3 Seller Pricing Strategies Explained

Right now there are at least 3 ways homes are being marketed.  Let’s break it down by the 3 types, and just for fun, I will tell you which type of properties are most likely to fall under these three categories.  Now I am going to say that this is based on what is happening in the GTA; broadly, this is from Mississauga to Clarington and north to Newmarket.  (I bet it’s happening wider than that, but this is just my area of most familiarity)


Drum roll please….the three categories are….


  1. The price is really the price
  2. Fishing with a net
  3. Clickbait

Want to skip the details?  Watch my video (click on the picture)




The Price is Really the Price


In this situation, the house is priced the seller feels comfortable with accepting. 


If you're like most people, you'll ask....is there be room for negotiation? 


Maybe, maybe not - it’s probably best to ask three questions first to understand the market...


  • Does the price look like good value for the money?
  • Have other homes sold with similar features for around that price?
  • Is there a recent listing activity history for that home?


Question 1: Is the price good value for the money, and you recognize this, there are likely several other people with the same thoughts.  Sometimes a home priced like this will naturally attract several home buyers.  Other things that make a property attractive is if it’s been recently updated, is close to transit, or has beautiful landscaping.  There is likely to be less room for negotiation in this situation.  Homes like this usually sell quickly at close to, or even (in competition) over asking.


Question 2: Have other similar homes sold for around that price?  How long did they take to sell? A good comparable property - and here’s the thing - it must be sold during the same market conditions - will give you a good indication of price flexibility.  Is everything selling with a 98% of list price? This kind of research, along with a good discussion with the sellers realtor should answer some of the questions.


Question 3: If the home has some recent listening history, let's say it's been listed at a much higher price (maybe the seller was testing the market), then dropped to a low price (see "Fishing with a Net", below) there may be an inflated expectation by the seller. Or maybe now they’re getting desperate? Or maybe now the market dynamics have caught up to their pricing strategy… again a good conversation with the listing agent may help peel back the layers and give you some information to help craft an offer that will get accepted.  


What do homes in this category look like?  


These homes tend to be on the upper end of the market, including luxury homes.  In this market, there are fewer buyers because of the price point.  This is not to say homes do not sell for over asking if they are appealing enough to several buyers.  


The other category I see these properties fall into would be lower end condos, say in buildings or areas that are not desirable, or have an upcoming special assessment.  For more on Special Assessments, see my video here:  Red Flags in Status Certificates



Fishing with a Net


This is not a new strategy.  I have seen this for 20 or more years in popular neighborhoods like the Beach.  I’m going to say that the majority of homes are sold with this strategy in a hot market.  Why? 


Because when there are many more home buyers, than homes for sale, house pricing becomes heavily driven by supply and demand.  


How does "Fishing with a Net"  work? 


Let’s say that a listing comes on to MLS on Tuesday.  The list price is $799,000 and there’s an offer date & time set for reviewing any offers the following Monday. 


This is clearly not a $799,000 house.  By a quick search of recent sales, It’s worth $1M or more.  Anybody with a basic knowledge of real estate understands, whether by looking at the list price, the presence of an offer date, or both, that this property is under-listed.  


The listing agent knows by putting out a “loss leader” price in the week before offers are reviewed they will be able to show the home to as many possible home buyers as they can.  They are banking on homebuyers that have a budget of only $850,000 coming to see it, as well as potential buyers who have a budget of $1.2M.  


They are essentially "Fishing with a Net" to catch the buyer who will pay the most money with the fewest conditions


After all, there will be a lot of homebuyers with that $850,000 budget, who will ‘just try’, hoping they will be the only buyer to snag a deal.  But what really happens is that those dummy offers will bid up the price of the higher offers - and the more bids on the table generally, the more the price escalates.   


And they are counting on the buyers that are serious to have done their homework (be pre-approved for the bid price, have a deposit on hand and be confident to offer without conditions or contingencies.


Is there a limit to how high the price can be pushed?  There sure. is.   Researching recent sales to observe the gap between the list price and sale will show that clearly.  For example, it’s unlikely a house listed at $799,000 would sell for $2 million.  Just the same way it’s very unlikely that the buyer with a $2 million budget would be checking out homes listed at $799,000.  


