While the month of August is typically slower, the local real estate market saw a jump in sales and dollar volume compared to last year.
Sarnia-Lambton Association of Realtors President Jeremy Guerette said 143 homes changed hands last month, an increase of 25 per cent from August 2024 and up 22 per cent from August 2023.
The dollar volume also saw a 23 per cent increase compared to August 2024, at $75.19 million.
Guerette said he's not sure why the market saw a bump but it could have something to do with buyers returning to find something that wasn't previously available in the spring.
"I know buyers are being a little bit choosier so they're taking their time and making a selection that they like," he said.
The year-to-date median sales price was $485,000.
For the first time in months, fewer homes were put on the market.
There were 256 new listings last month, which is down 1.5 per cent compared to August 2024.
Compared to recent months, there were 333 new listings in July and 342 in June.
"We've got a high level of inventory so that did end up coming down just a little bit," Guerette said. "I guess that was kind of the relief we probably need and we'll see moving forward how that trend continues."
By the end of August, there were 644 active listings, representing about 4.5 months of inventory.
Guerette said while homes are spending a little longer on the market, it's not a significant increase compared to the beginning of this year.
"If the house is priced reasonably, then generally speaking, it would sell in about 26 days right now," he said.