Fox Marin Featured in Toronto Star: Standing Out in Toronto’s Challenging Condo Market

Publication: Toronto Star
Date: July 15, 2025
Topic: Toronto condo market conditions, staging, pricing strategy, and seller competition

About This Feature

Ralph Fox, Broker of Record at Fox Marin, and Kori Marin, Co-Founder, were featured in the Toronto Star discussing the challenges condo sellers are facing in Toronto’s increasingly competitive housing market.

The article explored how rising inventory levels, falling condo prices, and declining investor demand are making it more difficult for many sellers to stand out. It also examined how thoughtful staging, strategic pricing, targeted marketing, and selective upgrades are becoming essential tools for achieving successful outcomes in today’s condo market.

Quotes from Toronto Star

“At the height of the market, there were instances where you could take a cellphone picture of a condo with the toilet seat up and still have a successful sale.”

“But when you have a situation like we’re in currently, who you hire, how your property is presented, and how it’s priced, matters.”

— Ralph Fox, Broker of Record, Fox Marin

“They can’t guarantee they would even get showings at your property, regardless of how cute or adorable we make it online.”

— Kori Marin, Co-Founder, Fox Marin

Fox Marin’s Perspective on the Market

Fox Marin’s perspective is that Toronto’s condo market has become significantly more selective and strategy-driven than during the peak pandemic years. With thousands of listings competing for buyer attention and investor demand slowing sharply, sellers can no longer rely on market momentum alone to achieve strong results.

The article highlighted how staging, design improvements, pricing strategy, and targeted marketing have become increasingly important in helping properties stand out. Fox Marin demonstrated this approach through several recent sales where thoughtful presentation, updated finishes, and carefully curated staging helped attract buyers and generate strong outcomes despite challenging market conditions.

Ralph Fox and Kori Marin also emphasized that not all condos are performing equally in today’s market. Unique lofts, character properties, and well-located homes with distinctive features are still attracting strong interest, while smaller, more generic investor-focused units are facing significantly more competition and longer selling timelines.

From Fox Marin’s perspective, sellers must approach today’s market realistically and strategically. In some cases, particularly for micro-condos facing heavy competition, waiting for market conditions to improve may be a more prudent decision than rushing to sell into a saturated market.

Why This Matters

Toronto’s condo market has entered a very different phase from the rapid-growth conditions seen during the pandemic era. Buyers today have significantly more choice, greater negotiating power, and higher expectations when evaluating properties.

For sellers, this means that pricing, presentation, marketing, and property positioning now play a critical role in determining whether a condo attracts attention or sits on the market. Properties that once may have sold quickly with minimal effort now require a far more intentional and professional strategy.

The article also highlights a broader shift occurring across Toronto real estate, where the market is increasingly favouring quality, uniqueness, and long-term livability over speculative investor activity. As conditions continue to evolve, working with an experienced real estate team that understands buyer psychology, local market trends, and strategic positioning can provide a meaningful competitive advantage.

Read the full article in Toronto Star.