Jake Gelwarg - Realtor

This one means more than I can even put into words.

Carlin isn’t just a client… he’s family. A brother.

We go way back, writing music, recording late nights, sharing countless stages, and chasing something bigger than ourselves. From performing to empty rooms… to playing in front of shocking amounts of people (being the open act for one of illscarlett’s “secret” shows comes to mind).

And now somehow… life brought things full circle.

I had the honour of helping Carlin, his amazing wife Bernadette, and their future superstar (and future top realtor 😄) Leo sell their condo and move into an incredible new home, a story for a future post.

But here’s what makes this even crazier…

This was done in one of the toughest condo markets Canada has likely ever seen.

There were 5 comparable units sitting in their building for months.

From the onset, Carlin and Bernadette were open minded and fully trusted our strategy, preparation and positioning for their home.

To everyone’s amazement, we sold in just ONE week. Right within market value.

Even more, we later found out we outperformed a larger unit, 13 floors higher, by a significant margin.

But I won’t stand here and pretend this was all me.

Just like back in the band days… I’m just the front man, and there’s always a team behind the scenes making everything come together.

Everyone involved in this deal showed up and executed flawlessly.

And truthfully, even so, this should have been an uphill battle.

I am confident we received God’s grace here.

Which is why when people congratulate me, my answer stays the same:

“All God, not me.”

Carlin, Bernadette, and Leo, I’m beyond grateful I got to be part of this chapter with you. I’m so excited for everything ahead for your beautiful, growing family.

Love you guys.

Carlin… brother…

count us in. 🎶

Ontario Real Estate | A Macro View

January 2020 marked the starting point of one of the most aggressive price expansions in Ontario real estate history. By March 2020, with interest rates pushed to historic lows in response to global economic shocks, capital flowed freely into housing. The result was a rapid repricing of assets, driving the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board MLS Home Price Index benchmark from $799,400 to $1,279,800 by February 2022, a 60.1% increase in just over two years.

February 2022 proved to be the inflection point. As inflation surged, interest rates were raised aggressively, shifting affordability dynamics almost overnight. What followed was not a single sharp correction, but a prolonged repricing cycle. From the market peak to December 2025, benchmark values declined 26.4%, settling at $942,300.

By 2025, the market’s character had fully changed. Sales volumes remained historically low, while inventory quietly accumulated. Active listings reached 31,603 in June 2025, the highest level in more than 20 years. Average days on market climbed to 56, and pricing trended consistently downward throughout the year. From January 2025 to December 2025, benchmark prices declined a further 7.4%, underscoring the absence of a meaningful rebound.

Looking ahead, the data suggests continuity rather than reversal. 2026 is likely to resemble 2025, with similar supply-demand imbalances, longer selling timelines, and pricing pressure, conditions that may extend well into 2027. In this phase of the cycle, outcomes are increasingly driven by strategy, pricing discipline, and ex*****on, not momentum.

Data shown reflects Toronto Regional Real Estate Board MLS Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark Price Performance for the Composite.

The Composite benchmark represents an aggregate of all residential property types, including detached, semi-detached, townhomes, and condominium apartments.

Figures reflect market conditions across the Greater Toronto Area, including Toronto, Durham, York, Peel, and Halton Regions.

Provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Individual property values and outcomes may vary.