Trying to pick the perfect moment to sell is like aiming for the top of a wave while surfing. By the time you think you’ve found it, the wave has already moved. Conditions shift, headlines change, and even well-planned listings can be affected by things outside your control. Instead of chasing the perfect moment, it helps to focus on a few indicators that consistently influence outcomes.

“Supply and demand” are critical indicators.

This is still one of the clearest signals in real estate.

• Low inventory + strong demand tends to favour sellers. This is when competition is higher and pricing pressure moves upward.

• Higher inventory gives buyers more choice and more leverage.

Watching listing inventory in your neighbourhood and price range matters more than watching broad market headlines. Even then, supply can change quickly. A new competing listing can appear with little warning, which is why flexibility matters.

Interest rates and government policy

Market shifts are often driven by forces sellers cannot control.

• Lower interest rates or buyer-friendly programs generally increase purchasing power, which can support prices.

• Policies designed to cool the market can have the opposite effect.

Ontario has seen this firsthand. In 2017 and 2018, changes such as the introduction of a foreign buyer tax and the mortgage stress test reduced buyer capacity.  In 2024, an outright ban on foreign buyers was instituted. Prices and sales adjusted quickly once those rules came into effect. These shifts were not gradual and many sellers were caught off guard.

The takeaway is simple. Policy changes tend to move markets fast, and they are rarely predictable.

Seasonal and lifestyle distractions

Some periods naturally pull buyers’ attention elsewhere.

• Late June through summer break can slow activity in family-focused neighbourhoods, even if condos or investment properties remain active.

• Late December through early January often sees reduced buyer focus due to holidays and travel.

These windows are not universal deal-breakers, but they can influence momentum depending on who your likely buyer is.

The part no one can predict

Unexpected events can override every plan. The pandemic is an obvious example, but it is not the only one. Economic shocks, job market changes, and global events can all reshape buyer behaviour quickly.

Because of this, timing the market with certainty is rarely possible.

A more practical approach

Rather than aiming for perfect timing, focus on alignment.

• Your personal timeline

• Your financial comfort

• Current local conditions

• A pricing and preparation strategy that reflects today’s reality, not last year’s headlines

A good plan adapts as conditions change.

If you’re unsure how current market factors affect your situation, that’s where professional advice is most valuable. Context matters, and local guidance can help you decide when selling makes sense for you.

Click Here To Learn About More Common Seller Mistakes

Updated December 2025