Mind the Market · Bay of Quinte real estate, every Thursday
Mind the Market
A quick weekly read on what's really happening in Trenton, Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County real estate: prices, offers, rates and what it all means if you're buying or selling. 54 issues and counting.
Latest · October 15, 2026
Soup in a bag and why it matters to homeowners
You know what I saw at the grocery store recently? Soup. In a bag. Not a can. A bag. I did a double take and then remembered a comment my friend made…Read this week's issue →
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2026
Oct 15Soup in a bag and why it matters to homeownersYou know what I saw at the grocery store recently? Soup. In a bag. Not a can. A bag. I did a double take and then remembered a comment my friend made…Oct 8Why I’m telling my buyers “it’s go timeHistorically for our area, October is a strong month for home sales. Last year, 93 freehold homes sold across Belleville and Quinte West in October.…Oct 1We need to talk.Technically, today is October 1. Which means our September series is officially wrapping up a day late. But honestly? I’m okay with that. Because when it…Sep 24What is my home ACTUALLY worth?Two homeowners asked me that recently so this week I sent off two different “what is my home worth?” reports, one for a home in Belleville and one in…Sep 17Let the house do the talkingWhen buyers walk through your home, you want them thinking about the house . You don’t want their attention pulled away by personal information, family…Sep 10Back-to-School Reality CheckI don’t know about you but there is no shortage of shoes at my house right now. We’ve traded one pair of sandals for running shoes, indoor shoes, rain…Aug 27You haven’t missed your windowLast night I made chicken. When I opened the package, I was relieved to see that I still had a few days to spare before it expires. My toxic trait is…Aug 20Take out the trashWelcome back to part 5, the final installment of our series where I’m using my Nespresso machine to start my day on the right foot and provide you with…Aug 13Why tonight matters more than tomorrowWelcome back to part 4 of my summer series where my Nespresso machine is giving me amazing lattes and even better real estate analogies to help you…Aug 7If your cup feels “half empty”, here’s whyWelcome back to part three of my summer series where I’m finding real estate lessons in the most unexpected places… including my new (thrifted) coffee…Jul 30Not all good advice is good for youWelcome back to part two of my summer series on how my thrifted coffee machine is helping me rethink real estate. Since I got my machine up and working…Jul 23The truth about selling right nowI recently picked up a Nespresso machine from a thrift store. It retails for around $700 but I only paid $40. After a good deep clean and a quick Google…Jul 9Here’s why your detached home won’t sellThis week I was out showing homes with buyers who were certain they wanted a detached house. Makes sense, right? More privacy, no shared wall, totally…Jun 18Summer plans, no SPF requiredSummer has a way of making everything feel exciting again. Patios, beach days, picnics and bike rides… and of course, everyone’s asking: “ So, what are…Jun 11Here’s why today’s prices feel confusingOne of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is the hope that you’ll be able to “sell in a strong market” but “buy in a weak one.” But in reality…Jun 9Is the Spring Market the best time to sell?Spring market is often referred to as the “right time” or even the only time to make a move… but that’s not always how life works out. Most people don’t…May 29The spring market is a myth and here’s whySpring market is often referred to as the “right time” or even the only time to make a move… but that’s not always how life works out. Most people don’t…May 7We need to sell our house for XIf you bought during the pandemic or you’ve ever said, “we need to sell our house for X” … this one’s for you. I’m hearing that a lot right now. And it…Apr 23The simple solution to the most stressful part of movingWhere do you actually live between selling your current home and buying your next? One of the most common questions I get from sellers planning their next…Apr 16Price is negotiable. Bedtime is not.Bedtime at my house isn’t up for discussion. My kids are at their best when they’re well-rested. (I need to take a page out of their book.) But at the…Apr 9Uncertainty in the world and what that means in the Bay of QuinteThere’s a lot happening in the world right now, and “uncertainty” is the word that keeps coming up, especially when it comes to real estate. But here’s…Apr 2Pairs well with mini eggsLately my favorite part of the day has been about 9:15 pm. The kids are in bed. The dishes are done, my house is quiet. After a long day that can only be…Mar 19This is why you feel stuck right nowWe’re headed to the sugar shack this March Break, and it got me thinking… You wouldn’t pour sap on your pancakes. Unprocessed sap is sticky. Syrup is…Mar 12Find the rainbow, then the goldDid you really think I’d send an email before St. Patrick’s Day without a cheesy reference like that? You’ve probably noticed it too though: some homes…Mar 5The real tax you should be consideringThere’s an invisible tax you might be paying right now. No, you won’t see it on your bank statement and it’s not listed anywhere in your monthly expenses…Feb 20Waiting until spring? Read this firstA lot of homeowners tell me they’re planning to sell “in the spring.” That can be a great strategy. But spring isn’t a plan – it’s a season . And the…Feb 12Today’s step, tomorrow’s realityThis quote has been sitting with me lately – “You can either be disciplined or you can be disappointed .” It’s a bit blunt. But the more I sit with it…Feb 5They bought a