Posted by: Karim Ali
Coffee with Karim
Why It Matters More Than Average Price
The Ottawa real estate market isn’t as simple as “prices are up” or “buyers have leverage.”
Right now, we’re at 4.2 months of inventory, which puts us in a balanced market. That changes how you should buy, sell, and negotiate.
Estimated read time: 3–4 minutes
Buyer’s, Seller’s, or Balanced? Why It Matters More Than Price
Most people obsess over price.
That’s a mistake.
The type of market you’re in matters more. It decides who has leverage, how much you can negotiate, and how risky your decisions are.
At 4.2 months of inventory, Ottawa is currently balanced. That means neither side gets a free pass.
The Three Market Types (Plain English)
Buyer’s Market
- More homes than buyers
- Listings sit longer
- Price reductions are common
- Buyers have leverage
Seller’s Market
- Not enough homes
- Homes sell fast
- Multiple offers are common
- Sellers have leverage
Balanced Market (Where We Are Now)
- Supply and demand are close
- Negotiations matter
- Strategy beats confidence
How Negotiation Power Actually Shifts
In a Buyer’s Market
- Price and terms are negotiable
- Conditions are normal
- Sellers expect pushback
In a Seller’s Market
- Speed matters
- Clean offers win
- Buyers compete with buyers
In a Balanced Market
- No automatic leverage
- Bad strategy gets punished
- Preparation decides outcomes
This is where most people misread the room.
What Buyers Should Be Doing Right Now
If you’re buying in today’s Ottawa market:
- Don’t lowball just because it feels safe
- Be selective, but move when it’s right
- Use conditions properly, not lazily
- Compete on terms, not just price
Good homes still sell well. Hesitation still loses deals.
What Sellers Should Be Doing Right Now
If you’re selling:
- Price it right the first time
- Expect negotiations
- Presentation and prep matter a lot
This isn’t 2021 anymore—but strong homes still move.
Why Overpricing Is Still a Bad Idea
Even in decent markets:
- First 7–14 days matter most
- Buyers notice stale listings fast
- Overpricing kills momentum
Balanced markets are not forgiving.
One City, Multiple Markets
Ottawa doesn’t move as one market.
At the same time, you can have:
- Strong freehold segments
- Softer condo pockets
- Big differences by price range
Headlines won’t tell you what’s happening on your street.
Bottom Line
Price is a number
Market type is leverage
At 4.2 months of inventory, strategy matters
Acting like you’re in the wrong market costs money
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