Let's Get Real (about Real Estate)

You’ll find our blog to be a wealth of information, covering everything from local market statistics and home values to community happenings. We'll even share some personal reflections because we want this to be about REAL connection - not just real estate. Please contact us if you have other interests, questions, or topics you'd like us to explore. We'd love to hear from you! 

Sept. 9, 2025

The Emotional Journey of Selling Your Home

Selling your home is often described in practical terms—market conditions, pricing strategy, staging, and negotiations. But beyond the logistics lies something far more personal: the emotional journey of letting go of a place that has been part of your story. For many, a house is more than bricks and mortar. It’s where memories were made, milestones celebrated, and everyday routines unfolded.

The Weight of Memories

The first step in the journey is acknowledging what your home has meant to you. Perhaps it was your first place as a newly married couple, the home where you brought your children from the hospital, or the setting of countless dinners with friends. Walking through each room as you prepare to list can stir up a flood of nostalgia. Those walls don’t just hold pictures—they hold pieces of your life.

Excitement Meets Uncertainty

Alongside nostalgia, there’s usually a current of excitement. Selling your home often means stepping into a new chapter—whether it’s upsizing, downsizing, relocating, or building fresh. That anticipation can feel like a breath of fresh air, but it’s often mixed with anxiety. Questions like Will buyers see its value? Will we get the price we need? Will our next place feel like home? can weigh heavily.

The Vulnerability of Showing Your Home

Perhaps one of the most challenging parts of the process is allowing strangers to walk through your home. You’ve cared for it, decorated it, and lived in it your way—now it’s on display for others to critique. This vulnerability can feel uncomfortable. Yet, it’s also an opportunity: buyers aren’t just looking for square footage, they’re imagining their own lives unfolding within those walls.

The Closing Chapter

When the sale finally closes, emotions often come full circle. Handing over the keys can feel bittersweet—part pride in what you’ve built, part sadness in saying goodbye. It’s natural to grieve that transition while also celebrating the possibilities that lie ahead.

Moving Forward with Heart

Selling your home is not just a transaction; it’s a life event. By recognizing and honoring the emotions along the way, you give yourself the grace to move forward with clarity and peace. After all, while the house belongs to someone new, the memories you’ve made will always be yours.

Our clients will tell you - we really do bring a unique mix of "head and heart" when it comes to helping people sell their homes. Kristen always provides a soft place to land and an empathetic ear. David keeps everyone focused on the big picture outcome. Together, we have the 360 degree wrap around understanding of the stakes when it comes to making a big change in your life - like selling your home. If this sounds like a good fit for how you like to be supported, we'd love an opportunity to meet with you to discuss your moving plans and how we can help you.

Cheers
Kristen & David

Posted in Selling Your Home
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July 28, 2025

New Home Builds - Inventory Overload?

Edmonton’s New-Build Boom: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Right now, about 25% of all single-family homes listed for sale on the MLS® in the Greater Edmonton Area are brand new—built in 2025. We're not even counting the new builds that AREN'T listed on the MLS®. You read that right! Maybe that's going to be a big surprise for you? Not for us... we've been watching this inventory build up for some time and very few industry experts are watching this metric (but they should...).

That’s a significant portion of the market and a clear sign that builders are responding to steady demand and growing interest in newer homes.

So, what does this mean for our market?

More Choice for Buyers
With more newly built homes available, buyers have expanded options—especially if they're looking for something move-in ready, energy efficient, and built to modern standards. Whether you're drawn to a home with the latest design features or prefer the idea of being the first owner, this influx of new builds can work in your favour. Plus, with David’s decades of experience in new home sales, we know how to navigate builder incentives, upgrades, and timelines to make sure you get the best value. You want him on your side for your new home build purchase...

