September 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

September already? The CNE’s packed up, the kids are back to school, and pumpkin spice is quietly plotting its comeback.

Toronto is shifting gears, from summer patios to fall routines, and the real estate market is doing the same.

The Fall Market is traditionally one of the busiest seasons in Toronto real estate. With buyers focused, sellers motivated, and a fresh wave of listings hitting the market after Labour Day, it’s a prime time to make a move.

Whether you’re settling back into city life, keeping an eye on your neighbourhood’s activity, or thinking about a fall sale, we’ve got you covered.

Here’s your September 2025 Market Update. Your go-to for the latest stats, insights, and trends to help you stay ahead.

Out in the field this past month, the story has been about choice. August sales were up compared to last year, but new listings climbed even higher, giving buyers the upper hand in negotiations. With average prices sitting 3.6% lower year-over-year, many buyers are taking their time, shopping around, and some securing homes below asking. With that said, the right houses are still attracting eager buyers, and in many cases, multiple offers!

For sellers, this means strategy is key, homes that are well-priced and well-presented are the ones that stand out and sell.

While activity dipped slightly from July, the market is still well-supplied heading into fall. With interest rates holding steady, and whispers of future cuts (possibly even a .25% cut this month), there’s a sense that more buyers could step back in as affordability improves.

In short, it’s a balanced market with opportunities on both sides, and the next few months could be an important window for making a move. The key is knowing how to navigate the market (we can help with that ).

Check out the August year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market.

If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

What Is Bridge Financing (And Why Might You Need It)?

Buying your next home before your current one closes is a common occurrence in real estate, and it’s crucial that you have your ducks in a row, before you pull the trigger.

That’s where bridge financing comes in. It’s a short-term loan that lets you tap into the equity from your existing home so you can put a down payment on your next one, without waiting for the sale to officially close.

Why it matters:

– You can secure your dream home without stressing over matching closing dates (super important if competing for your new home).

– It gives you breathing room to accept the best offer on your current place, even if the dates don’t line up.

– Extra flexibility: move in gradually, do a few renos, or skip the hassle of temporary housing and storage.

How it works:
Once your current home is sold (firm deal in place), your lender can set up a bridge loan that gets paid back when your sale closes. Most lenders offer them, but the key is that your mortgage is usually with the same lender.

A pro tip:
If possible, negotiate a longer closing date on your purchase. Lenders often need at least 15 business days between your sale and purchase closing dates to make the bridge financing process smooth and stress-free.

What does it cost?
Bridge loans are short-term (usually 30–90 days), with interest rates a bit higher than your mortgage (typically 2–4% above prime) and sometimes a flat admin fee ($200–$500). The good news? Since they’re short-lived, costs usually stay manageable.

Part of our job is making sure you’re set up for success. It’s the little details that can easily get missed without the right guidance, and that’s where we come in. With our experience and network of trusted professionals, we’ll help make your next move as smooth as possible. Have questions? Just reach out, we’re here to help!

COMING SOON!

The Fall market is starting off with a bang and we’re very excited to share that we’ve got three awesome new listings hitting the market this month!

A super-cool loft in the heart of King West with a huge private terrace and CN tower views, a wide and character-filled Beaches semi with tons of potential, and a Leslieville detached beauty, steps to Greenwood Park that checks all the boxes.

If one of these sounds like it could be your next move (or you know someone who’s looking), let’s chat! These gems won’t last long!

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

August 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

Hard to believe it’s already August! The CNE is around the corner, sunset patios are hitting golden hour perfection, and those last few summer Fridays are calling our name!

Real estate-wise, things may feel a little quieter this month – but make no mistake, the Toronto market never truly sleeps. With interest rates holding steady and more inventory to choose from, smart buyers are poking around, and savvy sellers are prepping for an optimistic fall market.

Whether you’re planning a September sale, or just curious how things are shaping up in your neighbourhood, we’re always here to help.

Here’s your August 2025 Market Update, packed with fresh stats, expert insights, and everything you need to stay in the know.

The Toronto real estate market just posted its strongest July sales performance since 2021, with home sales up 11% year-over-year. Buyer activity outpaced supply, leading to a tightening in market conditions compared to July of last year.

What’s driving the action?
Improved affordability is starting to bring more buyers off the sidelines. With home prices and borrowing costs down from last year, more households are finally seeing homeownership as an achievable goal again. It’s still a work in progress – especially on the interest rate side, but the momentum feels real.

