Is Windsor-Essex in a Buyer’s or Seller’s Market? Here’s How to Tell—And What It Means for You

If you’re thinking about buying or selling a home in Windsor and Essex County, one of the first questions that might come to mind is: Is it a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? And more importantly, what does that mean for you?

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, planning to upsize or downsize, or looking to cash in on your home’s value, knowing the type of market we’re in can help you make a smarter decision—and avoid unnecessary stress.

Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to understand.

What’s the Difference Between a Buyer’s Market and a Seller’s Market?

Buyer’s Market: This happens when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers looking. That means buyers have the upper hand. Homes tend to sit on the market longer, and sellers may need to lower prices or offer incentives to attract offers.
Seller’s Market: This is the opposite—when there are more buyers than there are homes available. In this case, sellers are in the driver’s seat. Homes often sell quickly, sometimes with multiple offers and over asking price.
Balanced Market: Neither side has a clear advantage. There’s a healthy number of buyers and sellers, and prices tend to rise steadily without dramatic swings.

How Do We Know What Kind of Market We’re In?

Real estate professionals use a few key metrics to determine market conditions:

1. Months of Inventory

This is the most common indicator. It refers to how long it would take to sell all the current listings at the current pace of sales.

Less than 4 months = Seller’s market
4 to 6 months = Balanced market
More than 6 months = Buyer’s market

In Windsor-Essex, we track this closely every month. If you ever want to know the current stat, just ask us!

2. Average Days on Market (DOM)

This tells us how long homes are taking to sell. Shorter DOM generally means more demand (seller’s market), while longer DOM points to buyers having more time and choice.

3. Sale-to-List Price Ratio

This measures how close the final sale price is to the original listing price. In a hot market, homes often sell at or above asking price.

4. Price Trends

Are home prices trending up or down? Rising prices usually indicate a seller’s market, while falling prices may show buyers are gaining power.

So… What Kind of Market Are We in Right Now?

Windsor and Essex County is currently seeing more balanced market conditions. With approximately 4 months of residential inventory, we are seeing slightly longer days on market, and more negotiation room, by way of price or offer terms. In a balanced market, conditions can shift quickly—and often vary by neighbourhood or price point. For example, entry-level homes might still be in high demand, while luxury properties could be taking longer to sell. The Windsor-Essex market has seen a lot of movement recently, with changing interest rates, buyer hesitations, and more homes hitting the market.

Whether you’re thinking of buying or selling in Windsor-Essex, if you’re not sure where things stand today in your Windsor-Essex neighbourhood or what to expect in today’s market, reach out to our team—we analyze local data weekly and can give you up-to-date guidance based on your unique goals.

Should You Buy First or Sell First?

This is one of the biggest questions we hear. And the answer depends heavily on both the market and your personal circumstances.

In a Seller’s Market:

Selling first is usually the safest route—you’re likely to sell quickly and for top dollar.
Buying might be more competitive, so having your financing pre-approved and being ready to act fast is key.

In a Buyer’s Market:

Buying first could make sense—you’ll have more homes to choose from and potentially better deals.
Selling might take longer, so it’s important to price right and have a strong marketing plan.

Other Things to Consider:

Can you carry two mortgages temporarily?
Are you flexible with your moving timeline?
Have you spoken to your mortgage advisor about bridge financing options?

Our team can help you weigh these options and even line up the timing of both transactions to reduce stress.

Final Thoughts: What’s Your Best Move?

No matter what the market is doing, your best move always starts with a clear plan and good advice. A strong real estate team can help you read the market, understand your finances, and make confident choices—whether you’re buying, selling, or both.

If you’re wondering what your next step should be, let’s chat. The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is happy to break down the current Windsor-Essex real estate landscape and tailor a strategy that works for you.

📲 Thinking of making a move?
The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is here 7 days a week. Reach out anytime at 519-566-5565 or visit www.DanGemus.com.

This blog is not intended to replace legal or financial advice, nor is it intended to solicit those currently under contract with another Brokerage.