The reality is the numbers are not as bad as the news leads us to believe. I was shocked reviewing the numbers. In January the average sale price in the city of Peterborough was $564,618.00 and in November of 2025 our average sale price was 566,059.00. As ever so slight it is an increase over the course of the year.  Going back one full year to November 2024 we are down in price by just 2.81%. Now please remember this is just for the city of Peterborough and Peterborough Regions numbers are different. I know the news makes us think the sky is falling but the numbers show that this is not the case, in 2024 November had 72 sales and this year in November the City of Peterborough had 82 sales. I think it is good to remember generally when the news is quoting numbers, they are often looking at the GTA, and Vancouver, we are neither of those places. I also think this is a very good sign heading into 2026!

The other day I was thinking how I started my Real Estate courses 30 years ago. I got to thinking about all the changes in my own life and the business I love!

When I started the office had 2 maybe 3 computers for all the Realtors to share. Today I would say every agent has there own computer, tablet or some sort of device if not multiple devices.

30 Years ago we had our MLS books.  These were a Realtors “Bible” Your clients were always wanting to see it or borrow it(which was a big no-no at the time) and this book came out every 2 weeks so listings were always a little stale but that is just the way it was.  

Technology has changed so much the way we do business. In 1995 I was sitting in a classroom taking my Real Estate courses and now a lot of them can be done online. All of our MLS data is online and uploaded within a few minutes to various websites. Websites??  What were those 30 years ago. I can remember being one of the first agents to have a dedicated domain name in the city and posting a few listings on there. That was all thanks to a friend who was taking computer courses.  Now most agents have there own websites. 

Technology has changed everything.  When I started print ads were still the number one marketing tool. Now that is going the way of the dinosaur. Back then we were also only allowed 1 photo on a listing. Now most of our marketing is digital and our MLS system supports 50 photos! We also have video tours, floor plans, and so much more at our fingertips.

30 Years ago you did not email paperwork, email was not even a thing. The FAX that was technology at its finest with your dial up modem and those awful noises as your fax went thru.  Your clients searching for a fax machine if you were not in the same city, and then seeking someone to physically witness there signatures. Now we have docusign and sometimes Realtors don’t ever see the house or physically meet the client.  It is amazing how much can be done online.  

I am a bit of a dinosaur now though as I still like a lot of the personal one on one meetings. I feel we build better more lasting bonds this way. The emails and docusign are handy and make life easier and sometimes a necessity but I miss the interactions and the getting to know the clients more and building long lasting relationships and friendships!

There have been so many changes in the 30 years since I started out and having lived and sold in Thailand well that was a different animal altogether with no real set rules business practices no MLS system just very different then what we have here. I much prefer the way we do things here.

I am truly thankful for the 30 years I have spent in and around this business and look forward to what the future brings.  I would often discuss with colleagues how we have to be willing to adapt or we will go the way of the dinosaur in this business.  I am thankful for all the relationships I have built and all the people that have trusted me over the years, that have allowed me to live this life. 

As a Realtor, I truly enjoy so many of those Real Estate shows that are out there. The one thing I find is their is a lot of misconceptions from what is seen on TV.

Unlike what you may see on TV it is not see 3 houses and make a decision. Some clients see a lot of homes before finding the right one. I have always  believed it is about find the right one; not just anyone.

Another misconception I see all the time, building permits.  So many shows where they are renovation involved just start using a sledge hammer and demolishing things then rebuild. Certain things need building permits and these things take time to get it is not something you generally get overnight. Especially in our area where we have septic systems if you start adding bathrooms and extras do you need a bigger septic system?

House Flipping on TV makes it look so easy. Very few shows, actually show you the costs involved.  They say we bought it for this much, sold it for this much so here is what our profit is. What about the expenses and holding costs? There are commissions, legal fees, land transfer when purchasing and potential Capital Gains when selling, all of these things eat into a profit. Then there is the stress of what if it does not sell. How will you make those payments? 

I enjoy these shows as much as anyone and I know it is “made for TV” and they leave out a lot that does not make for good tv.  

Often when I am showing first time Buyers I will tell them don’t worry we can see more then 3 houses before you make a decision. These shows do make for great entertainment but they should not be taken as gospel.  I do find that they are great for trends as to what buyers are looking for, is it open concept, is it certain designs, kitchens and baths are always a top priority, but also what else is on trend!  I do find these shows are great for those things!  

If you have questions about Real Estate feel free to reach out and we can talk about the Realities of Real Estate. 

Commission is always a hot topic in real estate. Working at a “Value Added” brokerage, we often encounter misconceptions about our approach.

One common claim we hear is, “If they’re so willing to give up their commission, how will they protect your price?” That’s a fair question, but it’s important to clarify: I’m not “giving up” my commission. I’ve chosen to work at a brokerage that offers more flexibility in commission plans. I remember a time when commissions were as high as 6% or even 10%, especially on rural properties or vacant lots. Does that mean those agents were no longer protecting their commissions? Absolutely not. The reality is that the world—and the real estate market—are changing.

In recent years, local home prices have more than doubled. Have your earnings doubled along with them?

Another argument I often hear is that saving $10,000 in commission will somehow end up costing the seller an additional $30,000 to $50,000. I would really like to see someone explain how this claim is substantiated. It simply doesn’t add up.

I chose to work at a brokerage that offers flexibility in commission plans because it allows me to save consumers money while still maintaining a sustainable income. After working at a large, corporate brokerage, I left because their rigid commission structure and corporate marketing didn’t align with the needs of our local market. By shifting to a more flexible commission model, I can offer real savings to my clients—and that, to me, is a win-win.

Those who charge higher fees often feel the need to defend their prices by downplaying the competition. But the reality is that real estate is evolving, and so are consumer needs. At MinCom, we offer traditional real estate services with a modern approach to commission, which is essential in an era where saving money is more important than ever.