The Outlook?
If we continue to see rate relief and stable pricing, buyer confidence could continue to build. At the moment, we are seeing some fantastic opportunities for buyers in the current market – homes that don’t check every box equals a chance to potentially acquire a home for a great deal.

For sellers, it’s more important than ever to ensure your listing shows at a 10/10 (we can help with this ?) – we are still seeing multiple offers for some well promoted and priced homes.

As always, we’re keeping a close eye on the numbers so you don’t have to. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just staying in the loop, we’re here to help you navigate it all.

Check out the July year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market.

If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

Thank You For Joining Us At Our “Summer Scoops With The TO Group” Appreciation Event!

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who stopped by Greenwood Park last Saturday for our “Summer Scoops with the TO Group” appreciation event!

It was such a blast seeing so many familiar faces (and meeting some new ones) over cool treats, sunshine, and a few competitive rounds of cornhole!

We’re grateful to be part of such a warm, fun-loving community – and we can’t wait to do it again next year.

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

July 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

If you know the TO Group, you know we live for summer in the city, especially when the patios are packed, the skyline’s glowing, and the Blue Jays are leading the division and knocking it out of the park! ??

July in Toronto hits differently. The days are long, cottage chat is in full swing, and the real estate market hums along with a steady buzz. While the spring market tends to steal the spotlight, July is when savvy buyers and sellers make strategic moves – without all the frenzy.

Whether you’re soaking up the sun and casually house-hunting, thinking about making a move before fall, or just curious about what’s happening out there, we’ve got your back.

Here’s your July 2025 Market Update, packed with fresh stats, expert insights, and everything you need to stay in the know.

June Market Snapshot: More Listings, Better Deals, and Signs of Recovery

The GTA real estate market is continuing its gradual comeback. In June, we saw more listings hit the market, giving buyers more options and more negotiating power. With borrowing costs still lower than last year, many buyers are cautiously stepping back in, looking for value and striking deals when the price is right.

Home sales were up slightly compared to last June and activity also ticked up month-over-month, showing some quiet momentum building beneath the surface. The average sale price came in at just over $1.1M – about 3.5% lower than last year, which reflects what we’re seeing on the ground: smart pricing and great presentation are key to standing out in a competitive market.

Bottom line? If you’re thinking about buying or selling, there’s opportunity out there, but strategy matters more than ever. In a fickle market, it’s never been more important to work with a full-time, savvy, experienced team to help you with your real estate moves (that’s us)

Check out the June year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market.

If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

The Best Things to Do in the Toronto Beach(es) This Summer

Mark your calendars!

Because nothing says summer in the city like sandy toes and soft-serve!

Ahh, the Toronto Beaches. Where city living meets laid-back lake life, and where locals trade concrete for boardwalks, flip-flops, and sunshine. If you’re lucky enough to call the East End home (or you’re just visiting for the day), here are some of the best ways to soak up summer in The Beaches:

1. Hit the Beach (Obviously!)
Whether you’re tossing a frisbee at Woodbine, building sandcastles at Kew, or just lounging like a pro at Balmy Beach, there’s a stretch of sand for every mood. The water’s clean, the vibe’s relaxed, and the sunrises? Worth waking up for. ?

2. Stroll the Boardwalk
The iconic 3-kilometre wooden boardwalk is perfect for a morning coffee walk, people-watching, or grabbing an ice-cream. Bonus points if you bring your dog, they’ll love it too.

3. Explore Kew Gardens & Ashbridges Bay
Pack a picnic and hit the shade at Kew Gardens, or head down to Ashbridges Bay for volleyball (you may even see us there playing), fireworks, and one of the best lakefront parks in the city.

4. Catch Live Music or a Festival
There’s always something going on – Check out the beloved Beaches International Jazz Festival in July. (Yes, it’s worth braving the crowds!)

5. Paddle, Bike, or Blade
Rent a kayak, hop on your bike, or dust off your rollerblades and cruise the Martin Goodman Trail.

Pro Tip: Thinking of making the Beaches your forever summer spot? Let’s chat, because homes by the lake don’t last long, and we know the neighbourhood like the back of our sandy hand. Fun Fact: We also grew up there, so we have all of the inside info!

