Brad Simmons

In baseball, perspective can change in an instant.

A batter who chased a bad pitch may feel like he has failed. The pitcher sees it as a victory. The fans may only remember the final score, while the coach is focused on whether the players made the right decisions throughout the game.  Real estate is much the same.

One headline says may say the market is slowing. While another may say prices are holding steady. Some buyers see opportunity, while some sellers see uncertainty. Neither is necessarily wrong—they're simply looking at the market from different perspectives.

The key is to avoid making decisions based on the loudest headline or the latest opinion. Just as a baseball team doesn't judge its entire season on one inning, buyers and sellers shouldn't judge the market on one week's statistics.

Every home, every neighbourhood, and every client's circumstances are different. That's why local knowledge and experience matter. Looking beyond the headlines often reveals opportunities that others overlook.

Whether you're stepping up to the plate as a buyer or taking the mound as a seller, success often comes down to seeing the whole field—not just the next pitch.

Perspective doesn't change the market. It changes how you play the game.

At times in baseball, you'll see an aggressive slide by a baserunner. Granted, that was more common in the past, as the rules have changed to discourage it. Sales can be much the same, with some believing that the harder they push, the better the results.

Just last week, I experienced that firsthand. A salesperson came to my home to discuss possible credits on my utility bills if I met certain criteria. Within minutes, the conversation shifted into a high-pressure sales pitch for a heat pump and a tankless water heater. The pressure became so intense that I had to ask him several times to leave. It wasn't an approach I appreciated.

When I first entered real estate, someone involved in development told me that if I wanted to succeed, I had to be aggressive when meeting with a potential client. Perhaps that works for some people, but it has never been my style. Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. My role isn't to pressure anyone into a decision. It's to provide honest advice, answer questions, and give clients the information they need to decide what's right for them.

Just as in baseball, not every play has to be a hard slide. Sometimes the smartest move is knowing when not to force the play. That's the approach I've taken throughout my real estate career, and it's one I'll continue to follow.

Waterloo Region June 2026 Statistics

“While sales activity in Waterloo Region picked up in June compared with the previous month, year-over-year figures show a 2.9 per cent dip, marking the slowest June on record, just nine sales short of June 2024. Both Kitchener and Waterloo posted double-digit declines; meanwhile, Cambridge boasted a 15.2 per cent increase in sales year-over-year,” said Bill Duce, CEO of Cornerstone. “The number of new listings added to the market remains lower than last year, reducing months of supply in all areas except Kitchener. Waterloo Region continues to have the tightest market conditions compared with our other regions, highlighting why using a local REALTOR® is beneficial for both buyers and sellers as they navigate the local market.”  

Waterloo Region Area Highlights:  

• Waterloo Region home sales increased 4.3% month-over-month. 

• The number of newly listed properties decreased by 4.0% on a month-over-month basis. 

• In Kitchener-Waterloo, the MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) was $642,000 in May 2026, a decrease of 1.1% month-over-month and a 5.5 % decline on a year-over-year basis. In Cambridge, the HPI was $671,000, which was a 0.8% decrease month-over-month and a drop of 6.6% on a year-over-year basis. 

• The supply of inventory across the market increased 1.2% on a year-over-year basis, and there was a 4.1-month supply of all property types by the end of June, which was 2.4% lower than in June 2025.  

This photo may show a collection of lockboxes that have outlasted the listings they were meant to serve. Let’s hope that is the case.  While lockboxes are an important tool for showings, they should be removed promptly once a property is sold or no longer on the market.

Keeping condo entrances organized isn't just about appearances—it's about respect for the residents, property management, and fellow Realtors. A clutter-free lockbox area makes it easier for agents to find the correct box when showing an active listing.

Success in real estate isn't only about hitting home runs. It's also about paying attention to the little details that demonstrate professionalism.

In baseball, every play starts with a pitch. 

Real estate can be much the same.

When it's time to sell a home, homeowners receive all kinds of pitches from agents. Some promise guaranteed sales. Others advertise, "If I don't sell your home, I'll buy it." Some promise top dollar, quick sales, special marketing systems, and other options.   

There's nothing wrong with these programs; but take the time to ask questions and understand what conditions come with some of those guarantees? 

Look at the entire plan.

How is your home going to be priced?

What marketing will actually be done?

Who will be showing your property and following up with potential buyers?

How will offers be negotiated?

In baseball, nobody wins because of the first pitch. The teams that win are usually the ones that have a solid strategy, make adjustments when needed, and execute throughout the game.

Selling a home is no different.

The reality is that no agent controls the market. We don't control interest rates, economic conditions, or buyer confidence. What we do control is our preparation, our marketing, our communication, and our ability to negotiate on behalf of our clients.

Over the years, I've seen homes sell quickly because they were priced correctly and presented properly. I've also seen situations where a great-sounding promise couldn't overcome an unrealistic price or changing market conditions.

That's why I believe homeowners should focus less on the sales pitch and more on the overall approach.

When you're choosing an agent, ask questions. Understand the process. Make sure you're comfortable with the answers. A good real estate relationship should be built on trust, communication, and a plan that makes sense for your situation.

After all, a good pitch may get your attention.

A good game plan is what gets the job done.