RSS

Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Market Update: October 2026

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.

Read

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

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

Read

Coming Soon to MLS: 1687 Willowbrook Crescent, Sarnia

🏡 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

Read

Thank You, Sarnia-Lambton: Honoured with EXIT Realty’s Bronze Award

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

Read

Should I Wait Until Spring to Sell My Home in Sarnia?

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

Read

Twin Lakes, Sarnia: One of the North End’s Most Loved Neighbourhoods

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

Read

Why Buyers Sitting on the Fence Could Be Missing Some Incredible Opportunities in Sarnia-Lambton

If you've been thinking about buying a home but keep telling yourself, "Maybe I'll just wait a little longer," you're definitely not alone.

There are a lot of buyers sitting on the fence right now.

And honestly, I understand why.

After everything we've seen in the real estate market over the last few years, buyers are watching interest rates, watching home prices and wondering what's going to happen next.

Which usually leads to the question I hear all the time:

"Should I buy now, or should I wait?"

Let Me Get My Crystal Ball... 🔮

Hang on, let me grab it.

If I could tell you exactly what home prices and interest rates were going to do six months from now, I'd probably have a very different job.

The truth is, none of us can perfectly time the real estate market.

What I can tell you is what I'm seeing right now in Sarnia-Lambton.

And there are some really incredible opportunities out there for buyers.

Buyers Have Something They Haven't Always Had: Choice

Remember when a great house would hit the market and buyers felt like they had about five minutes to decide whether they wanted it?

Multiple offers. No conditions. Offer deadlines. Stress.

It wasn't exactly a relaxing way to buy a house.

Today, buyers have more opportunity to slow down, look at their options and make a decision based on what actually works for them.

Depending on the property and the seller's situation, there may also be room to negotiate things like:

  • Purchase price
  • Closing date
  • Financing conditions
  • Home inspection conditions
  • Appliances and other inclusions
  • Repairs or improvements

That negotiating power has value.

Some Sellers Are Ready to Make a Deal

This is the part I really want buyers to understand.

Not every seller has the same motivation.

Maybe their home has been on the market longer than they expected.

Maybe they've already bought another home.

Maybe they're relocating.

Maybe they've had a price adjustment.

Or maybe they're simply ready to move on.

That's why I tell my buyers not to automatically rule out a house because the asking price is a little higher than where they want to be.

The list price is the list price. It doesn't necessarily tell us what the seller may be willing to accept.

Let's look at the comparable sales. Let's look at how long the home has been on the market. Let's look at previous price adjustments. And then let's decide whether there could be an opportunity.

Because sometimes there is.

"But What If Prices Go Down?"

They might.

They might stay the same.

They could eventually start going back up.

🔮 Where did I put that crystal ball again?

Nobody knows exactly where the bottom of a market is until we're looking back at it.

And interest rates are only one part of the equation too.

A lot of buyers are waiting for rates to come down before they make a move. But think about what could happen if rates drop enough to bring a large group of buyers back into the market at the same time.

Suddenly, you may have more competition.

That house that has been sitting on the market might have two or three buyers interested in it.

And some of the negotiating power buyers have today could start to disappear.

So, Is Right Now the Perfect Time to Buy?

That's actually the wrong question.

The better question is:

Is it the right time for YOU to buy?

Can you comfortably afford the payment?

Are you planning to stay in the home long enough for buying to make sense?

Is there a home available that you love and that fits your needs?

And can we negotiate a deal that makes sense for you?

If the answer to those questions is yes, then I wouldn't let trying to perfectly time the market stop you from at least looking at what's available.

I've Seen a Few Markets Since 2013

I've been selling real estate in Sarnia-Lambton since 2013, and if there's one thing experience has taught me, it's that the best opportunities aren't always obvious while they're happening.

Sometimes they happen when everyone else is excited and jumping into the market.

But sometimes they happen when everyone else is nervous, hesitant and sitting on the fence.

That doesn't mean I think everyone should run out and buy a house right now.

I don't.

But if you're financially ready to buy, I do think this is a market worth paying attention to.

There are some great homes available.

There are sellers willing to negotiate.

And buyers have something they haven't always had:

Time. Choice. And negotiating power.

Sitting on the Fence? Let's Just Look.

You don't have to call me and announce, "Kelly, I'm buying a house!"

Call me and say:

"Kelly, show me what's out there."

Let's look at what your budget can actually buy in today's Sarnia-Lambton market.