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

June 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

Summer weather is finally here, and Toronto is putting on a show – outdoor concerts, beach days, school fun fairs, and the sweet smell of sunscreen in the air.

Whether you’re catching rays on your favourite patio, dodging water balloons in the backyard, or planning your next move (literally), June is the month where we forget about the cold and dark winters and remind ourselves why we live in this amazing city.

So grab a cold drink, find some shade, and dive into your June 2025 Market Update – we’ve got all the latest insights, numbers, and strategies to help you stay cool and in-the-know.

Let’s get into it!

In May, Toronto home sales were down 14.3% year-over-year, with 2,315 properties sold through TRREB’s MLS® system. Some buyers remain on the sidelines, waiting for more interest rate relief and economic certainty.

New listings were up 7.2%, giving buyers more options and in some cases, added leverage.

The average selling price across all property types in Toronto was $1,155,616 in May – down 3.2% from May 2024.

What does this mean for you?

Buyers are seeing a rare mix of choice and softer prices – a potential window of opportunity.

For sellers, standing out in a more competitive market means getting the pricing, presentation, and marketing just right – and having the right real estate team in your corner makes all the difference (that’s us!). We are still seeing turnkey homes in prime locations selling quickly and often receiving multiple offers.

Check out the May year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

We’re Proud to Sponsor the Leslieville Junior PS Fun Fair!

Mark your calendars!

The Leslieville Junior PS Fun Fair is back on Saturday, June 14th from 11am to 3pm.

This isn’t your average school fair, get ready for non-stop fun:
Bouncy castles
Double obstacle courses and slides
Inflatable sports games
A FREE art table and kids game zone
Face painting
Live music
Robotics games
Bake sale, food vendors, silent auction—and so much more!

It’s a day for the whole family!

We’re proud to support the school and all the incredible people who make this neighbourhood feel like home. So swing by and make some amazing memories!

For more info and tickets, please check out the event page HERE

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

May 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

If you know the TO Group, you know we live for this time of year – not just because patios are buzzing and the Blue Jays are swinging for the fences – but because the Toronto Maple Leafs are in the playoffs and the spring real estate market is in full stride!

There’s just something electric about May in Toronto. The city comes alive – flags on porches, jerseys on backs, and Sold signs popping up on front lawns like spring tulips. Buyers are out, listings are blooming, and for many families, it’s game time.

Whether you’re looking to score your next dream home, weighing a move, or just keeping an eye on the market (while nervously watching OT), we’ve got you covered.

Here’s your May 2025 Market Update – complete with all the latest stats, insights, and opportunities to help you stay ahead of the play.

Let’s drop the puck and get into it!

April brought a typical seasonal increase in real estate activity compared to March, but total home sales across Toronto were still down compared to this time last year. In fact, Toronto REALTORS® reported 2,129 sales through TRREB’s MLS® system – a 17.5% drop year-over-year. Why? Many buyers are still sitting on the sidelines, waiting for lower borrowing costs and more economic certainty before jumping in.

With that said, new listings were up 6.8%, giving buyers more choice and leverage. With inventory at elevated levels, buyers had more room to negotiate, which put downward pressure on prices across some segments of the market.

Taking into account all market segments in Toronto, the average selling price in April was $1,144,977, down 0.6% compared to April 2024.

What does that mean for you? If you’re a buyer, it’s a rare moment of increased supply and softer prices – a window of opportunity in a market that usually moves fast. If you’re a seller, pricing strategy and presentation are key, especially as more inventory means more competition.

Looking ahead, we expect that many households are keeping a close eye on how the new federal government handles trade relations, particularly with the U.S.

A more optimistic economic outlook could restore consumer confidence and bring more buyers back into the market.

Check out the April year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

It’s Patio Season! (And we couldn’t be happier)

It’s always an exciting time of year when you can trade winter boots for sunglasses and hit some of your favourite patios! Here are some of our faves:

When we’re feeling laid-back after some tough negotiations, you’ll find us at Betty’s East soaking up the sun with a pint, or enjoying the family-friendly vibes and strong espresso game at Black Pony on Gerrard St E.

CafeTO’s patio setups make the city feel a bit like a Euro vacation (minus the airfare), while Lion on the Beach is perfect for casual hangs and people-watching on Queen St E in the Beach(es).

