As we step into the fall market, there’s a refreshing shift happening in real estate: we’re returning to what seasoned professionals call a “normal market.”

For years, buyers and sellers have been navigating extremes, rapid price jumps, bidding wars, and ultra-low inventory on one side, or hesitation and wait-and-see attitudes on the other. Now, we’re seeing balance. This is the type of market many of us knew years ago, where homes are thoughtfully prepared, priced with strategy, and marketed with purpose.

It is a time for those HARD conversations very early in the process. Our job is to get the MOST out of what the market will bear. The Sellers and Buyers we are working with now have a real need to move!

What Does a Normal Market Mean for You?

For Sellers

Your home will shine when it’s showcased properly, and buyers now have time to truly appreciate what makes it unique. Pricing smartly and presenting beautifully are more important than ever  and that’s where experience matters.

For Buyers

Gone are the days of frantic bidding wars. You can view homes carefully, consider your options, and negotiate terms that work for you and your family. Opportunity is everywhere for buyers who are ready to act.

The Art of Negotiation: Back in Play

In this balanced market, negotiation isn’t just part of the process , it’s the heart of the process. Whether it’s securing the best price, favorable conditions, or the right closing timeline, skilled negotiation makes all the difference. This is where expertise, market knowledge, and creativity come together to achieve the best outcome.

Why This Market is Exciting

• It’s not “cooling down,” it’s normalizing.
• Sellers who market properly stand out.
• Buyers can engage with confidence.
• Deals are made through dialogue, not desperation.

This fall, think of the market as a return to real estate’s fundamentals where preparation, presentation, and negotiation open the door to successful moves.

 Bottom line

The fall market is not one to fear it’s one to embrace. With balance comes opportunity, and with the right strategy, this season could be the perfect time to make your next move.

I recently had the pleasure of hiring Justin and his amazing team to help me lease an investment property in a pinch. Having previously used Justin with home sales and purchases, I knew I would be in good hands. What I didn’t know was how quick and efficient they would be at finding me a suitable tenant within days of listing! Couldn’t be more happier with the service provided, professionalism and ease of everything. Highly recommend Justin and his team for you real estate needs! Thanks guys!

This time of year is about reflection, connection, and the joy of coming together with loved ones. Whether you’re celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply enjoying the season in your own way, we hope it brings you peace, happiness, and cherished memories.

For those we’ve had the pleasure of working with, thank you for trusting us with such an important part of your life. For those we’ve yet to meet, we hope our paths cross in the year ahead. Helping families find the right place to call home is what drives everything we do, and we’re honoured to be a part of this journey.

May your holiday season be bright, and may the year ahead bring you happiness, health, and success.

Warm wishes from our family to yours.

What’s in the bag: The Essentials

• 14 Clubs
• (At least) Six golf balls: If you’re golf game is a little loose like mine, maybe keep your stash 50/50 between new and used. Personally, any fewer than six balls in my bag and I’m dripping sweat while clutching my driver.
• Three headcovers for woods and hybrids
• A dozen or so tees
• One golf glove

Accessories

• Bag tag with your name: It certainly helps at the bag drop, especially for group outings).
• 2 towels: a big one for clubs and a small towel to keep in your back pocket for the green is handy on dewey mornings.
• Divot repair tool
• Ball marker: if you don’t have a lucky coin by now, you’re doing it wrong.
• Mini-Sharpie: Or else how will you truly know if it’s your Pinnacle in the fairway?
• Protective pouch: For watches or other items that could scratch when in a golf bag.

– Driver adjustment tool

First Aid

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm (especially for the desert or mountain courses)
• Band-Aids (for blisters)
• Bug Repellent
• Bottle (or travel pack) of painkillers
• Packaged foods (nothing that will spoil)

Foul weather preparedness

Optional depending on the season and forecast. If you don’t want to keep it all in your bag, consider keeping these items together in a smaller, easy-to-access bag.

Wet weather

• Set of rain gloves
• Rain club cover
• Rain jacket
• Pair of rain pants
• Umbrella (This is the subject of much debate: I say for links or cart golf, you don’t need it, but if walking a parkland, yes).
• Waterproof baggie: Good for valuables, phones, wallet, etc.

Cold weather

• Set of winter gloves
• Under shirt or arm warmers
• Jacket
• Handwarmer packs
• Wool cap that covers the ear

Social golf novelties

These items are particularly useful for social golf and buddies trips.

• Koozie: We don’t condone “packing in” your own booze but B.Y.O.Koozie is essential.
• Insulated Cup: Yeti and Tervis do good work.
• Softcover cooler bag: Some courses provide their own, but many don’t.
• Pack of business cards: Because you never know who you’ll be paired up with.
• Some cash in small bills. For tips, beverage cart and bets.
• Bottle opener

Tech

Now we are getting into some novelty items, some of which can cost as much as your driver.

• Bluetooth Speaker
• Rangefinder (or wearable GPS unit).
• Mobile Swing analyzer/trackman: In some cases, this could simply be an app on your phone.
• GoPro and selfie stick
• Portable phone charger or Extra USB cord for golf cart: More and more golf carts are installing USB outlets, but I’ve realized it’s pointless if you leave your USB in the car.
• Driving range training aid: The Orange Whip seems to be a pretty common sight these days in golf bags, or alignment sticks.

Alright, be That Guy if you must and pack:

• Iron covers: But seriously, I think they’ll be fine without them.
• Ball retriever: If you’re using one, you probably don’t even play new balls to begin with.
• More than 14 clubs: Because aren’t 14 enough?
• Banana: Be warned, everyone forgets about the banana in the golf bag.

Lastly, we all have a few items we keep in our bag that are rare. Whether they are personal medical, nostalgic or miscellaneous. Personally, I keep a collapsible dog dishes and poop bags in mine since my munis allow dogs.

So, let’s check in on the weight of my now that my LS is fully packed (perhaps absurdly so) for my next round:

Weight empty: 3.5 lbs.
Weight fully-loaded: 23.6 lbs.
Carry weight: 19 lbs.

Okay, That should do it. That’s all you need to play a round of golf.
What did I miss?