Realty Check - FREE resources for your move From the founders: markets are shrinking and pausing For much of the past year, the conversation has focused on rising inventory. But recently, something quieter is happening: fewer homes are actually coming to market. New listings in February dropped 11.6% year over year. Many sellers are choosing to wait. Some are anchored to prices from a different cycle. Others simply don’t feel urgency to sell in uncertain conditions. The result is a market that feels slower on the surface, but can tighten quickly if demand returns. Fewer listings means every deal carries more weight. Buyers may need to act quickly when the right property appears, and sellers who do list will face closer scrutiny on price and condition. If this trend continues into the spring, limited supply could quietly become the story of the market. Joel Fox COO The library: resources worth a read These are resources worth keeping handy when questions come up during your transaction. They’re designed to explain common concepts clearly so you feel more confident before closing. Blog: costs involved in a real estate transaction. A simple outline of key costs of buying and selling real estate in Ontario, including down payments, land transfer tax, legal fees, mortgage insurance, and other closing expenses. Blog: mortgage terms you should know. A plain-English breakdown of common mortgage terms that often confuse buyers. Blog: how money is exchanged during a real estate transaction. An easy explanation on how money moves during a closing, and how lawyers and trust accounts protect buyers and sellers. Hot off the press: Ownright in the news We’ve been busy beyond the closing table. Here’s where Ownright has recently been featured in the media, sharing insights on today’s housing market and what it means for buyers and sellers. Toronto Sun - Closing costs stress homebuyers. Ownright was featured discussing how overlooked closing costs are adding stress for buyers, and why early education makes a difference. BNN Bloomberg - 2026 housing outlook. Our COO, Joel Fox, joined BNN Bloomberg to discuss market uncertainty and what everyday Canadians should watch heading into 2026. Money.ca – 2025 market recap. Ownright contributed to Money.ca’s year-end housing recap, highlighting how a quieter market is shifting power back to negotiation. Market snapshot: a slow start for 2026 Ontario’s housing market is entering 2026 with slower sales, rising inventory, and increasing buyer leverage. Ontario recorded 7,737 residential sales in January 2026, down 15.6% year-over-year and nearly 27% below the 10-year average. Nationally, sales were also down 16.2% compared to last year. The average home price declined 6.4% to $778,102. Active listings climbed to 46,714 units, the highest January level in over a decade. Months of inventory rose to 6, well above the long-run average of 3. Our take: More inventory and softer prices mean buyers have leverage, but hesitation is still slowing activity. Sellers will need to price competitively and expect longer timelines. Educating clients on market realities and structuring clean, confident offers will separate steady deals from stalled ones. Client spotlight: juggling weddings, pregnancy, and buying a new home Starting a family, launching a business, and buying your first home all at once is not for the faint of heart. For Crystalyn and Tyler, 2024 brought a pregnancy, a growing plumbing business, and the decision to stop renting and finally put down roots of their own. Saving wasn’t easy, but with a baby on the way, the goal became urgent. When they found the right home in Burlington, they were ready. As first-time buyers navigating one of the busiest seasons of their lives, they needed a legal process that felt simple and organized. Referred by someone they trusted, they chose Ownright for the transparency, clear instruction, and fully digital experience that fit their schedule. As first-time buyers navigating one of the busiest seasons of their lives, they needed a legal process that felt simple and organized. Referred by someone they trusted, they chose Ownright for the transparency, clear instruction, and fully digital experience that fit their schedule. Knowing we could ask any question and receive a detailed, thoughtful response made the entire process feel stress-free. C & T Crystalyn and Tyler Ownright clients The Ownright advantage Buying or selling this year? Get a clear, fixed-fee quote for your closing in minutes. Get a quote About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Ownright Inc. 545 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 1M1