OutPost.

This 120 x 60 ice rink is the perfect way to spend a winter evening. Because we wanted to ensure everyone could partake in the festivities, there are skate rentals available for our guests. Warm up with some tasty concessions and hot chocolate as you skate away the evening under the stars.

Date: From winter 2025 until March 2026. Please visit the Facebook page for daily rink operations updates.

Cost: Admission is free, skate rentals can be purchased for $5 and there is an on-site concession for snacks and hot cocoa.

Niagara Falls Christmas Market

The Niagara Falls Christmas Market is a free and unique, holiday experience for the whole family that takes place every Fri, Sat & Sun from Nov 12th until Dec 18th. Discover a variety of local vendors, artists, food & more. 

• When: Weekends Nov 12th-Dec 18th

• Fridays: 5pm-10pm

• Saturdays: 1pm-10pm

• Sundays: 1pm-4pm

Where: 4605 Queen St, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 2L6, Canada.

The Downtown Niagara Falls BIA (NFBIA) will be hosting an outdoor Christmas market that will last 6 weekends long. The Christmas Market will take place on Friday, Saturday, and Sundays, and is set to kick off on November 12th after the Santa Claus Parade. The Niagara Falls Christmas Market will be open every Friday (5 p.m. - 10 p.m.), Saturday (1 p.m. - 10 p.m.), and Sunday from November 12 to December 18. (12 pm – 4 pm). November 12th until December 18th.

Residential home sales activity recorded through the MLS® for the Niagara Association of REALTORS® (NAR) totaled 436 units in November 2025, compared to 515 in October 2025. In November, the Niagara Association of REALTORS® listed 1,049 residential properties compared to 1,395 in October 2025. The average days it took to sell a home in November 2025 was 49 days, a -5.8% decrease from October 2025. For the second straight month, Niagara saw a decline in new listings - a typical seasonal trend - but sales also softened, keeping our sales-to-new-listing ratio steady between 38-40%. Benchmark prices have continued to edge down since May, with only a brief uptick in August. Overall, we've seen a significant decline of approximately 33.7% from the market peak in March of 2022 with about 7% of that occurring since May of this year. At $538,000, we're now approaching price levels not seen since January/February 2021. That may be a signal that the current price correction is nearing its floor.

Despite these declines, the market has shown surprising stability. The Bank of Canada has now held its key interest rate steady for several months now, which has helped reduce volatility and support more predictable market behaviour. For Buyers, this remains a window of opportunity. Conditions are favourable, selection remains solid, and pricing has become more negotiable. For sellers, success lies in pricing ahead of the market. Buyers are watching closely and well-positioned, well-priced listings are still moving. As always, obtaining the guidance and support of a local Niagara REALTOR® is the best solution to navigating our ever-changing and sometimes complicated real estate market.

What This Means for Home Buyers:

• Softer Pricing: Average sale prices are lower than last year, helping your budget go further.

• More Inventory: With 3,113 active listings, you’ll find more options across neighbourhoods and price points.

• More Room to Negotiate: Homes are spending 49 days on market, reducing bidding wars and opening opportunities for better terms and pricing.

• Next Steps:

  • Browse current condos for sale

  • Set up customized new-listing alerts

  • Connect with our in-house Mortgage Services team for rate guidance and mortgage comparisons

What This Means for Home Sellers:

• Pricing Strategy Matters: With sales down, accurate pricing and strong presentation are key to attracting buyers.

• Stand Out From the Competition: With more listings to compare, buyers are gravitating toward homes with professional staging, high-quality photography, and strategic marketing.

• Detached Homes Still Strong: Well-maintained detached properties remain popular among move-up buyers despite modest price declines.

• Recommended Resources:

  • Pricing Your Home Right

  • Professional Photography & Marketing

  • Real Estate Legal Services

  • Financial Planning Support

Smart Tips for the Month:

• Lead With Value: Showcase recent upgrades, energy-efficient features, and lifestyle benefits prominently in your listing.

• Watch Your Micro-Market: Conditions vary across Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, St. Catharines, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Welland, and Grimsby—compare your home to recent local sales.

•  Get Pre-Approved Early: Lock in a rate and shop with confidence with support from our Mortgage Services team.

Bill 60 Explained: What Landlords and Renters Need to Know Right Now

Ontario’s rental rules just got a major shake-up — and if you’re a landlord or a renter, Bill 60 is going to affect you. This new legislation, officially called the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, makes some of the biggest changes to the Residential Tenancies Act we’ve seen in years.

Some people say it speeds up the system. Others argue it leaves renters more vulnerable. Either way, it’s here — so let’s break down exactly what it means for you.

What Is Bill 60?

Bill 60 was introduced to speed up the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB) process and reduce long-standing delays. It’s meant to create clearer procedures and cut down on “gaming the system,” especially in non-payment cases. But the bill also shifts the balance of power — giving landlords more tools for dealing with arrears, while limiting some tenant protections.

Below is a straightforward breakdown of the biggest changes.

🏡 What Landlords Need to Know

1. Faster Eviction Timeline for Non-Payment - The grace period after rent is missed drops from 14 days to 7 days.
This means landlords can serve an eviction application sooner and move the process along more quickly than before.

2. Tenants Must Pay 50% of Arrears to Raise Certain Defences - If a tenant wants to argue maintenance problems, repair issues, or similar concerns during a non-payment hearing, they must:

• Give advance written notice, and

• Pay at least 50% of the rent they owe before the hearing.

This is meant to stop last-minute claims but also raises the bar for tenants.

3. Less Mandatory Compensation for “Own-Use” Evictions - If a landlord or their family member needs the unit, compensation can be avoided if they:

• Give 120 days’ notice, and

• End the tenancy at the end of the lease term or rental period.

This creates a clearer — and potentially cheaper — path for personal-use evictions.

4. Stricter Forms and Procedures - Only LTB-prescribed forms are accepted now. Any old templates or improvised notices won’t do.

5. Shorter Appeal/Review Windows - Tenants and landlords only have 15 days (down from 30) to appeal an LTB decision. Less time to fix mistakes, but faster closure for both parties.

🔑 What Renters Should Know

1. Only 7 Days to Catch Up on Rent - The shorter timeline makes quick communication more important than ever.
   A single late paycheque can move you into arrears faster.

2. “Pay-to-Defend” Rules - To raise issues about repairs or maintenance during an eviction hearing, renters often must pay half of the arrears first.
   This may make it harder for tenants with limited funds to present their full case.

3.  Less Protection in Own-Use Evictions - If the landlord gives 120 days’ notice, they may not have to compensate tenants with a month’s rent.
   This makes the process more predictable for landlords but more sudden for renters.

4.  Less Time to Appeal - With appeal windows cut in half, renters must act quickly if they disagree with a decision.

What This Means for the Market - Whether you’re renting out a single apartment or managing multiple units, Bill 60 is going to change how people approach tenancies:

• Landlords may feel more confident initiating non-payment claims.

• Renters may feel a bit less secure and more pressure to stay current on rent.

• Turnover could increase, especially in units where landlords want personal use.

• Clear communication between both sides becomes more important than ever.

The bottom line?
This law speeds things up — for better or worse.

Final Thoughts - Bill 60 is reshaping Ontario’s rental landscape, and both sides of the lease need to understand how it affects them. Whether you're a landlord wanting smoother processes or a renter trying to stay protected, knowledge is your best tool.

If you have questions about how Bill 60 affects your rental situation, or you’re looking to navigate a move with confidence,  I’m here to help.