A Tale of Two Trenton Homes

Mind the Market offers a peek behind the curtain. Whether it’s a noteworthy sale, a smart strategy, or a shift in the local data—MTM is designed to help you stay sharp, avoid missteps, and make confident, well-informed real estate decisions.

This week, we’re looking at two bungalows on Van Alstine Dr. in Trenton. Listed at the same price, just a few weeks apart. Same street. Similar layouts. And yet, two very different results:

35 Van Alstine Dr.

🛏 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

🍽️ Eat-in kitchen and bright living space

🛋 Finished basement with rec room, office & laundry

🌿 Good-sized fenced yard with deck

🗓 Listed March 13 for $499,900 → reduced to $489,900

⏳ 34 days on market (and counting)

38 Van Alstine Dr.

🛏 4 bedrooms + office, 2 bathrooms

👨‍👩‍👧 Open kitchen with walkout to back deck

🛋 Fully finished basement with 4th bed, rec room & laundry

🛠 Electric heat pump, two sheds, cement pads

🗓 Listed April 8 for $489,900

✅ Sold in 6 days for $505,000

What made the difference? Modern updates, thoughtful staging, and a price that matched the current market—this home stood out, even with competition right across the street. Priced similarly to the competition, although evidently with more to offer, it was an easy yes for the right buyer.

Sound familiar? That’s because we just saw the same thing happen in Belleville with the home featured in the Deal of the Week. A different city and a lower price point—but the same truth applies:

Well-priced, well-positioned homes move faster.

In today’s listing-heavy market, standing out isn’t optional—it’s essential.

🏡🏡🏡

If you found this helpful, stay tuned—there’s more where that came from. If you have questions, want to talk options or need help navigating your real estate plans, I’m just a message away. Better yet, share it with a friend who would benefit from hearing this.

P.S. This week’s update offers a peek at seller strategy—but it also shows buyers have options. If there’s a specific neighborhood or house style you’ve been eyeing, send me a message and tell me what you’re looking for. I’m happy to help keep tabs on it for you.

Sarah Fothergill

Sales Representative

Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage

Direct: 613 315 9365

Let’s Connect: @fothergill.realestate

Get Mind the Market every Thursday. One short email with what’s really happening in the Bay of Quinte market, in plain English. Subscribe here, or book a time to talk.

Originally sent to Mind the Market subscribers on April 17, 2025.