Let's look at the listings that have been sitting for a while.

Let's look at recent price reductions.

Let's look at comparable sales.

And let me point out the properties where I think there may be an opportunity.

If we don't find anything that makes sense?

Stay on the fence.

But if we find the right house, at the right price, with terms that work for you, you might be very glad you decided to take a look while everyone else was still waiting for that crystal ball to tell them what to do. 🔮

Thinking about buying a home in Sarnia, Bright's Grove, Petrolia or anywhere in Sarnia-Lambton? Let's talk.

Kelly Sitter
Real Estate Agent
EXIT Realty Community, Brokerage
519-402-3740

Your friend in real estate.

Read

Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Market Update: September 2026

September’s real estate numbers are in, but rather than looking at just one month, I think the year-to-date numbers tell us a much better story about what is happening in the Sarnia-Lambton real estate market in 2026.

And the biggest takeaway?

More homes are being listed. Fewer homes are selling. Buyers have choices.

That doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling. They absolutely are. But this is a market where pricing, presentation, marketing, strategy and experience matter.

The Year-to-Date Numbers Tell the Bigger Story

From January through September 2026, there have been 2,547 residential listings in Sarnia-Lambton, up 4.73% compared with the same period in 2025.

During that same time, 1,067 residential properties sold, down 7.38%.

The year-to-date average residential sale price is $526,059, down 2.49% from $539,486 last year.

The year-to-date median residential sale price is $460,000, compared with $485,000 in 2025, a decrease of 5.15%.

Put all of that together and we have more homes coming to market and fewer homes selling.

What does that mean?

Buyers have choices.

And when buyers have choices, they can afford to be more selective.

What Does This Mean if You’re Selling?

This is not the market where I would recommend throwing a price on your home and “seeing what happens.”

Buyers are comparing your home with everything else available to them.

Price matters. Presentation matters. Marketing matters.

If another home offers better value, better presentation or simply feels like the better choice, buyers can move on.

That doesn’t mean homes aren’t selling. There were still 120 residential sales in September alone.

It means sellers need a strategy.

The first few weeks your home is on the market are important because buyers who have already been waiting for a property like yours are often among the first people to see it.

You want to give those buyers a reason to book a showing, not a reason to wait for a price reduction.

Experience Matters in This Market

I’ve been selling real estate in Sarnia-Lambton since 2013 and have helped sell hundreds and hundreds of homes. In that time, I’ve worked through some very different real estate markets.

I’ve seen markets where homes sold almost as quickly as we could list them, markets where multiple offers were the norm, and markets like this one, where buyers have more choices and sellers need to be much more strategic.

Experience matters differently in a changing market.

It’s not just about knowing how to sell a house when everything is selling. It’s knowing what to do when a home isn’t selling.

Is the price the problem? Is it presentation? Are buyers choosing competing homes instead? Has the market shifted since the home was originally priced? Do we need to change the marketing, reposition the property or adjust our strategy?

Those are conversations I’ve had hundreds of times over the years.

Today’s market requires more than putting a sign on the lawn and uploading a listing to MLS®. It requires understanding the numbers, watching what buyers are actually doing and being willing to adjust when the market gives us feedback.

The goal isn’t simply to list your home. The goal is to get it sold.

What About Buyers?

For buyers, having more inventory can create opportunity.

You may have more time to compare homes, do your due diligence and negotiate than you did in some of the much faster markets we experienced a few years ago.

But more inventory does not mean every seller is desperate or every house will sell below asking.

A great home in a desirable location that is priced appropriately can still attract attention quickly.

For buyers, experience matters too. Understanding recent comparable sales, how long a property has been on the market and where there may be room to negotiate can make a big difference.

What Happened in September?

September continued many of the trends we’ve been seeing throughout 2026.

There were 300 new residential listings, compared with 329 in September 2025, a decrease of 8.81%.

There were 120 residential sales, compared with 131 last September, a decrease of 8.40%.

The average residential sale price was $496,123, down 3.49% from $514,058 in September 2025.

Interestingly, the median residential sale price increased 1.15% to $450,000, compared with $444,900 last September.

The average price went down while the median went up.

That’s a great reminder of why I don’t believe one monthly statistic should ever be used to tell you what is happening to the value of your home.

There Isn’t Just One Sarnia-Lambton Real Estate Market

Real estate is incredibly local.

What’s happening with a bungalow in Sarnia’s North End can be very different from a country property, a home in Petrolia, a waterfront property in Bright’s Grove or a first-time-buyer home under $400,000.

