Why Now Is the Smart Time to Buy Real Estate in Niagara

Is the housing market finally calming down enough for buyers to act? According to Rob Golfi, now might be one of the most strategic windows to make a move in Niagara—if you understand how to navigate the current landscape.

In this episode of The Golfi Real Estate Show, Rob and co-host Stephanie Vivier unpack what’s really happening with buyer confidence, home pricing, inventory trends, and the impact of investors. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market, this conversation offers sharp insights to help you move wisely.

Niagara’s business spirit is alive and well

The episode opened with a fun moment, Rob and Stephanie finally met in person for the first time at the Niagara Business Achievement Awards. But more than just a meet-up, it was a reflection of Niagara’s close-knit, community-driven energy.

Rob praised the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) for its role in building connections among local entrepreneurs. Events like the Women in Business Awards and the Economic Summit are key to keeping business owners engaged and visible. For real estate professionals and buyers alike, these relationships shape the fabric of the region.

Buyer activity is rising—just more strategically

Rob shared that appointments for showings are up 4.7%, a sign that buyers are re-entering the market with renewed interest. But unlike in hot markets of the past, today’s buyers are moving more carefully.

They’re looking at homes that have been sitting longer, knowing those listings may offer room to negotiate. Newer listings, on the other hand, tend to come with sellers still hopeful for top dollar, so buyers tread lightly.

For sellers: Relisting is no longer a reset button

Many sellers still assume that cancelling and relisting their home gives it fresh exposure. Rob warns that’s no longer the case.

Instead of resetting buyer interest, relisting can confuse or even deter serious buyers. A better approach? Keep your listing active and adjust your price strategically. A visible listing with a well-timed price drop signals readiness to negotiate and invites more serious offers.

Don’t chase the market—get ahead of it

One of Rob’s core pieces of advice is simple but crucial: price just below the market trend, not above it.

If you’re not getting showings, you’re likely overpriced—it’s not a marketing issue, it’s a pricing issue. Sellers need to assess performance every few weeks, especially in a shifting market. Waiting too long to adjust can mean missing out on buyers while your property becomes stale.

When expectations clash with reality

Rob shared a cautionary example that every seller should hear. A homeowner listed their property at $1.7 million and received a solid offer for $1.45 million. Convinced they could do better, they turned it down. Now, the home sits at $1.5 million, and the original buyer has moved on.

The takeaway? The market doesn’t operate on what you believe your home is worth. A real offer is a reflection of actual value, and missing it could cost you more than you think.

Holding offers? It might hurt more than help

In hot markets, holding offers could create buzz and bidding wars. Today, that tactic often falls flat. Rob’s team shared that even homes with 40+ viewings are selling below asking if they’re held too long for offers.

Buyers are wary of games. Instead of holding out, sellers are better off pricing competitively from the start and letting the market respond.

The new approach:

• Skip the “hold for offer” strategy
• Price at or slightly below market value
• Let genuine buyer interest drive the outcome

Buyers: Be smart, not emotional

Rob urges buyers to stay level-headed. It’s easy to fall in love with a property and feel pressure to outbid others, but emotional offers often lead to overpayment and regret.

If a home aligns with your long-term lifestyle and family goals, paying slightly above asking may make sense. But stretching too far—especially when inventory is available—can set you back financially.

The unique challenge of luxury homes

Luxury listings come with their own risks. Rob highlighted examples where owners invested $5 million into homes that now have a resale ceiling around $3.5 million. The issue? Over-customization.

High-end buyers typically want the space, but they often redo interiors anyway, so ultra-personalized renovations don’t always add value. When building or buying luxury, it’s wise to balance personalization with future market appeal.

Renters: This is your window

According to a recent report shared on the show, 40% of renters are still waiting for the market to dip further before buying. Rob believes that’s a risky move.

Prices aren’t falling anymore—they’ve leveled off. Meanwhile, renters still have leverage, especially with properties that have lingered. Interest rates may not be record-low, but they’re historically favorable and create strong buying conditions.

Why now is better than waiting

Timing the market rarely works. Rob explained that we’re currently in a transition phase, and the opportunity it presents won’t last.

Next year could bring gradual price increases. As more buyers re-enter the market, the leverage renters and early movers have today will disappear. If you wait for the crowd, you lose your edge.

Investors: Part of the problem—or the solution?

Rob offered a nuanced take on real estate investors. While they can crowd out first-time buyers, they also help fund new builds, especially condos, that increase housing supply overall.

Taxing or banning investors could shrink rental availability and limit options for families who aren’t ready to buy. If too many investors exit the market, single-family rentals—already declining as baby boomers sell off assets—could vanish entirely.

Final advice from Rob

If you’re currently renting and thinking about homeownership, don’t wait for perfect conditions. Rob recommends making a five-year commitment, thinking long-term about your lifestyle, equity growth, and financial stability.

The market is in motion, but not in chaos. For those willing to move with intention, this could be the smartest buying season in years. If you want to learn more stuff like this, watch our past episodes on YouTube.