Kelly Sitter

October’s Sarnia-Lambton real estate market relationship status?

It’s complicated.

More homes were listed than last October. Fewer homes sold. Yet both the average and median residential sale prices increased slightly.

So, are prices rising? Is the market slowing? Is it a good time to buy or sell?

The honest answer is that one statistic cannot tell the entire story.

The biggest takeaway from October is that buyers still have choices, but well-priced homes are still selling.

What Happened in October?

There were 274 new residential listings in Sarnia-Lambton during October, compared with 256 in October 2025. That is an increase of 7.03%.

During the same month, 109 residential properties sold, down 14.84% from the 128 sales recorded last October.

The average residential sale price was $493,382, up slightly from $489,809 in October 2025.

The median residential sale price was $455,000, compared with $450,000 last October.

Put simply:

• More homes came onto the market

• Fewer homes sold

• The average price increased 0.73%

• The median price increased 1.11%

Buyers are not disappearing. They are comparing, taking their time and paying close attention to value.

The market is not necessarily saying “no” to sellers. It is saying, “Convince me.”

The Year-to-Date Numbers Tell a Bigger Story

From January through October 2026, there were 2,826 residential listings in Sarnia-Lambton. That is an increase of 5.13% compared with the same period in 2025.

During that time, 1,177 residential properties sold, down 8.05% from last year.

The year-to-date average residential sale price is $523,007, down 2.15% from $534,518 in 2025.

The year-to-date median residential sale price is $460,000, compared with $480,000 last year, a decrease of 4.17%.

This gives us a clearer picture than the October numbers alone.

Although October’s average and median prices were slightly higher than last October, prices remain lower when we look at the first ten months of the year together.

That is why I never recommend using one monthly percentage to decide what an individual home is worth.

What Does This Mean if You’re Selling?

There are buyers in the market, but they have options.

This is not the time to choose a price based on what a neighbour hoped to receive, add a little extra “just to see what happens” and wait for buyers to negotiate.

Buyers are looking at everything available in their price range. They are comparing condition, updates, location, layout, photography and overall value.

In October, bungalows were the most frequently sold style, with 61 sales and an average sale price of $462,986. Two-storey homes followed with 19 sales and an average price of $604,016.

Even within those categories, every home performed differently.

The first few weeks on the market remain important. A strong launch, accurate pricing, professional presentation and a marketing strategy designed for today’s buyers can make a significant difference.

The goal is not simply to get your home listed.

The goal is to make it the home buyers choose.

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

Buyers may have more time and choice than they did during the faster markets of a few years ago.

That can create opportunities to:

• Compare several properties

• Review recent comparable sales

• Complete proper due diligence

• Negotiate price or conditions

• Avoid making a rushed decision

However, more choice does not mean every seller is desperate or every home will sell below asking.

A great property in a desirable location that is priced properly can still attract attention quickly. Buyers need to understand where there may be room to negotiate and where waiting could mean losing the right home.

What About the Bank of Canada Rate Increase?

On October 28, the Bank of Canada increased its policy rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 2.5%.

Because the announcement came only a few days before the end of the month, it would not be accurate to blame October’s results on the rate increase.

Its effects, if any, will become clearer in the months ahead.

Interest-rate changes can affect mortgage payments, buyer confidence and how much some buyers are comfortable spending. However, one rate announcement does not tell us exactly what will happen to home prices.

It is another reminder that real estate decisions should be based on your personal plans, current local information and the numbers that apply to your situation, not predictions about what the market might do next.

There Isn’t Just One Sarnia-Lambton Market

A bungalow in Sarnia’s North End is not competing with exactly the same buyers as a country property, a waterfront home in Bright’s Grove or a first-time-buyer home in Petrolia.

Even two homes on the same street can sell differently depending on their condition, updates, garage, lot, layout and price.

The October average does not mean every Sarnia-Lambton home gained 0.73% in value.

Your home is not an average. Its value needs to be determined using the most relevant recent sales and the properties currently competing for the same buyers.

Wondering What These Numbers Mean for You?

If you are considering buying, selling or simply wondering where you stand in the current Sarnia-Lambton real estate market, I would be happy to look at the numbers that actually apply to you.

I’ll review your home, recent comparable sales and the properties competing for the same buyers.