For tacos and tequila under the stars, it’s hard to beat the back patios at Chula or Tinga Kim in Leslieville. Bonus points to Nodo for pasta, wine, and a great vibe.

Do you have any favourites that we missed? Let us know – our research is always ongoing!

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

April 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

If you know the TO Group, you know we live for this time of year—not just because Blue Jays baseball is back, but because the Spring Market is heating up!

There’s something about that first crack of the bat that signals the start of a fresh season… and in real estate, it’s no different.

Spring is when the market shakes off the winter frost and comes alive—more listings, more buyers, and more opportunities for families to hit a real estate home run (if one of us is a Dad, does that give us permission to make jokes like that?)

Whether you’re scouting the field for your next place, considering a sale, or just like staying in the know, we’ve rounded up all the key stats and insights to help you make smart moves this spring.

Let’s dive into your April 2025 Real Estate Update—Play Ball!

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good.

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

March 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

Hope you all made it through Snowmageddon in one piece—backs intact and shovels retired (for now)!

Spring is around the corner, and the real estate market is starting to heat up! Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or just love staying in the know, March is the perfect time to get ahead of the curve.

From market insights to expert tips, we’ve got everything you need to make smart real estate moves this season. Let’s dive into another Real Estate Update for March 2025!

February was an interesting month in Toronto real estate.

Comparing year-over-year numbers, we saw an increase in inventory, a dip in the number of sales, and a slight uptick in the average price of a home. Right now, condo apartments and condo townhomes make up roughly 70% of all active listings in Toronto, while freehold homes (detached, semi-detached, row houses) are trading faster than condos.

OPPORTUNITY ALERT!

If you’ve been thinking about downsizing from a freehold home to a low-maintenance condo, this could be the perfect time to make your move. With increased inventory and shifting market dynamics, the opportunity to maximize the sale of your current home and secure a great condo deal is here.

We know there’s a lot of economic uncertainty in the air—tariffs, the stock market, elections, interest rates… the list goes on. But here’s some perspective:

Real estate has traditionally been one of the most stable long-term investments. Housing is a fundamental necessity that the general population puts at the top of their list.

Market uncertainty often presents some of the best investment opportunities. Maybe now is your time to capitalize on the market.

Check out the February year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

Attention High School Grads & Proud Parents!

Did you know that as a past or current client of our brokerage, your child could be eligible for a RE/MAX Hallmark scholarship?

Since 2007, our scholarship program has helped students achieve their post-secondary dreams, awarding over $220,000 in funding!

If your child is heading into their first year of college or university this fall, this is a golden opportunity to receive financial support.

Deadline to apply: April 30, 2025
Scholarship funds will be shared among selected applicants

Let’s make those tuition bills a little lighter! If you have any questions or need an application, reach out today!

*Terms and conditions apply

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good ?

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

February 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

February may be short, but it’s full of possibilities—especially in real estate!

Whether you’re eyeing your dream home, thinking of selling, or just curious about the market, we’ve got the latest trends and tips to keep you ahead.

Grab a warm drink and let’s dive into another Real Estate update for February 2025.

Is that excitement in the air?

Every January, we feel a fresh wave of energy as buyers and sellers gear up for the year ahead—and 2025 is no exception!

We’ve already seen a surge in demand for freehold homes (detached, semis, and row houses), especially those that are renovated and checking all the right boxes. Many of these homes are selling quickly and in multiple offers, thanks to low inventory and eager buyers.

If you’ve been considering a move this year, let’s set up a chat to formulate a plan to help you capitalize in 2025.

Check out the January year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

Vacant Home Tax – Don’t Forget To Declare!

Toronto homeowners, it’s that time of year again! The Vacant Home Tax (VHT) declaration deadline is fast approaching, and even if you live in your home, you still need to file (don’t forget any rental properties)!

Failing to make the declaration by April 30th could result in penalties or even having your home mistakenly classified as vacant, leading to an unexpected tax bill. Yikes!

The tax is now 3% of your current assessed tax value, so if your home was assessed at $800,000 you could be on the hook for $24,000 in tax!

*Keep in mind that MPAC generally uses an assessed value much lower than what your home is actually worth – this info should be on your final tax bill.

Not sure how to complete your declaration? No worries—we’ve got your back! Whether you need a quick rundown on the process or have questions about how the tax might affect you when selling, we’re here to help. Reach out anytime, and let’s make sure you avoid any unnecessary surprises.

