Sarnia-Lambton's real estate market surpassed the $40-million mark for the first time this year in March.
A total of 180 properties worth nearly $44.9-million sold, which is up from February's $34.8-million.
Real Estate Board President Steve Park says MLS listings dropped 11% for the month and 1% for the year.
"In the past it's always been sell your house and we'll find some place for you," says Park. "Now, you want to concentrate more on finding where you're going and then putting your house on the market. More than likely, if you use the proper agencies and use the proper listing structures, you will sell it. Without a doubt."
There are currently 297 active listings in the MLS system with 231 of those being single family homes, 192 which were new in March.
Park says buyers have been very savvy in this market.
"Today we're seeing with the internet and with social media, people know what value is," he says. "So, because of the low amount of inventory, they're willing to pay a little bit more -- but, if they see a listing price that they feel is too much, they won't even go and see the house. It is very crucial to have the listing price right at the time."
He says the number of sales for the month were the same as last year, and up 5% year-to-date.
The average sale price so far this year is nearly $238,000, compared to $219,000 in 2016.
The highest number of residential home sales was 35 sales in the $150,000 to $200,000 range.