There is no pressure and no obligation. It is simply helpful local information so you can understand your options and make a plan that feels right for you.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Kelly Sitter

Real Estate Agent

EXIT Realty Community, Brokerage

519-402-3740

Statistics sourced from the Sarnia-Lambton Association of REALTORS® MLS® Statistic Report for October 2026. Statistics are believed to be accurate but should not be relied upon to determine the value of an individual property.

Thinking About a Career in Real Estate? Here’s What It Actually Takes to Succeed

So you’re thinking about becoming a Realtor.

Maybe you love houses. Maybe you love people. Maybe you’re tired of a job that doesn’t reward you for how hard you work.

Here’s the honest truth most people won’t tell you before you get your licence: loving houses isn’t enough.

Every Realtor Can Do the Paperwork. Very Few Can Find Clients.

Every Realtor can show a house. Every Realtor can fill out the paperwork. Every Realtor can put a sign in a lawn.

What most new agents have no clue about is the part that actually builds a career: finding clients, creating systems that generate leads, and then converting those leads into advocates who come back again and again — and send their friends and family to you.

That’s why real estate has such a high failure rate. It’s not because people aren’t good with houses. It’s because nobody teaches them how to build a business.

What I Teach Is Different

I don’t just help you get started. I help you learn how to actually sell real estate — how to build relationships, how to follow up properly, and how to turn one happy client into repeat and referral business for years.

I co-host a real estate group called Growth Intention, where we help agents grow their business with real systems, not guesswork. I’ve spent years training agents, and I’ve spoken on stage for EXIT Realty about building a raving fan base at Disney in California, twice in Halifax, in Collingwood, and at Richard Robbins Masters Academy in Toronto, talking about the power of reviews.

Reviews, relationships, and follow-up — that’s the foundation. Get those right, and you don’t have to chase business forever. Business starts coming to you.

Why EXIT Realty?

What I love about EXIT is that it’s built for agents who actually want to grow. The training, the support, and the community around you are real — you’re not left to figure it all out on your own.

EXIT is a Canadian company, with its head office in Missisauga, and it has grown across North America with hundreds of offices. Its slogan says it best: it’s a family disguised as a real estate company.

Here at home, our Broker of Record is Julie Jenkins, owner of EXIT Realty Community, with offices in Sarnia, Komoka, and Petrolia. Julie was named EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Canadian Broker of the Year in 2019, and she leads a brokerage that is genuinely involved in this community.

When the agents around you succeed, everybody grows together. That’s the kind of culture I want to be part of — and the kind I want to help build here in Sarnia-Lambton.

Is This Career Right for You?

Real estate isn’t easy, and I won’t pretend it is. But if you’re willing to learn, willing to work on relationships, and willing to follow a system instead of winging it, it can be one of the most rewarding careers there is.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

If you’re thinking about a career in real estate in Sarnia-Lambton — or you’re already licensed and struggling to find clients — let’s talk. I’d love to tell you more about what it’s really like, what it takes, and how EXIT’s training and support could work for you.

Call or text me at 519-402-3740, email kelly@336exit.com, or visit www.kellysitter.com.

Your friend in real estate,

Kelly Sitter | Broker

EXIT Realty Community, Brokerage

🏡 Coming Soon to MLS

1687 Willowbrook Crescent, Sarnia

✨ Something exciting is coming to Sarnia’s north end! 🌊

More space than it looks from the outside 👀, a cozy family room with a gas fireplace 🔥, and a short walk to the beach! ☀

It hits MLS tomorrow — DM me for details before it goes live! 💬

📱 Call or text 519-402-3740

🌐 www.kellysitter.com

Your friend in real estate,

Kelly Sitter | Broker

#ComingSoon #SarniaRealEstate #SarniaOntario #Sarnia #NorthEndSarnia #SarniaHomesForSale #LambtonCounty #OntarioRealEstate #EXITRealty #KellySitter

Last week, aboard the Norwegian Getaway for EXIT Realty’s 30th Anniversary Celebration, I was honoured to receive EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Bronze Award.

I was also incredibly proud to be recognized among EXIT Realty Corp. International’s Top 100 agents in North America, finishing 90th in gross commission income and 88th in sales volume for 2025.

This is my third consecutive year earning a place in EXIT’s Top 100.

Receiving this recognition surrounded by EXIT colleagues and friends from across North America made the moment even more memorable. We were celebrating 30 years of a company built around people helping people, which made it the perfect setting to reflect on the relationships that have shaped my own real estate career.

Thank You to My Clients

My name may be on the awards, but they represent every client who trusted me with one of the biggest decisions of their lives.

