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🍲 Cooking and Real Estate: A Recipe for Connection
What do home buying and home cooking have in common? For me, real estate broker and Fort Erie local, the answer is simple: it’s about bringing people together.
Real estate is more than transactions — it’s about helping people find spaces that feel like home.
Cooking is more than food — it’s about sharing, celebrating, and creating memories.
I love preparing meals just as much as she loves helping families settle into the Niagara Region. From waterfront listings to food-based lifestyle tips, she shares stories that reflect what it means to live well in Fort Erie.
Follow for recipes, home tours, and stories of life on Lake Erie.
🛍️ Fort Erie: The Border Town Bonus for Smart Homebuyers
Why are so many GTA buyers — like Kent and Rhonda from Oakville — choosing Fort Erie?
Here’s what draws them in:
Quick access to cross-border shopping and entertainment
Larger lots and quiet neighborhoods
More house for less money
Convenient access to Buffalo and the Peace Bridge
Whether you’re after a turnkey home or a project property, Fort Erie offers variety — and a lifestyle that feels both relaxed and connected.
💰 Why Affordability Still Matters in the Niagara Housing Market
Even with declining prices, buyer hesitation is still high. Why?
- There’s over 9 months of inventory in the Niagara market
- Many buyers fear they’ll overpay if the market drops again
- The sheer volume of listings can be overwhelming
But here’s the truth: perfect timing rarely exists. Waiting too long can mean missing out on the best properties — or seeing rates creep back up.
If you’re shopping in 2025, let’s cut through the noise and narrow in on what’s right for your budget, your needs, and your timeline.
🛥️ Why Buyers Are Choosing Fort Erie for a Slower Pace of Life
For many buyers in 2025, it’s not just about price per square foot — it’s about peace of mind.
More families, retirees, and professionals are looking to Fort Erie real estate for its combination of affordability and lifestyle:
Quick access to the US border
40+ km of Lake Erie waterfront
Golf courses, nature trails, and open space
Quiet neighborhoods — but close to Niagara Falls
Whether you’re relocating from the GTA or planning to downsize, Fort Erie offers something many urban centres can’t: breathing room.
📉 Niagara MLS Sales & Prices – June 2025 Market Recap
The Niagara housing market is continuing its price correction, offering opportunities for buyers while creating challenges for some sellers. Here’s a look at the data comparing June 2025 with June 2024:
Sales Change Year-over-Year:
- Fort Erie: -29%
- Niagara Falls: -26%
- St. Catharines: -23%
- Grimsby: -6%
Price Trends:
- Fort Erie: -3.6%
- Niagara Falls: -4.99%
- St. Catharines: -7.03%
- Grimsby: -9.99%
Across Niagara, inventory is still high, and the average days on market continue to increase. Buyers have more time — and more negotiating power — but sellers who price strategically are still closing deals.
If you’re thinking of entering the market, let’s discuss how these numbers impact your timeline and strategy.
🏠 Single-Family vs. Condo in Niagara: What $100K Income Can Get You
In major markets like Toronto, first-time buyers are often pushed into the condo segment. But in Niagara, you still have options — and a decent income can go further than you’d think.
Based on a $100,000 household income and average debt:
- Single-family home budget: $500,000
Condo budget: $439,500 (includes $450 monthly maintenance fee)
Sales from the last 6 months:
- 700+ single-family homes sold under $500,000
- 130+ condos sold under $440,000
If you’re shopping for a starter home in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, or Welland, you can still find detached options with yards and space — or go condo for low-maintenance living. Just keep in mind that some lenders view condo fees as debt, which can affect how much you qualify to borrow.
🏘️ First-Time Buyer Incentive: New GST Rebate Could Save You $50,000
If you’re a first-time buyer in Niagara considering a brand-new home, there’s a new financial incentive on the table: the Federal GST Rebate Program introduced in May 2025.
This program offers:
100% rebate of the 5% GST for homes priced up to $1,000,000- 50% rebate for homes priced between $1M–$1.5M
- Applies to brand new homes only, never occupied
Must be your primary residence
The agreement of purchase and sale must be dated between May 27, 2025, and before 2031. Buyers must also qualify as first-time buyers, meaning they haven’t owned or lived in a home they (or a spouse) owned in the last 4 years.
For many in the Fort Erie and Niagara new construction markets, this could represent up to $50,000 in savings.
🏡 Mortgage Rates in Niagara – July 2025 Update: What It Means for Buyers
With summer in full swing, so is the buzz around home financing in the Niagara Region. As of the end of June 2025, mortgage rates in Canada have dropped to some of the lowest levels we’ve seen in recent years — especially for qualified borrowers.
Here are the lowest rates currently available according to Ratehub.ca:
- 3-Year Fixed (Insured): 3.89%
- 5-Year Fixed (Insured): 3.84%
- 5-Year Variable (Insured): 3.95%
These are for “A” borrowers — meaning solid income, good credit, and a typical property. But even with lower interest rates, lenders still require buyers to pass the federal mortgage stress test, which uses the higher of either 5.25% or your contract rate plus 2%.
If you’re house hunting in Fort Erie, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, or Welland, now may be the perfect time to revisit your pre-approval and lock in a favourable rate. Even a small shift in interest rates can change your monthly payment by hundreds of dollars.
Niagara Market Pulse: July 9, 2025
The summer real estate season is in full swing, and the numbers are painting a clear picture across the Niagara Region. As of July 9th, we’re sitting on a sizable inventory—3,400 active listings region-wide—yet buyer activity remains focused and selective. With only 122 sales in the last 7 days, it’s evident that pricing, presentation, and strategy are more important than ever.
Let’s break it down.
Fort Erie saw 40 new listings and 10 sales last week, with an average price of $523,050 and a steep 113 days on market (DOM). Buyers here are cautious, and the high inventory (499 active listings) means sellers need to stand out.
Niagara Falls remains a hot spot with 83 new listings and 17 sales, averaging $660,739 and just 42 DOM. St. Catharines leads in volume, with 86 new listings and 39 sales at an average price of $608,482.
Port Colborne/Wainfleet and Welland held steady with moderate activity—11 and 16 sales respectively—while Fonthill/Pelham showed the highest average price at $815,000 despite only 4 sales.
Thorold continues to trend upward with 8 sales and a $654,525 average sale price, proving it’s still one to watch.
What does this mean for buyers and sellers?
Buyers: With rising inventory and longer DOM in many communities, there’s room to negotiate. This is your opportunity to buy smart—especially if you’re well-prepared.
Sellers: Strategy matters. Pricing competitively and investing in strong marketing (staging, photography, and exposure) is what gets homes sold in today’s market.
Have questions about your neighbourhood? Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious—I’m always here to help decode the market and make your next move a smart one.
–
Barbara Scarlett, Broker
The Scarlett Real Estate Group – Century 21 Heritage House Ltd.
Trade Smart, Don’t Cave: Winning Tactics for Sellers
When buyers say: ‘Sharpen your pencil’ — here’s what you should say back.
Buyers often pressure sellers to drop price immediately. But instead of caving, strong negotiators look for ways to trade. Add an appliance, adjust the closing date, or offer flexibility — all without sacrificing your bottom line.
Smart trades create win-win deals that keep offers alive without leaving money on the table.
Want to negotiate like a pro? DM me — let’s talk strategy before you list.
