December 2025: Year-End Reflections and 2026 Outlook

Personal and Family Update

I’m grateful to say all three of our daughters are doing well, pursuing their careers and living their lives.

We’re looking forward to having everyone back under one roof over the holidays. When you’ve been empty nesters for a while, you forget how full of laughter the house can get.

On a more serious note, my parents in Jamaica were recently hit by Hurricane Melissa. They’re safe, with running water and gas, but they’ve been without power and dealing with roof and rain issues. Their gratitude despite the hardship has been a major perspective check for me.

Market Update: Ottawa

Many people have asked what happened in Ottawa real estate this year and where we’re headed.

• Sales volume has been solid and slightly up from last year.
• Prices in many areas have shown modest appreciation, roughly around 6% on average.
• The detached average is sitting in the low 700s, while entry-level and mid-range segments remain active when homes are priced and positioned well.

Buyers today are extremely informed. They follow stats, trends, and sold data closely. If you’re planning to sell in 2026, pricing and positioning will be critical.

Looking Ahead

• Likely brisk activity in early 2026 with more inventory coming to market.
• Ottawa remains somewhat insulated due to government employment, post-secondary institutions, and a strong evolving tech sector.
• Consumer confidence remains the biggest driver, and more people are accepting the new normal and moving off the fence.

“The best time to plant a tree was yesterday.”

Real estate tends to reward long-term thinking.

Lessons Learned This Month

A simple principle stood out for me:

When you lead with contribution and don’t expect anything in return, life often circles back with opportunities you weren’t looking for.

A few people reached out with business I genuinely needed at the right time. It was directly tied to how I’d treated them in the past, when there was nothing in it for me.

Another reminder:

You cannot live in faith and fear at the same time.

When we fixate on fear, it drains our energy. When we choose faith in ourselves, our plans, and the future, it opens doors we can’t always see in advance.

Closing Thought

There is no shortage of negative news. Much of it is built to grab attention, not to give hope. But good things are happening every day.

If you can’t find good news, create some through a kind word, a helpful gesture, or encouragement.

Wishing you and your family a season filled with perspective, gratitude, and well-earned rest.