The rule of thumb is pricing strategies will follow similar homes sold in the neighborhood, to replicate those results. 


What do those homes look like?  They are generally in popular neighborhoods, with updated finishes. If the marketing of the home is spectacular, it will draw in more buyers.  


This is also a popular strategy to market fixer uppers/estate properties.  You may notice that these are priced especially low.  One clue to picking out these homes is the lack of interior photos.   Not everyone will qualify for a mortgage on this type of property, so it is especially important that these homes are exposed to as many people as possible.  


And finally, we have Clickbait


There’s also a third way a property is marketed.  I personally find this method, the most annoying and confusing, but it happens so we need to deal with it.


Knowledge is power after all.  Here's how clickbait pricing strategy works:


A property is on the market for $899,000.  The listing reads, “Motivated Seller!  Bring All Offers!”


The price looks too good to be true, but there is no date to review offers in the listing, so it doesn’t seem to be deliberately under-priced for competition.  History in the neighbourhood shows that things sell for higher.  


What’s more is that the property has been on the market for 42 days. 


So I call the listing agent and ask “So your seller would entertain offers at that price?”  The reply: “No, of course not.”


I asked if they had received any offers on the property and was told: “Several, and most were over asking,” 


So why do sellers continue this strategy?  Because, they know if they increase the price, buyers have been conditioned to look for “deals” and the showings will trickle down to nothing. 


Is it unfair? Unprofessional?  I tend to think this strategy falls into the second category, but it is allowed, and it happens!  Knowledge is power.


Questions on how to get the best price for your home?

Want to know how to be successful in a bidding war?


Call me at: 416-562-5002


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Discover the Charm of 42 Bridgeport!  Are you house hunting in Toronto?  Looking for a place that offers  elegance, comfort, and location — then 42 Bridgeport in Port Union Village should be on your radar. 

This lovingly maintained, one-owner, all-brick home is more than just move-in ready — it’s located in what we homeowner's call "the hidden gem of Toronto! 

The home offers some great features; 

- A spacious layout ideal for family living

- Gleaming hardwood on the main floor

- Tastefully updated eat-in kitchen with custom cabinetry, newer stainless steel appliances, stone counters and walk out to deck.

- Elegant crown moulding throughout; upstairs and down! 

- A warm and welcoming family room with a gas fireplace

- Large primary suite with a private sitting area, walk-in closet & 5-piece en suite

- direct entry to the home from the spotless garage

Every detail in this home speaks to pride of ownership and thoughtful upgrades over the years.  California shutters and soaring ceilings, throughout the main create an inviting space for entertaining & relaxing.

All the 'big stuff' is done

Buying a home in Toronto is a big investment — and 42 Bridgeport delivers exceptional value. The home has been consistently updated, featuring newer stainless steel appliances, a beautifully refreshed powder room, and essential mechanicals including:

- Newer roof

- Updated A/C and furnace

- New garage and front doors

- Newer kitchen appliances

Room to grow

The finished basement offers versatile space perfect for a rec room, office, or teen retreat — plus loads of storage and an oversized laundry area.

Enjoy Outdoor Living

Step outside to a sunny, fully fenced backyard with a deck that’s perfect for hosting BBQs, relaxing with a morning coffee, or enjoying quiet evenings under the stars. It's the kind of backyard you don’t always find when browsing homes for sale in Toronto.

The front porch is great for neighbourhood watching, too! 

Why do we call this "Toronto's Best Kept Secret"?

5 Amazing Things About Living in Port Union Village

1. Steps to Lake Ontario and Waterfront Trails

Love the outdoors? You’ll be thrilled to find the scenic Port Union Waterfront Trail just a short walk away. Enjoy cycling, jogging, or tranquil walks by the water.  Port Union Commons park has a great play area and is host to the Waterfront Festival each year.

2. Commuter-Friendly with Easy Access to Rouge Hill GO**  

Get downtown in no time with the nearby Rouge Hill GO Station. Whether you’re working in the core or just want quick access to the city, this location makes commuting a breeze.

3. Family-Oriented and Peaceful

Port Union Village is a quiet, family-friendly community with low crime, parks, excellent schools, and welcoming neighbors. It's a true retreat from the hustle and bustle - but only 25 minutes by GO to Union Station.  Did you know this is one of the very few neighbourhoods in Toronto with NO high rises??