Even two homes in the same neighbourhood can perform differently depending on condition, updates, square footage, lot, garage, layout, location and price.

That’s why an online estimate or a headline saying “prices are down” doesn’t tell you what your house is actually worth.

If you’re considering selling, buying or simply wondering where you stand in the 2026 Sarnia-Lambton real estate market, I’m always happy to look at the numbers that actually apply to you.

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

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

Experience matters, but so does having a plan that fits today’s market, not yesterday’s.

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 September 2026. Statistics are believed to be accurate but should not be relied upon to determine the value of an individual property.

Read

URGENT: Selling This Winter? Photograph Your Yard Now

This week, I’m emailing my past clients and friends with a real estate emergency.

Okay, it is not a real emergency. Nobody needs to call 911.

But if you are thinking about selling your home this winter and you have a beautiful yard, call your Realtor today and arrange to have some exterior photos taken.

The grass is green, the gardens are still visible and your backyard has not yet performed its annual disappearing act.

“Beautiful Backyard” Is Not Enough

Picture this: Your home is listed in January. The description says:

“The property features a beautiful, private backyard with mature landscaping and gorgeous gardens.”

The photos show a large white rectangle.

Very convincing.

Buyers can read about the gardens, patio, pool and landscaping, but seeing those features is what helps create an emotional connection.

Buying a home is a major financial decision, but people often buy on emotion. They imagine summer barbecues on the patio, children or grandchildren playing in the yard, evenings around the firepit and weekends by the pool.

The right photos help buyers stop looking at your backyard and start imagining it as their backyard.

“Trust me, it looks amazing in July” just does not have the same effect.

Help Your Home Stand Out

Winter listing photos can start to look very similar. There is a lot of white, grey, bare trees and the occasional frozen garbage bin.

A few colourful photos showing green grass, gardens and inviting outdoor spaces can immediately make your listing stand out.

This is especially important if your property has:

  • A pool or hot tub

  • Beautiful gardens or mature landscaping

  • A large deck or patio

  • A firepit or outdoor entertaining area

  • A private or unusually large yard

  • A view that looks its best during warmer weather

These features may be a big part of what makes someone fall in love with your home. Let’s not hide them under six inches of snow.

You Do Not Have to List Today

Taking photos now does not mean I am going to sneak over and plant a For Sale sign on your lawn while you sleep. I promise!

It simply means that if you decide to sell this winter, we will already have beautiful images ready to use. We can include current winter photos while also showing buyers what the property looks like during another season.

Good marketing starts before the home reaches the market, sometimes while the grass is still green and everyone else is thinking about pumpkin spice.

Thinking About Selling This Winter?

If selling your Sarnia-Lambton home this winter is even a possibility, let’s talk now and capture your outdoor spaces while they are still looking their best.

The grass is green today. Soon, we may need a shovel to find it.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Kelly Sitter
Real Estate Broker
EXIT Realty Community, Brokerage
519-402-3740
www.kellysitter.com

Read

Coming Soon: 1322 Wiltshire Drive, Sarnia

Offered at $499,900

A wonderful family home is coming soon to the Wiltshire neighbourhood in Sarnia!

1322 Wiltshire Drive offers the space, layout and location families are often searching for, including:

✅ 3 bedrooms
✅ 2 bathrooms
✅ Double attached garage, an unusual and valuable feature in this area
✅ Bright formal living room
✅ Large kitchen with plenty of cabinetry
✅ Kitchen overlooking the comfortable family room
✅ Main-floor laundry
✅ Spacious primary bedroom with cheater ensuite access
✅ Beautiful, private backyard

I know this neighbourhood personally because I lived here for several years, and it was a wonderful place to raise my family. My children could walk to St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, and we loved the strong sense of community.

Wiltshire Park is nearby, complete with a small hill that is perfect for winter tobogganing. One of the neighbours has even built a community ice rink near the park over the years.

The neighbourhood is also conveniently located approximately five minutes from Murphy Road Beach and Lambton Mall, with a local neighbourhood pub and restaurant within walking distance.

1322 Wiltshire Drive offers a spacious family home, an exceptional garage and a private backyard in a friendly, central Sarnia neighbourhood.

More photos and details are coming soon!