house that wasn’t actually for saleMy daughter wanted a Leafs jersey for her birthday so I had asked a few friends to keep an eye out for one in her size. Just a few days before her…Jan 29Hype doesn’t sell homes anymoreI was browsing local listings this afternoon when one stopped me mid-scroll. I recognized it had been virtually staged. But after a double take (or…Jan 22Why Snow Days Lead to Moving DaysThis week, thanks to the snowpocalypse, we’ve spent way more time at home than usual. At some point between another coffee and another load of laundry, I…Jan 15Managing your greatest investment starts hereThe market gets a lot of attention – interest rates, inventory, headlines. And yes, those things matter. But your greatest investment isn’t just something…Jan 8(not the noise)Most people start the year thinking about goals, very few think about options . A new year also brings a lot of predictions. What the market will do. What…
2025
Dec 4Shift HappensLet’s talk a little less about the market and a little more about a prevalent mindset many of us could benefit from shifting to this time of year. As we…Nov 27The Quiet Reason Buyers Miss OutMost buyers assume the search begins the moment they step into a house. The truth is, the part that matters most happens long before that . I’ve got a few…Nov 20Preparing for 2026 Mortgage RenewalsI sat in on a webinar this week geared toward different mortgage options for my self-employed buyers and it reinforced something we all know to be true…Nov 13What if your home could sell before hitting the MLS?It’s not a Christmas miracle, it’s a marketing strategy. An exclusive listing is a home that’s for sale, but not listed on the public MLS system. Instead…Nov 6Here’s why my buyer got cold feet this weekIt wasn’t the price. The neighbourhood is sought-after. The home had the features they were looking for. But they were so distracted by this one detail…Oct 30Another rate cut… now what?This week we saw another interest rate drop but it’s likely the last one for a while. Here’s what it means for buyers and sellers right now. Yesterday the…Oct 23How are sellers doing right now?Last week, we talked about how the current market favours buyers… but that doesn’t mean no one is selling. The truth is, the right time to sell isn’t…Oct 16Is it better to be a buyer or a seller right now?This week we’re diving into the buyer perspective and next week we’ll tackle sellers. If someone you know comes to mind, hit forward! I always have time…Oct 9What’s actually happening in BellevilleLast week we took a look at the market activity in Quinte West. Today we’re diving into Belleville sales data and, as always, considering how this…Oct 2What’s actually happening in Quinte WestEvery week, my sellers get a report on what’s happening in their price range (and of course, how that relates to how their listing is performing). We…Sep 25Moving in 2026? Here’s why that matters TODAYFull disclosure, this would have been in your inbox earlier today but mid-draft, a former client-turned-friend showed up at my door with a little treat…Sep 18What the Bank of Canada’s latest decision means for youHeadlines can feel abstract at times, so let’s break down the impact of the Bank of Canada’s recent move. Earlier this week they lowered the policy rate…Sep 11What’s really going on with offers right nowA 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…Sep 5Level 3 Low Water in QuinteHave you heard about this yet? Quinte Conservation has declared a Level 3 Low Water Condition , the most severe level, across our region. This comes after…Aug 28Ready Isn’t a Feeling, It’s a DecisionWhen to buy, what to buy, whether to sell now or wait until spring—these are the kinds of questions people are weighing every day, no matter their budget…Aug 21I took a break but the market hasn’tIf you’re the kind of person whose eyes light up with new email notifications, I apologize. I recently stepped away for a few days to enjoy a vacation…Jul 31What today’s buyers are thinking (but not saying)The active buyers are serious… but they’re even more serious about not making a mistake . That mindset is shaping the entire market right now. On…Jul 25A little late, but 100% humanThis email is a day late — because a real human wrote it. Someone asked me, “Does AI write your emails?” So here’s the truth: I’m a human being — a mom, a…Jul 1730 Showings but 0 sales – here’s why ⬇Today’s buyers aren’t desperate, they’re discerning. Last week, I shared that inventory is up —and so are sales. That’s still true. Homes are moving. But…Jul 10Inventory is up… but so are salesJune stats show a steady market— here’s what that means for you. 📊 Inventory is rising—but so is buyer confidence. June’s numbers are in and they paint a…Jun 26Summer slowdown or window of opportunity?They went to the cottage. Someone else bought the house. A couple of weeks ago, a buyer saw a home they really liked. They weren’t totally sure it was…Apr 17A Tale of Two Trenton HomesMind 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…
About Mind the Market
What is Mind the Market?
Mind the Market is Sarah Fothergill's weekly email about the Bay of Quinte real estate market in Trenton, Quinte West, Belleville and Prince Edward County, explained in plain English for buyers, sellers and homeowners.
When does Mind the Market come out?
A new issue goes out every Thursday, and every past issue is archived on this page.
Is Mind the Market free?
Yes. It's a free weekly email and you can unsubscribe at any time.
CENTURY 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage
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CENTURY 21 Lanthorn Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage
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(613) 392-2511
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