Show & Sell

Tariffs, Tartan, and Time

Author

Jordan Buttarazzi
February 26, 2025

It’s been a while... but we’re back.

On top of trying to:

  • build a business

  • stay fit

  • create content

  • stay authentic

  • spend time with family

  • stay sane…

I closed on 2 of my own properties, in Ontario & Alberta, in less than 9 months. While also helping dozens of clients find new homes and investment opportunities in both provinces.

It’s been a lot, to say the least. 

But I’ve learned so much by putting myself in uncomfortable situations, being myself, making mistakes, and trying my best to learn from them.

When I launched this newsletter in 2022, it started as a straightforward report on showing volume and selling statistics, hence the name!

However, the showing data never told the whole story. There are multiple showing management systems (BrokerBay, ShowingTime, Touchbase, etc.), and some are more prevalent in certain areas than others.

So, I started branching out and spending hours researching and writing about major trending topics.

This was great and well-received, but sometimes, I spent more time writing (or stressing about writing) and less time helping people buy and sell real estate. Thus, the quality of my output was inconsistent. And that’s not fair to anyone!

After taking a break from the newsletter and dabbling in video content…

👉 @jordan.buttarazzi on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube✅

It’s time to re-launch Show & Sell with a little more structure. Here’s what you can expect as a reader:

[J]ournal: a short reflection, life lesson, quote, or recent experience 

[O]n the Horizon: in real estate, the economy, technology, and politics

[R]esearch: in resale and rental markets

[D]esign: design trends, DIY project ideas, and architectural spotlights

[A]iming Higher: helpful resource or valuable insight for financial, personal, or professional growth

[N]ewsworthy: local, national, or global spotlight, news, or discovery

If you’ve made it this far, you might as well read the first edition.

And if you make it to the end, your feedback would be much appreciated!

Welcome (back) to Show & Sell…

✍️ [J]ournal: Overthinking

👀 [O]n the Horizon: Tariffs Inbound

📊 [R]esearch: Resale Listings Surge 70%

🖌️ [D]esign: From Tarzan to Tartan

🌟 [A]iming Higher: The Best Investment for 2025

📰 [N]ewsworthy: Canada-Quebec Prefab Homes

✍️ [J]OURNAL

“Overthinking is the biggest waste of human energy. Trust yourself, make a decision, and gain more experience. There is no such thing as perfect. You cannot think your way into perfection; just take action.” - Sylvester McNutt III

👀 [O]N THE HORIZON

‘The tariffs are going forward on time, on schedule'’

The White House has announced that sweeping 25% tariffs on Canadian imports are moving forward, pending ongoing negotiations. Set to take effect on March 4, these tariffs could have significant repercussions for Canadians.

Key Sectors at Risk:

Automotive Industry: With the U.S. being a major market for Canadian vehicles and parts, tariffs could lead to increased costs, potential layoffs, and higher prices for consumers.

Energy Exports: Canada sends 90% of its oil exports to U.S. refiners.  Tariffs on these exports could disrupt this critical trade flow, impacting revenues and jobs.

Manufacturing and Agriculture: Tariffs may result in decreased demand for Canadian goods, leading to production slowdowns and job losses in these sectors.

The Bank of Canada warns that a prolonged trade conflict with the U.S. could severely impact Canada’s economy, potentially necessitating further rate cuts.  Additionally, the Canadian Dollar (trading today at 0.6970 USD, down from 0.7403 USD from a year ago today) has steadied near a two-week low as the tariff deadline approaches, reflecting market concerns.

There’s a lot to fight for but we don’t have anyone fighting for us… We’re a leaderless country.

My question is…

Who will rise to the challenge and drive the bold, decisive changes Canada needs to reclaim its prosperity?

📊 [R]ESEARCH

Listing Pileup

Active listings surged by 70.2% in January 2025, reaching 17,157 properties across the Greater Toronto Area.

Despite this massive inventory increase, the average selling price edged up 1.5% to $1,040,994, while sales dipped 7.9% with 3,847 transactions recorded.

There are currently 6,920 active listings in the City of Toronto, with condos making up approximately 73% of the market.

Rental Shakeup

Canada’s rental market saw a shakeup in January 2025, with the average asking rent dropping to $2,100 - a 4.4% decline from last year and the lowest in 18 months.

Condo rents took a 6.5% hit, now averaging $2,219, while house and townhouse rentals dropped 8.9% to $2,144.

Meanwhile, purpose-built rentals bucked the trend, with rents rising for studios and three-bedroom units.

🖌️ [D]ESIGN

Tartan Takeover

Once reserved for Scottish kilts and traditional preppy attire, this timeless pattern is now showing up in bold and unexpected ways in real estate interiors.

Dating back to 16th-century Scotland, tartan was originally a symbol of family heritage, woven in distinct patterns to represent different clans. Over time, it became a staple in fashion, but its rich history and classic appeal have now found a place in home decor.

Today, tartan is reemerging in statement upholstery, textured wallpaper, and layered textiles, adding warmth and sophistication to interiors. From cozy library walls and accent chairs to modernized color palettes in open-concept living spaces, homeowners and designers alike are embracing this nostalgic pattern with a fresh perspective.

🌟 [A]IMING HIGHER

What is the most valuable asset in the world?:

(1) Real estate

(2) Bitcoin

(3) A Costco Membership

While these options have a ton of value… The most valuable asset in the world is your time. So, take some of it back by looking into Opal - the productivity app that helps you reclaim your time by blocking distractions and keeping you focused on what matters most.

Like building a real estate empire, a fat crypto wallet, and a full pantry.

Use my referral code “MZUAK” or check out the link below for a 1 month free pass on Opal Pro!

Your Guest Pass to Opal

Get this app and save hours each day. Tap the banner or use your referral code for a 1 month free guest pass!

applink.opal.so/invite-friend?rc=MZUAK&rId=dr6ZmjsEKaUDvOI8vtRZky2rGoA3&rNme=jordbuttdan

📰 NEWSWORTHY

Pre-Fab(ulous) Homes

The governments of Canada and Quebec have launched a ground-breaking project to build 500 prefabricated multi-unit homes by 2026. This initiative, part of the Programme d’Habitation Abordable Québec (PHAQ), aims to leverage prefabrication technologies to deliver housing solutions that are 10-25% more cost-effective and 30-50% faster to build. 

Streamlined processes have been introduced to expedite approvals. This will enable cooperatives, non-profits, and private businesses to participate in the design and construction phases. This collaborative approach not only addresses immediate housing demands but also sets a precedent for innovative, efficient, and affordable housing solutions. 

Maybe it’ll come with a new Tesla robot!

Or be built by one…

You made it!

Thanks for reading this edition of Show & Sell.

Do you have any questions about the newsletter or the market?

Wishing you well,

Jordan Buttarazzi

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