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Kelly Sitter, Broker
EXIT Realty Community
519-402-3740
Serving Sarnia-Lambton and the surrounding communities
www.kellysitter.com

Read

Coming Soon: 190 Nicholas Street, Sarnia

This one is a 10/10. ⭐

190 Nicholas Street in Sarnia is coming soon, and if you’re looking for a home that feels better than new without having to wait for a new build, you’ll want to keep an eye on this one.

From the moment you walk inside, the attention to detail stands out. The open-concept floor plan is bright, stylish, and incredibly functional, with a stunning kitchen at the heart of the home.

A few of the highlights:

✅ 2+1 bedrooms

✅ 3 bathrooms

✅ Double attached garage

✅ Stunning kitchen with oversized island and seating for four

✅ Bright, open-concept main floor

✅ Large primary bedroom

✅ Dream ensuite with a large custom shower

✅ Completely finished basement

✅ Spacious rec room

✅ Bonus room currently being used as a home gym

The finished lower level adds so much additional living space, whether you need room for guests, entertaining, working from home, working out, or simply spreading out.

Beautifully finished from top to bottom, 190 Nicholas Street is truly move-in ready and better than new.

Coming soon to the Sarnia real estate market.

Want to know about 190 Nicholas Street before it officially hits the market? Get in touch.

Your friend in real estate,

Kelly Sitter

Real Estate Broker

EXIT Realty Community

519-402-3740 (tel:519-402-3740)

Read

Living in Heritage Park, Sarnia: What Homebuyers Should Know

If you want a newer home, a quieter setting and enough backyard space that your neighbours don’t feel like they’re sitting on your patio with you, Heritage Park may be worth exploring.

Located on the southeast edge of Sarnia, Heritage Park offers a bit of a country feel while still keeping you within a short drive of shopping, schools, Lambton College, Chemical Valley and the rest of the city.

It has continued to grow over the years, but the neighbourhood still feels tucked away from some of Sarnia’s busier streets.

So, what is it actually like to live in Heritage Park?

Where Is Heritage Park in Sarnia?

Heritage Park is located on the southeast edge of Sarnia near Modeland Road.

The neighbourhood can be accessed from Confederation Line and Upper Canada Drive, with convenient connections to Modeland Road and Highway 402.

Its location is especially practical for people who work in Chemical Valley. It offers a relatively short commute to many of Sarnia-Lambton’s industrial employers, which can be a major benefit for plant employees, tradespeople and shift workers.

Lambton College, the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, shopping and other everyday services are also within a short drive.

Why Is It Called Heritage Park?

The answer may be hiding right on the street signs.

Many of the streets in Heritage Park are named after Canadian artists.

Ronald Bloore was a painter and sculptor. Doris McCarthy was a celebrated Canadian landscape painter. Michael Snow was an internationally recognized artist and filmmaker.

Other streets in the neighbourhood honour artists including David Bolduc, Tony Urquhart, Ray Mead, Guido Molinari, Frances Ferdinands, Alex Cameron and Ron Bolt.

Suddenly, names such as Ronald Bloore Drive and Doris McCarthy Court make a lot more sense.

Although I couldn’t find an official explanation confirming exactly why the original developer chose the name Heritage Park, the collection of artist-inspired street names suggests the neighbourhood was designed to recognize Canada’s artistic and cultural heritage.

It’s a detail many people drive past every day without realizing it, and it gives this newer Sarnia neighbourhood a surprisingly interesting story.

What Kind of Homes Are in Heritage Park?

One of the things I like about Heritage Park is that the homes aren’t all exactly the same.

You’ll find a combination of:

  • Bungalows

  • Two-storey homes

  • Semi-detached homes

  • Townhomes

  • Newer and more established sections

  • Custom-built properties

  • Homes with attached garages

  • Properties with finished basements and flexible living space

Bungalows are especially popular in the neighbourhood, making Heritage Park an option for young families, professionals and people looking for one-floor living.

Many of the homes feature modern, open-concept layouts, attached garages and yards with space for children, pets, gardens or entertaining.

Of course, every property is different. The age, builder, lot size, finishes and location within the neighbourhood can all affect a home’s value.

This is why two Heritage Park homes with the same number of bedrooms may still have very different prices.

A Quieter Style of Living

Heritage Park doesn’t feel like one of Sarnia’s busiest neighbourhoods.

Because it sits closer to the edge of the city, parts of the subdivision have a quieter, more open feeling. Some sections back onto green space or have views that feel more rural than urban.

For many buyers, that is the appeal.

You can come home to a residential neighbourhood without being far away from the places you need to go.