We’re Here To Help!

As always, we would be happy to help you and any of your friends, family, colleagues, or neighbours with real estate services or advice. If you can think of anyone who could use our help, feel free to make an introduction! We promise we’ll make you look good ?

Cheers!

Chris and Ford

January 2025 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Do you remember when you were younger, you may have calculated how old you would be when we hit the year 2000? Well, that somehow happened a quarter century ago!

The great thing about a new year is the endless possibilities that it presents to us. A fresh start to think on what we want to accomplish and an opportunity to “reset”

Now, let’s take a few minutes to give you another Real Estate update for January 2025.

Let the TO Group help you check them off your list!

2024 Is In The Rearview Mirror, So Now What?

The Toronto housing market experienced another shift in 2024. The number of sales were down and new listings were up, while we saw an increased condo inventory that we haven’t seen in recent history. Prices overall, were down by a modest 2.7% for the average home in the city of Toronto. The market for freehold homes held fairly steady as the demand for those (especially renovated ones) remained strong.

High borrowing costs weighed heavily on affordability throughout 2024, however the Bank of Canada’s rate cuts in the second half of the year offered some much needed relief.

Looking ahead, further rate reductions and stabilized home prices could signal improved conditions in 2025.

We are cautiously optimistic on what 2025 holds for our market given the instability of our Government and with a new President of the US coming into power.

With that being said, we are expecting the number of sales to rebound back to the levels we are used to, as well as a modest increase in the average price of a home in our amazing city. The condo inventory should start to shrink now that interest rates have improved affordability for first time buyers while our city continues to grow in population.

Check out the December year-over-year stats below for more information on the current market. If you would like statistics specific to your neighbourhood, an updated Comparative Market Analysis for your home, or help deciphering what the numbers could mean for you, please let us know and we would be happy to provide that for you.

Help Us Reach Our 2025 Real Estate Goals!

Like many of you, The TO Group also has real estate goals for 2025.

This year, we are determined to help as many of you, your family members, your friends, or your neighbours with their real estate needs. The more the merrier!

We would be forever grateful for the opportunity to help anyone you can think of that could use our expertise.

So feel free to introduce us! We promise we’ll make you look good.

We are so excited for 2025 and can’t wait to be of service to you and your people. Thank you for an amazing 2024!

Cheers! Chris and Ford

December 2024 Newsletter

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Hey Friends!

As 2024 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to say THANK YOU to each and every one of you for helping to make 2024 an incredible year in real estate for the TO Group. Your trust, support, and referrals have made all the difference, and it’s been an absolute privilege helping you and your people navigate the Toronto market.

From finding dream homes to building wealth through smart investments, we’re grateful to be part of the journey.

Here’s to an even brighter 2025—cheers to you and your families!

Now, let’s take a few minutes to give you another Real Estate update for December 2024.

The Bank of Canada is set to announce its final interest rate decision of the year on December 11th. This will set the tone for borrowing costs heading into 2025, with impacts on mortgage rates and affordability. Many are speculating that the overnight rate will decrease by either 0.25% or 0.5%. This will directly affect those who have or will be going for variable rate mortgages.

What We Are Seeing From the Field

The Toronto housing market is heating up as home sales surged by 39.1% year-over-year in November 2024. Buyers are jumping in, thanks to reduced borrowing costs and favorable market conditions, while new listings increased by a modest 4.2% compared to November 2023. However, this imbalance tightened market conditions, nudging the average home price up 2.8% year-over-year to $1,080,167.

Key Highlights:

• Home Sales: 2,236 homes sold in November, with single-family detached homes driving much of the price growth.
• Listings: 4,360 new listings entered the market, showcasing more opportunities for buyers.
• Condo Market: While prices remain just below last year’s levels (down 1%), ample choice gives condo buyers strong negotiating power.

What’s Ahead?

With population growth fueling housing demand and borrowing costs trending lower, experts anticipate a robust market recovery in 2025.

This upbeat market trend hints at exciting times ahead. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, now’s the time to plan your next move!  Let’s Chat

Shout Out To A Local Business

In The Beach – Landscape Maintenance Specialists

Thank You for Making Our Holiday Season Food Drive a Huge Success!

(We may need a bigger truck for the next one!)