The numbers are in, and they're telling us something.

From January through September 2025, there were 35 residential listings in the RM of Cartier. Of those, 23 sold,  approximately 66%.

During the same period in 2026, we've had almost the same number of listings: 33. But so far this year, only 12 have sold, approximately 36%.

Before anyone panics, there's more to the story.

The average sale price actually increased from $413,943 last year to $498,096 this year. And the homes that did sell took an average of 20 days to sell, compared with 18 days last year.

So no, the sky isn't falling.

But buyers are being more selective, and fewer listings are making it across the finish line.

Which brings me to one of the most important conversations a seller can have with their REALTOR®.

Price.

Your Competition Isn't Always the House Down the Street

All sellers have a number in their head.

The market doesn't care what you want for your house. It cares what your house is worth compared with everything else a buyer can purchase.

And today, your competition isn't necessarily another For Sale sign down the street.

We also have new construction happening throughout the RM of Cartier. Buyers may be comparing your resale home with a brand-new one — new finishes, new mechanicals, modern layouts and, in some cases, the opportunity to choose some of the details themselves.

That doesn't mean resale can't compete. Of course it can.

But it does mean price, condition and presentation matter.

Your competition is every reasonable option available to that buyer.

Price too high, and buyers usually won't call to tell you.

They'll simply move on.

And while you're wondering why your house isn't selling, your listing may actually be helping another seller sell theirs.

Their house suddenly looks like the better value.

Are You Chasing the Market?

Price strategically, and you give buyers a reason to pay attention.

Start too high, and you may spend the next several weeks or months reducing the price, trying to catch buyers who have already moved on.

So, do you want to chase the market, or do you want the market chasing you?

Let's Talk About the Elephant in the Room

When a house doesn't sell, it's easy to blame the REALTOR®.

Sometimes that's fair.

There are REALTORS® who will "buy the listing," agreeing to a price they know the market doesn't support because they want the listing.

Why?

Because having the listing itself has value. It generates exposure, sign calls, online inquiries and potential buyer leads.

Those buyers may decide your home isn't for them, but they may still end up buying something else through that REALTOR®.

Meanwhile, once your sign is on the lawn and your house isn't selling, the requests for price reductions begin.

That's not a pricing strategy.

That's getting the listing first and dealing with the uncomfortable pricing conversation later.

A good pricing conversation should happen before you list. Your REALTOR® should be able to show you the evidence behind their recommendation — even when that number isn't the one you were hoping to hear.

Trust Matters. So Does Honest Advice.

I mean every word of this.

My job isn't to make the final decision for you. It's to bring you the information, explain what I'm seeing, make recommendations and tell you when I believe something needs to change.

Ultimately, it's your home, your money and your decision.

That doesn't mean I'll simply agree with you. Sometimes doing my job properly means telling you exactly what you didn't want to hear.

Guidance only works when there's trust behind it.

That doesn't mean REALTORS® are always right. We're not. Markets change. Buyers surprise us. Every property is different.

But ultimately, neither the seller nor the REALTOR® decides what a property is worth.

The market does.

And right now, the numbers here in the RM of Cartier are worth paying attention to.

You can price for what you want and hope the market eventually agrees.

Or you can listen to what the market is telling you and position your home accordingly.

I'll say it again:

Do you want to spend your time chasing the market, or do you want the market to chase you?

If you're considering selling in the RM of Cartier, Elie or the surrounding rural Manitoba communities, let's have an honest conversation about your property's position in today's market.

I guide, you decide.

Thinking of selling? Before you put that For Sale sign on the lawn, get your free Seller Guide. Practical advice, straight answers, and no pressure.

Audrey Harder
REALTOR® | Lifestyles Real Estate Ltd.
BeSmarterCallHarder.com

Source: MLS® REALTOR® statistics, R10 – RM of Cartier, residential market. January 1–September 30, 2025 and 2026. Figures reflect year-to-date activity.