🍂 Back to School, Cottage Memories and a Busy Fall Ahead
September always seems to sneak up faster than we expect, and this year is no different. With both kids officially in Grade 11, the senior years of high school, it feels like we have turned a corner in life’s rhythm.
August was a gift all its own. We soaked up every cottage moment we could, with warm days on the dock and cool evenings perfect for fireside chats. Family and friends gathered, some even making the long trek from Minneapolis, and the time spent laughing, sharing meals, and enjoying God’s creation reminded us again of how precious these moments truly are.
Yet, as the month drew to a close, Labour Day brought heartbreaking news. Our children learned of the sudden passing of one of their friends earlier that day. Their hearts are broken, yet they grieve with the strong hope that their friend is now in the presence of Jesus, singing and playing music in praise to Him. As parents, we cannot begin to fathom the pain of losing a child, and our prayers remain with this family, that they would be comforted and find peace in God’s good and perfect plan.
🛠️ Projects, Preparation and Looking Ahead
Back home, real life picked up quickly. The basement renovation (the saga of 2025!) is almost complete, a milestone that seems within touching distance now! At the same time, the calendar reminded us that September brings a fresh wave of activity in real estate.
August is traditionally slower in our market, but Emese has been busy staging and preparing several new listings that will be hitting the market in the coming weeks. As a full service real estate team, we believe those weeks of preparation make all the difference in how a home shines once it is listed. And with buyers returning from summer vacations, timing could not be better.
Meanwhile, Henk is preparing for the Royal LePage National Sales Conference, a chance to learn, share, and connect with some of the very best Realtors from coast to coast to coast. September is shaping up to be one of our busiest months yet.
🏡 Market Update: August in Review
The August numbers brought a few surprises:
📈 Median sale price rose to $735,000, up 3.96 percent from July
📉 Unit sales dipped to 386, down nearly 15 percent
📈 Inventory climbed to 5.7 months, or 174 days on market
What does it all mean? While fewer sales and more inventory usually point to a quieter market, the increase in median price suggests strength for sellers as we step into fall. With September activity already heating up, we expect inventory to tighten again and momentum to shift toward well prepared homes.
🎯 Our Advice This Month
If you are thinking of selling:
✨ Invest the time upfront in staging and presentation. First impressions continue to be a driving factor for sellers in a competitive market.
✨ With buyers cautious but active, smart pricing will put you ahead of the curve.
If you are buying:
✨ Do not wait for spring. September often brings a plethora of excellent opportunities without as much competition as the spring market.
✨ Keep a close eye on new listings. Great homes are still moving quickly.
☕ Wrapping Up
As always, whether you are dreaming, downsizing, upsizing, or just curious about your options, we are here to help you navigate the real estate landscape. Boots on the ground, with sleeves rolled up, that is the TALL Advantage.
This September, we are especially mindful of how quickly life can change, and how important it is to hold close the people and moments God gives us. We are grateful for the joy of family, the beauty of creation, and the hope we have in Christ, a hope that sustains us in both celebration and sorrow.
Here is to crisp mornings, cozy evenings, and meaningful moments with those who matter most.
As always, if your family, friends, coworkers, or neighbours are considering a move (or if you need the contact information for our amazing contractors), we would love to go a head above for them.
📞 We are never too busy for your referrals!