Thank you for allowing me to help you buy your first home, sell the home where you raised your family, upsize, downsize or make a fresh start somewhere new.

Thank you for your reviews, your word of mouth and every time you have introduced me to a friend, family member or coworker who needed real estate help.

If you live in Sarnia-Lambton, there is a good chance I have already helped someone you know. The trust behind those introductions means the world to me.

Thank You to My EXIT Family

Thank you to my EXIT Realty Community team here in Sarnia-Lambton and to everyone at EXIT who has supported, encouraged and cheered me on along the way.

Being part of a company that celebrates its people and creates opportunities to learn from one another is something I am genuinely grateful for.

Celebrating EXIT Realty’s 30th anniversary together was a wonderful reminder of how much can be accomplished when people support each other.

What This Recognition Means to Me

Finishing in the Top 100 for a third consecutive year is something I am extremely proud of, but the rankings only tell a small part of the story.

For me, these awards represent the families behind the numbers.

They represent the keys handed over, the sold signs, the happy tears and the new beginnings right here in Sarnia-Lambton.

They represent the conversations that happen before a home is ever listed, the late-night questions, the unexpected challenges and the moment everything finally comes together.

Most of all, this recognition is a reminder of why I do what I do and why I will continue showing up with experience, strategy, honesty and a friendly approach for every client I serve.

Thinking About Buying or Selling?

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home in Sarnia-Lambton, I would love the opportunity to help you too.

Call or text me at 519-402-3740, email kelly@336exit.com or visit www.kellysitter.com.

To everyone who has supported my business, trusted me with a move or shared my name with someone they care about, thank you. This recognition would not have happened without you.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Kelly Sitter

Real Estate Broker

EXIT Realty Community, Brokerage

519-402-3740

Every year, homes across Sarnia-Lambton enter a seasonal tradition known as "waiting until spring."

Sometimes waiting is the right decision. Sometimes it means sitting on the sidelines for several months, only to list alongside every other homeowner who had exactly the same idea.

So, should you wait until spring to sell your Sarnia home?

The honest answer is: not necessarily.

The best time to sell depends on your home, your competition, your timeline and what you plan to do next.

Spring is not magical. The tulips may look lovely, but they do not write offers.

Spring Brings More Buyers and More Competition

There are good reasons why spring is traditionally a busy real estate season.

The days are longer, yards begin to look better and many families want to move before the next school year. More buyers may begin searching, but more homeowners also put their properties on the market.

That means your home may receive more attention while also facing more competition.

If several similar homes are listed in your neighbourhood at the same time, buyers can compare them carefully and become more selective about price, condition and features.

Waiting for more buyers does not automatically mean your home will sell faster or for more money.

Spring Does Not Guarantee a Stronger Market

On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada increased its policy rate by 0.25%.

That does not automatically mean home prices will fall, but it is a very timely reminder of how quickly market conditions can change.

Interest rates can affect mortgage payments, buyer confidence and how much some buyers are comfortable spending. We do not know where rates will be by spring, whether more homes will be competing for buyers or whether prices will stabilize or continue to decline.

Waiting until spring is not simply waiting for green grass and better weather. It also means accepting the uncertainty of a future market that none of us can predict.

The spring market could be stronger. It could be similar. It could also be more challenging.

Unfortunately, the real estate market does not automatically add money to your home the moment the tulips appear.

Winter Buyers May Be More Motivated

Some winter buyers are not browsing homes because they have nothing better to do on a snowy Saturday.

They may be relocating, starting a new job, welcoming a new family member or working with a deadline. They are often searching because they genuinely need to make a move.

There may be fewer buyers during the winter, but there may also be fewer competing listings.

A home that could become one of many choices in April might receive more attention when inventory is lower.

Your Home May Show Well During Winter

Some homes are especially inviting during the colder months.

A warm fireplace, bright family room, finished basement or attached garage can feel particularly appealing when buyers arrive wearing boots and wondering why they live somewhere that hurts their face.

Buyers do not purchase using numbers alone. They also imagine how it would feel to live in the home.

A property that feels warm, bright and well maintained can make a strong emotional impression during winter.

When Waiting May Make Sense

There are situations when waiting for spring could be the better strategy.

