A quieter market does not mean a worse market
The holiday season feels like the “off-season” in real estate. Kids are busy, work flow changes, weather is unpredictable, holiday parties, visits with family and friends…..It’s no wonder most people assume they should wait until spring.
But the Windsor–Essex market doesn’t hit pause. It simply shifts. If you’re prepared, winter can be a smart window to buy with less noise and more clarity.
What the local numbers are actually saying right now
In November 2025, Windsor–Essex saw 830 new listings, 370 sales, and an average sale price of $552,391 (about 5.6% lower than November 2024). AM 800 CKLW
Zooming out one month earlier (October 2025), Windsor–Essex finished the month with 2,134 active listings and 3.9 months of inventory, which CREA’s local board commentary notes is above the long-run October average and generally means buyers have more choice than they’ve had in recent years. CREA Stats
And on the financing side, the Bank of Canada held the overnight rate at 2.25% on December 10, 2025. Bank of Canada
Why some buyers like holiday timing
This isn’t about “steals.” It’s about structure.
When inventory is higher and the market is closer to balanced, buyers can often:
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Be more selective (fewer rushed decisions)
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Take due diligence seriously (inspection and financing planning)
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Negotiate more thoughtfully (price, dates, inclusions, repairs, conditions), depending on the property and price band
WECAR also notes the market can be segmented by price point, which matters if you’re shopping under or above certain thresholds. AM 800 CKLW
The winter buyer checklist that actually protects you
A holiday purchase can be fantastic, as long as you respect winter’s blind spots.
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Insist on real due diligence
A home inspection is one of the most common offer conditions, and RECO notes it’s often recommended because not all defects are visible, even when sellers provide disclosures. Real Estate Council of Ontario -
Winter-proof your showing walkthrough
Look for clues that only show up in colder months: window condensation, drafts, uneven heating, roofline ice buildup, grading and drainage pathways, and how snow is managed. -
Plan for insurance early
Some homes can be harder to insure quickly depending on age, wiring, roof, or prior claims history. Build “insurance confirmability” into your timeline. -
Be realistic about closings
Holiday closings can be smooth, but you need to account for lender, lawyer, and mover availability.
How our team helps (without pressure)
At The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team, we treat winter buying like a project plan: clear timelines, documented next steps, and a calm process so you’re not making emotional decisions in the middle of a busy season.
If you want it, we’ll build you a Holiday Advantage Shortlist: properties that fit your needs, plus recent local comparables and a clean strategy for offers and conditions.
At The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team Ltd., Brokerage, we help buyers and sellers across Windsor–Essex make confident decisions with clear strategy, strong negotiation, and a calm, professional process from start to finish. If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or planning a move for 2026, our team will give you straightforward advice, local market context, and a step-by-step plan that fits your timeline. Feel informed before you feel pressured. If you have questions about the real estate market in Windsor and Essex County, The Dan Gemus Real Estate Team is always happy to help.
The blog is not intended to solicit those under contract with another brokerage, nor is it intended to replace legal, accounting or financial advice.