4. Community Amenities at Your Fingertips

From the Library, Community Centre with gym and plenty of activities,  local shops and cafe right at Port Union & Lawrence, lots of things you need are so close by.  It’s a neighborhood designed for convenience and connection.

5. Exceptional Real Estate Value

Compared to downtown Toronto, homes in Port Union offer more space, newer builds, and incredible value. 42 Bridgeport is a prime example — a large, detached home with modern upgrades in a sought-after location.

Ready to make a move? Reach out today to book your private tour and experience what makes this Port Union Village home so special. 

In the meantime, check out the virtual tour: 



For more homes for sale in Scarborough search here:  Scarborough homes for sale by Community

For more about Sue Anfang:  Sue Anfang Bio

For more about working with Sue Anfang click here:  Sue Anfang Testimonials

For details on the house including all pictures click here:  Full Listing 42 Bridgeport

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Charming Period Home in Swansea: A Rare Opportunity in Bloor West Village Real Estate

If you’ve been searching for a home with timeless character in one of Toronto’s most sought-after west-end neighbourhoods, this is it. Nestled on a picturesque street in the heart of Swansea, just steps from the vibrant shops and cafés of Bloor West Village, this charming property offers a blend of historic beauty, endless potential, and unbeatable location.

This Bloor West Village home for sale is brimming with original period details that are increasingly rare to find intact (and in such good condition, too). Think leaded glass windows that shimmer with vintage charm, multiple stained glass panels, warm quarter sawn oak hardwood floors, elegant French doors, and rich gumwood trim and wainscoting that run throughout the main and upper levels. These authentic architectural features offer the kind of character that new builds simply can't replicate.  I sure hope I look this good at 99!

The enclosed front porch is perfect for morning coffee or people-watching with a view of leafy Larkin Avenue. Inside, you’ll find well proportioned principal rooms with stunning original detailing that provides visual interest at every turn. Whether you're a lover of early 20th-century craftsmanship or a buyer with a vision to blend the old with the new, this home offers a rare canvas to create something truly special. 

Here are a few detail shots so you get an idea! 



 

Smart Layout & In-Law Suite Potential

A practical layout includes main floor laundry, discreetly tucked away off the kitchen—it has a side entrance to the yard (so if you rent the basement you don't have to share that door to get to the back). 

The basement features a separate entrance, full second kitchen, large recreation room, and an additional full bathroom. With a little updating, this space could easily function as an in-law studio apartment or just a private space for guests. 

The mutual driveway leads to a detached garage, suitable for a small car or additional storage.



Full listing Details

Prime Location with a 92 Walk Score

Location is everything, and this home delivers!  With a walk score of 92, you’re just a 4-minute walk from Jane subway station, offering easy access to downtown Toronto. Stroll to local favourites like Queen’s Pasta Café, Bread & Roses Bakery, and Shakey’s Pub—Bloor West Village is known for its independent shops, delicious eateries, and strong sense of community.  I can personally recommend the delicious poppy seed rolls at Janchenko's Bakery.

Families will appreciate the excellent school district, with access to top-ranked Swansea Public School and Humberside Collegiate, as well as several nearby daycare and preschool options.

Explore the Best of Swansea & Bloor West Villag

Swansea is one of Toronto’s most picturesque storybook neighborhoods, bordered by High Park to the east, the Humber River to the west, and Lake Ontario to the south. With its winding streets, mature trees, and a mix of stately homes and charming cottages, Swansea feels like a tranquil village tucked into the city.

Nature lovers will enjoy proximity to Grenadier Pond, High Park’s sprawling trails, and the Martin Goodman Trail along the lake. Meanwhile, Bloor West Village offers a vibrant, walkable lifestyle where you can run your errands, meet friends for brunch, or pick up fresh produce from local markets—all without needing your car.

Endless Possibilities in a Dream Location

Whether you're a buyer looking to restore a historic gem, an investor seeking rental potential, or a family dreaming of a long-term home in a premier neighborhood, this Swansea property offers incredible opportunity. The home’s solid bones and one-of-a-kind character make it a standout, while its location places you in the heart of one of Toronto’s most desirable and walkable neighborhoods.

