Why do some homes sell at prices that seem surprisingly low?
Is it because the property itself isn’t good?
In most cases, the answer is no.
In reality, over 90% of deeply discounted sales have nothing to do with poor property value. They happen because of seller motivation. Understanding this difference is one of the most important skills buyers need—especially in the winter market.
In 2026, one principle matters more than ever:
Price does not equal value.
Many homes that appear to “sell cheaply” are actually worth far more than their final sale price. Buyers who understand why can consistently spot opportunities that others overlook.
Why “Cheap” Does Not Always Mean Low Value
During slower seasons, especially in winter, pricing distortions become more common. Some homes trade below market value, not because they are inferior assets, but because the seller is under pressure to sell quickly.
The key is learning to distinguish between a discounted price and a discounted asset.
Let’s look at a few real examples.
Case Study 1:
North Oakville Two-Storey Townhouse — Sold for $825,000
This traditional two-storey townhouse in North Oakville offers over 1,600 square feet of living space, a private backyard, and a functional layout. It sold in August for $825,000.
At the time—and even today—comparable townhomes in the same area typically trade between $1.0M and $1.1M.
So why did this one sell so far below market value?
The answer lies entirely with the seller.
In situations like this, we often see:
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A tenant occupying the property and limiting showings
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Poor photos and low online exposure
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Inconvenient viewing conditions
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A seller who needs liquidity quickly and wants a fast, clean transaction
The property itself was solid.
The price was low because the seller’s circumstances compressed the value.
This is not a bad house—it was a motivated sale.
Case Study 2:
River Oaks Detached Home (Approx. 2,500 sq. ft.) — Sold for $999,000
A detached home of this size, with a double garage, in River Oaks would normally command a significantly higher price.
Yet this property sold quickly at $999,000.
Why?
Because it was an estate sale.
Estate properties often share several characteristics:
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The beneficiaries do not live in the home
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There is no emotional attachment to the property
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The priority is efficiency, not maximizing price
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Sellers are more open to reasonable but lower offers
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Renovation potential and long-term upside are not primary concerns
The underlying value of the home did not disappear.
What changed was the seller’s objective.
A Common Winter Opportunity:
Vacant Homes Under Financial Pressure
Another category of properties frequently mispriced in winter includes:
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Vacant homes
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Properties with high carrying costs
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Owners facing cash flow pressure
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Homes with multiple mortgages, taxes, and insurance draining capital
For these sellers, time matters more than price.
These homes may appear “cheap” at first glance, but experienced buyers can immediately see that the asset itself is stronger than the price suggests.
The Core Logic: Price ≠ Value
Winter markets often expose situations where pricing falls below intrinsic value due to specific seller conditions, including:
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Tenants limiting access or showings
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Estate sales
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Power of Sale situations
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Vacant properties with financial pressure
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Sellers facing tight timelines
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Weak marketing or poor exposure
In all of these cases, the discount is driven by seller motivation, not by the quality of the property.
What Successful Buyers Do Differently
Buyers who consistently secure strong deals share one key skill:
They can identify seller motivation quickly—and act decisively.
They understand that many “cheap” sales reflect urgency, complexity, or inconvenience rather than poor real estate fundamentals.
Winter is not a season where homes are inherently worth less.
It is a season where motivated sellers are more visible.
Final Thought
Finding real opportunities is not about luck.
It is about recognizing signals others overlook.
Price is a number.
Value is the asset behind it.
Seller motivation explains the gap.
If you’re wondering whether a property you’re watching is a real opportunity—or just looks cheap on the surface—feel free to send it to me. I’m happy to help you assess whether the price reflects true value or simply seller pressure.
Follow along, and let’s turn winter opportunities into real results.
Contact The Fisher Group – Your Real Estate Experts in Oakville and the GTA
Fisher Yu
📱 647.598.8488
📧 [email protected]
🌐 thefishergroup.ca
