Price Check: “Buyers are pickier than they used to be”

Despite increased market activity this past June, Toronto’s average home selling price fell by 3.9 per cent year over year. The mixed signals reflect a landscape in which buyers are returning but remain highly selective. Careful pricing and a willingness to adjust strategy can determine whether a listing lingers or sells in a day. Here, three realtors explain how they navigated a buyer’s market to sell three very different homes for $2 million.

Wychwood: A renovated semi with a jaunty porch and a finished basement

Listed for: $1,995,000 Sold for: $1,965,000 Date sold: June 2, 2026 Bedrooms: 4+2 Bathrooms: 4 Size: 1,500 square feet Parking spot: 1 Real estate agent: Rita Rubin, RE/MAX Ultimate Realty

“This four-bedroom home was in a family-friendly neighbourhood. Recently upgraded and with skylights throughout, the place was much brighter than most semis. We initially listed it in early May for $2.4 million, but it didn’t attract the interest we had hoped for. Two weeks later, rather than let the property sit, we shifted to a more aggressive strategy, re-listing at $2 million to generate immediate buzz.”

“It worked. We received a bully offer (which we declined) shortly after returning to market, and more than 30 people attended our open houses each day. My clients ultimately received four offers and sold the home on June 2 for $1,965,000.”

“Buyers are pickier than they used to be, and are more willing to wait and shop around. That has been the reality for well over a year. In the current market, comparable sales are not the only factor selling owners should consider when setting expectations. They also need to account for global political and economic uncertainty, which can influence buyer behaviour.”

The Beaches: A three-storey detached with a built-in garage

Listed for: $2,179,000 Sold for: $2,085,000 Date sold: June 5, 2026 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Size: 2,000 square feet Parking spots: 2 Real estate agent: Sabrina Cameron, the Richards Group Realty

“This property came with plenty of standout features: a large main-floor family room and powder room, a built-in garage with parking for two—a rarity in the Beaches—and a pleasant view of the neighbourhood. Before setting the listing price, our team made sure the home showed at its absolute best. We completed touch-ups, addressed some small maintenance items that would-be buyers had noticed and staged the place beautifully. In early May, we listed below market value at $2 million with a one-week offer holdback to maximize exposure and encourage competition.”

“We had 19 showings in the first week and received excellent feedback, but offer night came at a time when many holdback listings were also missing. Rather than assuming the strategy had failed, we used that first week as valuable research. We analyzed the buyer response along with comparable sales and overall conditions, then re-listed the house at market value: $2,179,000. That generated another 37 showings and, in the end, a successful sale.”

“In today’s market, buyers are setting value in real time, so the smartest strategy for sellers is to listen. My clients not selling on offer night wasn’t necessarily a negative because the feedback we received helped us determine the right figure. House hunters are being selective, and owners aren’t always expecting an immediate sale, so the market rewards negotiation rather than ultimatums. In this case, both sides found a happy medium: the sellers achieved a strong price close to asking, and the buyers secured a home they wanted.”

Danforth Village–East York: A modern box with a pool and a landscaped backyard

Listed for: $1,599,000 Sold for: $2,000,000 Date sold: June 13, 2026 Bedrooms: 4+1 Bathrooms: 4 Size: 2,000 square feet Parking spots: 4 Real estate agent: Claudio Cerrito, RE/MAX Hallmark Realty

“This east-end home had a wide, deep lot; a private driveway with room for four cars; and a swimming pool. It’s difficult to find a place with that combination in the city. Because the listing was so distinct, we priced it strategically to get as many eyeballs on the property as possible, letting the market determine its value. My clients listed it on June 9 for $1.6 million with the hope of selling around $2 million.”

“We got a lot of viewings in the first few days, which confirmed that our strategy had worked. On the fourth day, before the scheduled offer date, we received a pre-emptive bid. It was lower than our expectations, so we told the buyers that we would consider selling early only at $2 million. They returned with a revised offer at that price, and we accepted.”

“Even in a seasonally slower market, buyers are still willing to compete for the right home. A well-priced property on a great street, with coveted features, can command a strong sale price. I expect we will continue to see solid results in July for listings that stand out and are positioned properly.”

Are you an agent with tips for house hunters? Send your story to realestate@torontolife.com.