02/17/2026
This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask us, and the answer is never one-size-fits-all.
Here’s how we’re advising clients in Ottawa right now to think it through.
First, understand your risk tolerance. Selling first gives you certainty. You know your numbers, your timing, and your comfort level. Buying first gives you convenience, but it comes with more moving parts and more financial exposure. Neither is “right” or “wrong”. It depends on how much uncertainty you’re comfortable carrying.
Second, look at your local micro-market, not headlines. Some neighbourhoods are still moving quickly. Others require more precision. The pace of your current home and the pace of the home you want to buy both matter, and they are often very different.
Third, plan the bridge before you need it. Whether it’s a bridge loan, extended closing, or temporary housing, the smartest homeowners explore these options before emotions or timelines force decisions. Knowing what’s possible removes pressure.
The goal isn’t to guess the market. It’s to choose the order that gives you the most control, flexibility, and peace of mind. That’s how good decisions get made, especially in a market like Ottawa where conditions can vary block by block.
We hope this served you and helped gain more clarity!
Wendy and Nancy
