Vol. 42, Issue 2, February 2026
Julie's Scoop
Howdy!
I hope you had a truly wonderful Valentine’s / Family Day long weekend. It’s been so nice to enjoy some milder weather — although we’re back to stormy skies again today (at least it’s not too cold!).
Yesterday we were busy trying to locate the sewer grate nearest our house because we were dealing with some major flooding on the road. Unfortunately, the City of Toronto hasn’t cleared our street yet, so we’re surrounded by enormous snowbanks and thick ice.
The joys of winter certainly make us appreciate the beautiful spring and summer days ahead! At times this week it even felt like spring skiing weather… a little too early for that!
I’m still recovering from surgery and feeling a bit better each day. It’s definitely a long process — patience is a virtue (and I keep reminding myself just how virtuous I am — LOL). We’re also looking after our friend’s one-year-old dog, Luna, while they’re away. Our girls are thrilled to have a playmate — and a fellow little troublemaker — to keep them entertained.
Luna with friends Muprhy and Georgie
The Winter Olympics have been so much fun to watch and cheer for. There are always such powerful stories of dreams fulfilled and heartbreak endured. The athletes are incredibly inspiring, and of course the backdrop of Milano and Cortina is absolutely stunning. It brings back wonderful memories of when we were in Vancouver during the Games, watching our home country win so many gold medals while the Canadian crowds were electric. A little heartbreak over here after our women’s & men’s hockey teams came so close to Gold... both teams played incredibly well, deserved the W and made us proud!
I have some fun photos to share with you:
2010 Winter Olympics throwback!
2026 Winter Olympics happily cheering on at home!
Enthusiastic neighbours flying the Olympic Flag in High Park.
Throwback: Julie & Courtney in 2015 at KW Conference
Throwback: 2015 KW Conference
It’s a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to real estate activity right now. Some listings from last fall have come back on the market unchanged in price, with sellers feeling confident that conditions have improved or that more buyers are ready to make their move. We’re seeing a little bit of everything — some properties selling off-market or exclusively, some going over asking, and others selling well under.
Personally, I don’t believe it’s possible to truly “time” the market. There are so many different reasons people decide to move. If you’re thinking long term, or you’re ready to stop renting and start building your own dream, sometimes the best decision is simply to jump in and get started. Encouragingly, we’ve also had a number of buyers reach out who are actively preparing to make a move this spring — which is always a great sign.
Ruairi has put together an excellent video outlining what’s currently happening in the market — be sure to click and take a look.
We also have some wonderful properties available — click through to see if you know someone who might be interested!
Vacant Home Tax Reminder
Just a friendly reminder to complete your declaration form online through the City of Toronto website to avoid any unnecessary penalties or hassles.
Staging Tips: Depersonalize — But Keep It Warm in February:
➡️ With the market more competitive than ever, staging remains a key part of our marketing strategy. Staged homes typically spend less time on the market and often sell for more than homes that are not staged.
➡️ While removing personal photos and highly specific décor helps buyers envision themselves in the space, it’s important not to make the home feel cold or sterile. Consider replacing family photos with some of your neutral, appealing artwork or lifestyle images to maintain warmth and create a welcoming atmosphere.
guiding you home™,
Julie
Krazy Kontest Winners…Kongratulations!
Congratulations to our Valentine’s day contest winner! They won dinner for two at Terroni’s on Queen West! 242 total entries! Thank you all for participating.test coming MARCH 1st!!!!
PS: Do not forget - March GRAND PRIZE KRAZY KONTEST coming soon MARCH 1st!!!
📊Toronto Market Insights - January 2026
Market Insights from Ruairi:
👉 Curious how this impacts your buying power or your home’s value? Let’s connect (You can just simply reply to this email).
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Curious about what’s happening in your area? Don’t wait—reach out anytime! We’re here to chat, answer questions, and keep you in the loop on the latest market trends. Let’s stay connected!
