Broker Clinton Howell Shares His Top Insights + November Burlington Market Update
What’s the secret to selling your home efficiently and achieving the best possible result? According to Burlington RE/MAX Escarpment Broker Clinton Howell, success comes down to strategy, pricing, preparation, and local expertise.
In today’s market, homes are still selling, even though overall sales volumes have slowed. The difference between listings that sit and listings that succeed is how well they are priced and presented from day one.
What “Selling Fast” Really Means in Today’s Market
A fast sale in Burlington currently means selling within one to four weeks of hitting the market. However, Clinton explains that timelines vary depending on several factors including price point, property type, neighbourhood, and functionality.
“A renovated three-bedroom home in an affordable area will move much faster than a highly specific property like a multi-acreage home with unique features,” he says.
While market headlines often suggest it’s a buyers’ market, well-priced and well-presented homes continue to attract strong interest. The goal, Clinton notes, is to sell within the first 30 days, as homes that sell in this window typically achieve a higher percentage of their asking price. Listings that linger longer often face price reductions and less favourable outcomes.
Why Pricing Is the Single Most Important Factor
Pricing plays the biggest role in how quickly a home sells. A home priced accurately to current market conditions creates urgency and confidence among buyers, especially those who have been watching the market closely but waiting to act.
“When buyers see something they want at a fair price, they feel confident moving forward,” Clinton explains.
Proper pricing, combined with high-quality photography and strong marketing, increases showings and can even lead to multiple offers. Overpricing, however, causes listings to go stale. Buyers may skip showings altogether and wait for price reductions, which often results in a lower final sale price than what could have been achieved initially.
The Three Key Factors That Determine Home Value
1. Comparable Market Analysis (CMA)
A CMA is one of the most reliable tools for determining value, especially in Burlington where there is strong sales data. This involves analyzing recent sales of similar homes in the same neighbourhood and adjusting for differences such as size, condition, upgrades, and timing.
Luxury homes follow a different pricing process. Because custom and high-end properties are often unique, pricing also considers replacement cost, lot value, location, and quality of finishes. Market averages do not always reflect how luxury or niche segments perform.
2. Current Market Conditions
Pricing strategies must reflect whether the market favours buyers, sellers, or is balanced. Inventory levels, buyer demand, and economic conditions all influence how aggressive or conservative pricing should be.
3. Location and Neighbourhood
Comparing homes across different neighbourhoods without proper adjustments can lead to pricing mistakes. Factors such as proximity to the lake, schools, parks, amenities, and transit all affect value. Lot size, renovations, finished basements, and overall layout also play a major role.
How Sellers Avoid Leaving Money on the Table
One of the most common mistakes sellers make is setting a price based on emotion rather than data. Overpricing to “test the market” often backfires, leading to fewer showings and a weaker final result.
Clinton also advises sellers not to cut corners. Small repairs, professional staging, deep cleaning, and proper lighting all directly impact online appeal and buyer interest. These details influence how many showings a home receives and how quickly offers come in.
Choosing an agent with strong local experience is equally critical. Neighbourhood-level knowledge helps ensure accurate pricing, smart strategy, and better negotiation.
Selling Fast Does Not Mean Underpricing
Underpricing was effective during strong sellers’ markets like 2022, but Clinton cautions that it is not the right strategy today. Instead, sellers should focus on smart pricing, strong presentation, and understanding current negotiation trends.
“The most important thing is educating sellers so they can make confident, informed decisions,” Clinton says. “When strategy, timing, and preparation align, the results follow.”
November 2025 Market Update: Burlington
Despite changing market conditions, Burlington remains active when homes are priced and marketed correctly. Clinton Howell continues to guide buyers and sellers across Burlington, Waterdown, Ancaster, and surrounding communities with data-driven advice and hands-on support.
The Clinton Howell brokerage was recently recognized with the BurlingtonToday.com Reader Favourite Award, highlighting their ongoing commitment to excellence and local expertise.