You may want to wait if:

• Your yard, pool or gardens are major selling features

• The home needs repairs or preparation that cannot be completed immediately

• You would prefer not to manage showings during the holidays

• You are not financially or emotionally ready to move

• Your plans for your next home are still uncertain

Waiting should be a deliberate decision, not something you do simply because everyone says spring is better.

If your exterior is one of the home's best features but you may sell during winter, warm-season photographs can help buyers see what is hiding under the snow. "Beautiful backyard" is much more convincing when buyers can actually see it.

When Selling Sooner May Be Better

Listing before spring may make sense when:

• Your home is ready now

• You want to face less competition

• You need to coordinate another purchase

• Carrying the home for several more months will be costly

• There are already active buyers searching in your price range

• Your personal timing matters more than the season

The calendar is only one part of the decision.

A well-priced and well-marketed home can sell during any season. An overpriced home does not suddenly become irresistible because a crocus appears in the front garden.

Start Planning Before You Decide

You do not need to choose a listing date before speaking with a Realtor.

A good first step is to review:

• Recent sales in your neighbourhood

• Current competing listings

• Your home's likely market value

• What should be completed before selling

• Your plans for purchasing another home

• The financial cost and potential risk of waiting

Once we understand those pieces, we can compare selling now with waiting until spring and choose the strategy that makes the most sense for you.

And no, having that conversation does not mean I will sneak over and plant a For Sale sign on your lawn while you sleep.

Thinking About Selling Your Sarnia Home?

If you are wondering whether to sell your Sarnia-Lambton home this winter or wait until spring, I would be happy to help you look at the options.

There is no universally perfect month to sell. There is simply the timing and strategy that work best for your home and your next move.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Kelly Sitter

Real Estate Broker

EXIT Realty Community, Brokerage

519-402-3740

www.kellysitter.com

If you’ve been looking for a little more space, a lot more privacy, and a neighbourhood that feels like a real community, Twin Lakes deserves a closer look. 👀

And honestly, I love driving through Twin Lakes. It’s one of those neighbourhoods where you can feel it right away — quiet streets, big homes, trees, and people who actually stay.

Twin Lakes sits on the northeast side of Sarnia, close to the beach and the Howard Watson Trail, with easy access from Murphy Road, Michigan Avenue, Cathcart Boulevard, and Blackwell Road. Close to the lakeshore, but still just minutes from the rest of Sarnia.

The twin lakes themselves

Yes, the neighbourhood is named for them — Twin Lakes Park and its two lakes are right in the community. It’s that mix of water, green space, and quiet streets that gives Twin Lakes its feel.

Room to grow

Twin Lakes is known for large, custom-built homes, mostly two-storey homes built from the late 1970s to the late 1980s. Perfect for growing families, and for multigenerational families who want space for everyone under one roof.

Sometimes you don’t need more house. You just need the right house, with room for the life you’re actually living.

Parks, trails, and the beach

You’re close to the beach and to the Howard Watson Trail, plus Howard Watson Nature Trail (131 acres) and Blackwell Trails Park are close by, and Blackwell Dog Park is there for the four-legged family members.

That’s a big deal for families. Parks, trails, and green space aren’t just nice to have — they’re part of everyday life here.

Schools families ask about

Cathcart Boulevard Public School is one of the most preferred schools in the area, and Gregory A. Hogan School and Les Rapides are also in proximity. That’s a big reason families love this area, and a big reason homes here don’t stay available for long.

Everyday convenience, without giving up the quiet

Tim Hortons, Shoppers Drug Mart, Canada Post, and Twin Lakes Retreat are within the neighbourhood, and you’re still just minutes from the rest of Sarnia.

It’s country-feeling, without giving up the convenience of being close to the city. That’s a balance a lot of buyers are looking for right now.

Here’s the honest part

Homes in Twin Lakes don’t come up often, and when they do, they’re in high demand. That’s why it pays to be ready — and to have someone watching for you.

If Twin Lakes is on your wish list, let’s talk before the next one comes up, not after it’s gone.

And if you’re thinking about selling in Twin Lakes? Let’s look at comparable sales, let’s look at what buyers  are actually looking for right now, and let’s talk about how to make your home shine its best — so buyers can start thinking of it as theirs.

Thinking about buying or selling in Twin Lakes, Sarnia, or anywhere in Sarnia-Lambton? Send me a message. I’ll get you all the details.

Your friend in real estate,

Kelly Sitter | Broker

EXIT Realty Community, Brokerage

Cell: (519) 402-3740

kelly@336exit.com

www.kellysitter.com