It’s a nice balance for people who like the idea of country living but aren’t quite ready to deal with a septic system, a well or a driveway that requires its own snowplow.

Large Ponds, Walking Trails and Green Space

One of the nicest features of Heritage Park is the amount of outdoor space built into the neighbourhood.

There are a couple of large ponds and many walking trails throughout the subdivision, giving residents plenty of opportunities to get outside without having to drive anywhere.

The trails are great for walking the dog, going for a run, taking the kids for a bike ride or simply getting some fresh air after dinner.

The ponds are attractive neighbourhood features, but they also serve an important purpose by helping manage stormwater, reduce flooding and control erosion.

Heritage Park is also home to the Veterans Memorial Forest on Upper Canada Drive.

In 2013, local Scouts planted 102 maple trees in memory of the local fallen soldiers whose names appear on the First World War section of the Sarnia Cenotaph. The trees were planted in the formation of a cross, and a commemorative plaque was unveiled during the forest’s dedication in 2014.

Between the large ponds, walking trails, green spaces and Veterans Memorial Forest, Heritage Park offers much more outdoor space than many people realize.

Is Heritage Park Walkable?

This is where I’ll be honest.

Heritage Park is not the neighbourhood I would choose if your dream is to walk out your front door and have restaurants, coffee shops and groceries around the corner.

Most errands will require a vehicle.

However, there are plenty of opportunities to walk for recreation within the neighbourhood because of the trails, ponds and green spaces.

For some buyers, having to drive for most errands will be a drawback. For others, the quieter setting, newer homes and extra space will more than make up for it.

This is exactly why choosing a neighbourhood is personal. What feels inconvenient to one buyer may feel peaceful to another.

What About Schools?

Families considering Heritage Park have access to schools within Sarnia, but school boundaries can change and may vary by address, program and school board.

I always recommend checking the exact property address with the appropriate school board before making a decision based on a particular school.

Never assume a home is in a certain school zone simply because another property a few streets away is. School boundaries do not always follow the neat little lines we expect them to.

Who Might Enjoy Living in Heritage Park?

Heritage Park may be a good fit if you’re looking for:

  • A newer or more modern home

  • A bungalow or home with main-floor living

  • A quieter residential neighbourhood

  • An attached garage

  • More indoor and outdoor space

  • Large ponds, walking trails and green space

  • Convenient access to Modeland Road and Highway 402

  • A relatively short drive to Chemical Valley

  • A location close to Lambton College

  • A suburban setting with a slightly more rural feel

It can appeal to growing families, professionals, retirees, shift workers and multi-generational households, depending on the home.

There really isn’t one specific Heritage Park buyer. The variety of housing gives several types of buyers a reason to consider the area.

How Much Do Homes Cost in Heritage Park?

There isn’t one simple price for a home in Heritage Park.

Prices can vary considerably depending on:

  • The age and style of the home

  • Whether it is detached, semi-detached or a townhome

  • Lot size and location

  • Square footage

  • Number of bedrooms and bathrooms

  • Garage size

  • Basement finish

  • Updates and overall condition

  • Current buyer demand and competing listings

Because Heritage Park includes different types and ages of homes, an online average doesn’t always tell the complete story.

The best way to understand current value is to look at very recent sales of genuinely comparable homes within the neighbourhood.

Is Heritage Park a Good Place to Live?

Heritage Park can be an excellent choice for buyers who want newer housing, quieter streets, walking trails, green space and convenient driving access to the rest of Sarnia.

Its location is particularly practical for people working in Chemical Valley or near Lambton College.

It may not be the best choice for someone who wants to walk downtown or have stores and restaurants directly outside the subdivision.

But if you prefer a little more space, less traffic and a neighbourhood that feels removed from the busiest parts of the city, it deserves a spot on your list.

The best neighbourhood isn’t simply the one everyone else says is best.

It’s the one that fits how you actually live.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Heritage Park?

If you’re considering buying a home in Heritage Park, I can help you understand the different sections, housing styles and recent comparable sales in the neighbourhood.

If you already own a home in Heritage Park and are wondering what it may be worth, I can prepare a personalized home value review based on recent local market activity.

There’s no pressure and no obligation. It can start with a simple conversation about your home, your plans and what you would like to do next.

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Kelly Sitter, Broker
EXIT Realty Community
Call or text: 519-402-3740
Serving Sarnia-Lambton and the surrounding communities
www.kellysitter.com

Read
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are member’s of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.
Powered by: REALTOR.ca