Bridging the Gap: Insights for Buyers and Sellers from the 2025 CMHC Mortgage Consumer Survey
Insights from The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team
In today’s real estate market, especially here in Windsor-Essex, understanding the mindset and challenges of both buyers and sellers is more important than ever. Whether you’re planning to list your home or searching for the right property to purchase, mutual understanding can lead to better decisions—and better outcomes.
To help bridge the gap between these two groups, we’re looking at key insights from the 2025 CMHC Mortgage Consumer Survey, which explores how Canadians are approaching homeownership, financing, and real estate decision-making. Below, we break down the data and what it means for buyers and sellers in our local market.
First-Time Buyers: Stepping Carefully Into the Market
The survey revealed that first-time buyers are entering the market cautiously. Many have rented for an average of over six years before deciding to buy, suggesting that affordability, job stability, and rising interest rates have played a role in delaying homeownership.
Here in Windsor-Essex, where prices have climbed over the past few years, this is especially relevant. First-time buyers often:
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Stretch their budgets to the maximum to secure a home
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Rely on personal savings, government incentives, or family support for down payments
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Are sensitive to unexpected expenses that come with ownership
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View homeownership as a key financial milestone
📌 Sellers, take note: Today’s buyers are well-informed, budget-conscious, and looking for value. They may not have extra funds to take on major renovations post-purchase, so homes that are priced accurately, move-in ready, or well-maintained tend to attract stronger offers.
Repeat Buyers: Balancing Life Changes and Market Shifts
Repeat buyers, often those upsizing, downsizing, or relocating due to lifestyle changes, were also studied. Nearly half of repeat buyers in the survey moved due to a change in their living situation—such as marriage, divorce, or growing families.
Most repeat buyers in the Windsor-Essex area:
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Use equity from a previous home to fund their next purchase
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Are looking for functional layouts and updated features
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Plan renovations to personalize their new home
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Are affected by market timing, interest rates, and current inventory
📌 Buyers, here’s your seller’s perspective: Sellers aren’t always moving because they want to—they may be dealing with life transitions, financial planning, or preparing for retirement. That context can explain some pricing decisions or negotiation positions.
Shared Perspectives: What Buyers and Sellers Have in Common
Despite differences in their roles, both buyers and sellers share a deep belief in real estate as a long-term investment. According to the survey:
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80% of Canadians believe buying a home is a sound financial decision
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Most feel confident in the mortgage products and services they’ve chosen
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Renovations are top-of-mind for both sides, often factored into long-term planning
Whether buying or selling in Windsor-Essex, these shared values can help foster more respectful, collaborative transactions.
The Role of Real Estate Professionals: Your Trusted Guide
One consistent message from the CMHC survey: working with a trusted real estate professional makes a difference.
At The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, we’re proud to serve buyers and sellers across Windsor, Amherstburg, Kingsville, LaSalle, Tecumseh, Essex, Leamington, Lakeshore and everywhere in between. Our clients benefit from:
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A deep understanding of the Windsor-Essex real estate market
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Honest, knowledgeable advice backed by local experience
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A client-first philosophy, focused on long-term success, not just the transaction
📞 Whether you’re thinking about buying your first home or selling your family property, we’re here to help you navigate every step with confidence.
Final Thoughts
Real estate isn’t just about property—it’s about people. The more buyers and sellers understand each other’s goals and challenges, the smoother the process becomes. With informed decision-making and the right guidance, both sides can achieve their real estate goals.
📍 Thinking of buying or selling in Windsor-Essex?
Let’s chat. Contact The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team today at www.dangemus.com or call 519-566-5565.
For more detailed insights, refer to the full 2025 CMHC Mortgage Consumer Survey
About The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team
The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is a top trusted real estate team located in the heart of Windsor and Essex County, ON, offering exceptional service and expertise with helping clients successfully buy and sell homes and navigate the homebuying and selling process in Windsor and Essex County with ease. With a proven track record of success and deep roots in the community, The Dan Gemus Team is committed to helping clients achieve their real estate goals with integrity, professionalism, and a client-first approach. Whether you’re thinking of buying, selling, or investing, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in to The Dan Gemus Real Estate Show for expert insights and Windsor and Essex County market updates, and don’t forget to explore our exclusive VIP Perks Program, offering incredible discounts and benefits from local businesses. Discover how we can make your real estate journey exceptional at DanGemus.com. Contact us anytime for a free, no-obligation, home evaluation.
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to replace legal or financial advice, nor is it intended to solicit those under contract with another brokerage.
