What’s really going on with offers right now

A subtle but important shift is happening behind the scenes in our local market, changing how homes are being bought and sold. One of the clearest examples? Conditional offers, especially those dependent on the sale of the buyer’s property (SBP).

In the last 30 days in Belleville and Quinte West, 45 properties went conditional, and 14 of those included an escape clause.

Here’s how it works: the seller can continue marketing their home—holding showings, open houses, and accepting new interest. If another buyer submits an offer, the original buyer has a set number of hours to firm up, or the seller can move on to the new offer.

Knowing that more people are using this offer tactic tells us that above all, buyers are hesitant. Many won’t list their home until they’ve found the next one. And for sellers, receiving an SBP offer isn’t a problem, it’s progress. In today’s market, an offer, even with conditions, represents a real buyer ready to move forward.

What this means for buyers: If your purchase depends on selling your current home, it needs to be market ready–deep cleaned, staged, professionally photographed, and priced well—so your offer can compete when the right property comes along. At the very least, we should have everything ready to go so that as soon as our conditional offer is accepted, we flip the switch and get your home listed.

What this means for sellers: Conditional offers are part of the new normal. Evaluate them based on realistic timelines and buyer readiness, not wishful thinking, and use tools like escape clauses to protect your options.

Bottom line ➡️➡️➡️Conditional offers aren’t a red flag—they’re a reflection of today’s market. Understanding how to navigate them, whether buying or selling, gives you the advantage.

Even if you’re not ready to put a sign in the ground next week, it all starts with a conversation. Give me a call or send me an email anytime. I love the work that I do, and I would be honoured to do that work for you.

Want to see what I’m working on right now? This one checks all the boxes and might even trigger a little nostalgia. Check it out!

Sarah Fothergill

Sales Representative

Century 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage

Direct: 613 315 9365 

Let’s Connect: @fothergill.realestate

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Originally sent to Mind the Market subscribers on September 11, 2025.