Don't miss this chance to own a piece of Toronto’s history—and shape its future.

Contact me today to book your private tour or check out the full video walkthrough here:


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What's a unicorn got to do with Real Estate?  Read on to find out! 

This question is one of the biggest ones I get when I sit down with clients, and that is whether it’s better to buy first or sell their current home first. 

Even if new clients aren’t thinking this through; especially in fluctuating markets this is definitely something that should be given careful consideration.  

There’s no one size fits all answer, but there are definitely ways to figure out the best answer for you.  In no particular order, here are some things to consider when mulling this question over….

What’s your risk tolerance?

If you’re comfortable carrying two properties at once (even for a short period), buying first may be an option. However, if carrying two mortgages is not financially feasible or too stressful, selling first ensures you know exactly what to budget for your purchase.   

How do you judge your risk tolerance anyway?  Here are some questions to ask yourself: 

    How is your financial stability?  If you lost your job, would you have enough savings to cover your expenses for a few months, or do you manage paycheck to paycheck.  If you have a healthy emergency fund and a steady income, you might tolerate more financial risk, like carrying two mortgages temporarily.  If unexpected expenses (like staging costs, temporary housing, or bridge financing fees) would put a strain on your finances, selling first might be the safer option.

    What is your emotional Response to Uncertainty – How would you respond to this? Imagine you’ve booked a vacation but don’t yet have a hotel reservation. Are you comfortable finding one last-minute, or does the uncertainty stress you out? If you need things planned in advance, you might struggle with the unpredictability of buying before selling.  

At the time I’m writing this, the world is an uncertain place.  We are feeling it in real estate as many buyers are sitting on the sidelines just waiting to see what’s going to happen.  Imagine you buy a new home first, but your current home sits on the market longer than expected.  Would you stay calm knowing it will sell eventually, or would sleepless nights and stress take over? If uncertainty makes you anxious, selling first could be the smarter choice.

    How do you invest?  Do you prefer putting your money into high-risk stocks or experiment with cyber currency for big potential returns, or do you stick with safer options like fixed rate GICs? If you naturally gravitate toward safer investments, you may prefer selling first to avoid financial strain.  

    Decision-Making Style  - When making a big purchase like a car, do you research for months and test-drive multiple options, or do you go with your gut and buy the first one that feels right? If you take time to make careful decisions, you might be more comfortable selling first to know exactly what you can afford.  

Do you think you’ll be more comfortable if you view 10-15 homes to find the perfect home, or can you make quick decisions under pressure? If you like to explore many options before deciding, buying first might be best so you don’t feel rushed after selling. But if you’re confident making fast decisions, selling first can work because you’ll be able to move quickly when the right home comes up.  You’ll be making some fast decisions in real estate that may make you uncomfortable anyway, so this is important to think through

    Past Experiences with Risk -- Have you ever taken a big risk—like starting your own business or moving to a new city without a job lined up? If you’ve handled uncertainty well in the past, you might feel confident in buying before selling.  

Have you handled big financial risks well in the past, like buying an investment property or flipping a home? If so, you may be comfortable with the short-term risk of owning two homes. But if past financial risks caused stress or losses, a safer approach—selling first—might suit you better.

How particular are you about your next home?

If you have very specific needs—like a certain school district, a unique property style, or a hard-to-find neighborhood—you may want to buy first. Otherwise, you risk selling your current home and not being able to find the right one when you’re ready.

How reverse engineering may help you predict how long it will take you to find a specific home

Smart realtors will take your needs and wants and look back in history to analyze the sales data over the past few years.  Going back 5 years you can apply your criteria to a reverse property search to find out:

    How many homes like that have sold in the past

    What prices did they sell for

    Did they sell in competition because they are rare?

    What did they look like inside

    How often do they come up for sale

This way you can give yourself a ‘reality check’.   It helps to know a few things that just make sense, like:

    In a low turnover neighbourhood or condo where people live a long time it’s less likely to find something sell that’s renovated

    In a demand school district homes will be more expensive than in the catchment districts that border it

    New construction may sell for a higher per sq ft price than resale

    A renovated home will cost more than an unrenovated home

A good example of this is a reverse search I did for a senior looking to rent in a specific condo building.  A reverse search showed that there are very few condos that rent privately (2-3 every 4 years)   Therefore it’s unlikely a condo in their budget would be available when they wanted to move.  That way they could adjust their plans.  

