December market update: Sarnia sales tick up, plus tips for handling estate properties

The latest data shows Sarnia’s market heating up with steady prices, while local expert Chris Lewis offers essential advice for families navigating the complexities of an estate sale.

If you have been trying to decode the Sarnia-Lambton real estate market, the latest numbers suggest a shift is underway. Sales are heating up, but the big question remains: will it last?

The sales-to-new-listings ratio landed at 66.9% in November, up a solid 17% from the same time last year. Translation: newly listed homes got picked up more quickly, especially in the entry and mid-price brackets.

However, homes already on the market took a little longer to move, averaging 36 days before finding a buyer. Inventory currently sits just under five months, which is lower year-over-year. While we are nowhere near the frenzy of 2021, sellers still held a slight edge in November.

Home prices are holding their ground. The average Sarnia home price is sitting at $526,362, almost identical to last year. There are no spikes and no slides—just steady footing, like the Blue Water Bridge on a windy day.

Interest Rate Update: In today's announcement from Ottawa, the Bank of Canada kept the key interest rate parked at 2.25%. This is their way of hinting that economic conditions seem to be trending in the right direction.

Navigating a Power of Sale

Losing a parent is one of life's heaviest moments. Dealing with their home—often filled with memories, history, and emotion—can feel overwhelming. When a property must be sold under a Power of Sale, the process can become even more complex.

Timelines tighten, legal requirements multiply, and decisions need to be made quickly at a time when clarity is hardest to find. This is when partnering with an experienced Realtor becomes truly invaluable.

Here are the top things to consider if you find yourself in this situation:

1. Estate Readiness: Legal Documentation and Authority to Sell
Before anything goes on the market, confirm that the executor or estate trustee has the legal authority to sell the property. This often means waiting for the Certificate of Appointment of Estate Trustee (probate) unless the title structure allows otherwise. Ensuring all legal documents, wills, and ownership records are in order avoids delays, disputes, or last-minute complications once offers start coming in.

2. Preparing the Home with Sensitivity and Strategy
A parent's home is filled with memories, and sorting through belongings can be emotional and time-consuming. Give yourself space to grieve while also planning the practical steps: arranging clean-outs, deciding what to keep, and determining which repairs or updates will provide the best return. An experienced Realtor can coordinate cleaners, stagers, junk-removal services, or trades so the home shows its best without overwhelming the family.

3. Understanding Market Value and Setting the Right Price
Estate sales attract buyers—some of whom may be looking for a "deal." Protecting the estate's value is essential. A professional market evaluation ensures the home is priced appropriately for the current market and that comparable sales support your decisions.

The executor has a fiduciary duty to act in the estate's best financial interest, so accurate pricing and transparent marketing are key. Find a Realtor you can trust who will give you accurate and honest advice, and avoid anyone who will tell you what you want to hear just to get the listing.

While a Power of Sale is rarely simple, having a trusted expert in your corner helps ensure the home is sold properly, respectfully, and with as little added stress as possible.

For follow-up comments or questions, please contact Chris Lewis.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any agency, brokerage, or organization with which the author is affiliated. This content is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial or legal advice.