Fox Marin Featured on REALTOR.ca: Are Spring and Fall Housing Markets a Thing of the Past?

Publication: REALTOR.ca
Date: June 10, 2021
Topic: Housing market seasonality, COVID-19, and changing buyer behaviour

Kori Marin, Managing Partner of Fox Marin, was featured on REALTOR.ca discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Canada’s traditional real estate sales cycle. The article explored whether the long-established spring and fall markets were becoming less predictable as buyers and sellers responded to changing lifestyles, low inventory, historically low interest rates, and evolving market conditions.

Drawing on her experience in Toronto’s real estate market, Kori shared how buyer behaviour shifted during the pandemic and why external factors such as lockdowns, public policy, and market conditions began influencing purchasing decisions more than the seasons themselves.

Quotes from the Toronto Star

“I think in Canada, it has a lot to do with seasonality and climate. Obviously properties don’t show as well in the winter, particularly homes that would like to showcase their pools or beautiful landscaping and yards. I think seasonality addresses the school year as well.”

“I think people are responding more to what’s happening in the news with vaccines, with policy, with lockdowns.”

“That is the response mechanism versus, ‘My yard would look really nice with the cherry blossoms bloomed out front,’ which would be something people thought of a year or two ago.”

— Kori Marin, Co-Founder, Fox Marin

Fox Marin’s Perspective on the Market

Fox Marin’s perspective is that while seasonality has traditionally played an important role in Canadian real estate, buyer behaviour ultimately adapts to broader economic and social conditions.

The article highlighted how the pandemic fundamentally changed the timing of real estate activity. Instead of waiting for the traditional spring or fall markets, buyers and sellers increasingly made decisions based on rapidly changing circumstances such as lockdown measures, vaccination progress, mortgage rates, available inventory, and personal lifestyle needs.

Kori Marin also noted that seasonal influences had not disappeared entirely. Weather, landscaping, school calendars, and vacation schedules continue to affect when many people choose to move. However, during periods of significant market disruption, these seasonal patterns became secondary to more immediate economic and societal factors.

From Fox Marin’s perspective, successful real estate decisions depend on understanding current market conditions rather than relying solely on historical trends. Every market cycle presents unique opportunities, and adapting to changing conditions is essential for both buyers and sellers.

Why This Matters

Real estate markets are constantly evolving, and external factors can significantly influence buyer and seller behaviour.

For homeowners considering a move, the article demonstrates that opportunities exist throughout the year, not just during the traditional spring and fall markets. Market timing should be based on current conditions, inventory levels, and personal circumstances rather than the calendar alone.

For buyers, understanding how broader economic events influence competition and market activity can help identify opportunities that may not exist during more conventional market cycles.

The article reinforces Fox Marin’s commitment to helping clients navigate changing market conditions with informed advice, local expertise, and strategies tailored to today’s real estate landscape.

Read the full article on REALTOR.ca.