What’s the market like? 

For many people, the sale price of their current home determines what they can afford to buy next. If the market is in flux, it makes sense to sell and buy in the “same market” – that way market conditions will benefit you (whatever they are) on both transactions.    

How do you know what the market is like? 

Because news articles may focus on the negative & real estate can be very specific to neighbourhood it’s best to talk to a realtor that has listings, is active with buyers and sellers and is familiar with your area.  Or has been recommended to you.    

In slow markets, if you’re like most people you don’t want a realtor that will make unrealistic promises just because they are hungry for business.  

If you're house hunting in Toronto, there are a couple of other realtors that write excellent blogs with market information; many of these have articles on a variety of topics going back years.  

Toronto Realty Blog - if you can get through his style of writing (long wind-ups to the meat & a bit of pretention) there good information

The Refined Real Estate Team Blog - Jeff is a colleague at my brokerage and his analytical style of examining the market shows his financial background.  He looks at thing with not only a "what happened" but "what did it feel like" view.  His focus is really on central Toronto. 

The BREL team Blog - another central Toronto blog; but I find the real estate articles are on a wide range of topics and written in a straightforward style.  

Are you unicorn hunting?

If your dream home is a rare find—such as a waterfront property, a century home, or a condo in a specific building—waiting to sell before buying might mean missing out.  In this case, you may choose to buy first;  prepare your home when you start your search, so once you’ve put in an offer so you can list right away.  

If you’re unicorn hunting, a reverse engineering approach may be helpful.  It’s also helpful to keep an open mind and look not only at a 100% unicorn, but see if a 50% horse/50% unicorn may work for you as well.    Or perhaps you can buy a horse and transform it over time to your personal unicorn! 

Buying before selling 

Allows you to take your time finding the perfect home without feeling pressured to settle. You can move in at your own pace and avoid temporary housing. However, this approach carries financial risk—you may need to qualify for two mortgages or rely on bridge financing. If your current home doesn’t sell as quickly as expected, you may be stuck covering two mortgages for longer than anticipated.

Pro Tip: If you're interested in what homes are selling for to do research, my website has a 'sold' feature that's really helpful.  You can set up a property search that will only send you homes that have sold in your area, community or neighbourhood.   It's a great way to stay on top of pricing! 

Just sign up here:

www.SueAnfang.com   You can even download a GPS enabled app to your phone that will bring up sold & available properties when you're out and about.


Selling first 

This eliminates the risk of carrying two mortgages and provides a clear budget for your next home. You’ll know exactly how much equity you have to work with, reducing financial uncertainty. However, it also means you might need temporary housing or feel pressured to buy quickly, which can lead to settling for a home that isn’t quite right.  

If you're interested in what homes are selling for in your area, my website has a 'sold' feature that's really helpful.  You can set up a property search that will only send you homes that have sold in your area, community or neighbourhood.   It's a great way to stay on top of pricing! 

Just sign up here:

www.SueAnfang.com   You can even download a GPS enabled app to your phone that will bring up sold & available properties when you're out and about.


Is Bridge Financing Right for You? 

Bridge financing is a short-term loan that helps cover the gap between buying a new home and selling your existing one. It can be a good option if you have firm closing dates that don’t align or if you need flexibility. However, bridge loans come with interest costs and eligibility requirements, so it’s essential to discuss this option with your mortgage advisor before deciding.

Pro tip: Have a backup plan

Whichever way you go, it’s smart to have a contingency plan. If you buy first, consider bridge financing or a rental option if your home doesn’t sell right away.  If you sell first, consider a long closing, or look into short-term rentals or family accommodations in case you need extra time to find your next home.

Ask an expert

While the answer may be different for everyone,  discussing your situation with a knowledgeable realtor can help you decide the best approach. If you have questions about your own situation, or if you’re helping a family member navigate a move, feel free to call me at 416-562-5002. My website blog and YouTube channel also have lots of helpful articles.

About Sue Anfang


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