A New Challenge for Sellers
If you're selling a home that’s a few years old, you may be facing stiffer competition from brand-new listings. But don’t worry—there’s a strategy for that. With the right pricing, smart staging, and focused marketing, your home can still stand out. We haven't just done our research on the new build side - we know the ins and outs of the resale side too. We also know what local buyers are looking for and how to highlight the features that matter most out there. Whether your home is ready to go and would be plucked off the market right away or if it might benefit from a few light renos (or perhaps even the addition of a legal suite) - we can give you some really helpful insights and strategies to maximize the value of your home.

A Balanced Market on the Horizon?
This growing share of new homes may be a sign that our market is starting to balance out after a few years of tight supply. More options for buyers can mean a little less pressure—and potentially more time to make thoughtful, informed decisions.

Curious how your home stacks up—or what your options are in the new build market? Let’s talk. We’ve got the local insight and the inside edge to guide your next move with confidence.

Cheers,

Kristen & David

Posted in New Build Homes
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July 18, 2025

Rent or Buy?

Making the Move from Renting to Owning: What You Need to Consider

Transitioning from renting to owning a home is an exciting step—but it’s also a big shift that comes with new responsibilities, costs, and decision-making. If you’re thinking about becoming a homeowner for the first time, here are the key things to consider before making your move:

💸 Budgeting Beyond the Mortgage

Many first-time buyers are surprised to learn that the mortgage payment is just one part of homeownership. In addition to your monthly principal and interest, you’ll also need to budget for:

  • Property taxes

  • Home insurance

  • Utilities (some of which may have been included in rent)

  • Maintenance and repairs

  • Condo fees (if applicable)

It’s important to have a realistic picture of your monthly costs—and a small emergency fund for the unexpected.

🏦 Get Pre-Approved (Not Just Pre-Qualified)

Before you start shopping, speak with a mortgage professional and get pre-approved. This step will give you a clear understanding of how much home you can afford, what your monthly payments will be, and how lenders view your financial situation. It also shows sellers you’re serious when it’s time to make an offer.

🛠️ Maintenance is Your Responsibility Now

As a renter, your landlord was on the hook for repairs. As a homeowner, that’s now up to you. From replacing a furnace filter to fixing a leaky faucet, owning a home means learning how (or who) to call when something goes wrong—and setting aside money each year for basic upkeep.

📍 Location Still Matters, But So Does Lifestyle

When renting, you may have chosen based on convenience or availability. When buying, think longer-term: Will this location support your lifestyle in a few years? Is it near work, family, or future schools? Think about how your needs might evolve, not just what works today.

🧠 Mindset Shift: It’s an Investment and a Commitment

Owning a home isn’t just about having a place to live—it’s about building equity, stability, and a sense of ownership. It’s also a commitment to staying put (at least for a few years), so timing and readiness matter.

The Bottom Line:
Moving from renting to owning is a big milestone. With the right guidance, preparation, and expectations, it can be one of the most rewarding transitions you make. If you’re curious about your readiness, we’re here to help walk you through each step—without pressure. Just real advice, real numbers, and a plan that works for you.

Posted in Buying a Home
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July 17, 2025

Buy Now?

What If You Wait to Buy? Pros and Cons of Delaying Your Home Purchase in 2025

If you’re thinking about buying a home in 2025 but wondering whether you should wait, you’re not alone. With shifting interest rates, evolving market conditions, and broader economic uncertainty, many buyers are asking the same question: What happens if I hold off?

Here’s a look at the pros and cons of waiting to buy—so you can make the decision that’s right for you.

✅ Potential Pros of Waiting

1. Interest Rate Adjustments
While rates have been fluctuating, there’s speculation that they may gradually decrease in late 2025 or early 2026. Waiting could mean locking in a slightly lower rate, which would lower your monthly payments and overall borrowing costs.

2. More Inventory and Buyer Choice
In some markets, inventory levels are rising. Waiting may allow more options to hit the market, especially as new construction catches up. A broader selection might help you find a home that’s a better fit—without settling.

3. More Time to Save and Prepare
If your finances need a bit more time to stabilize or grow, waiting gives you the opportunity to save a larger down payment, improve your credit, or pay off other debt—all of which can improve your mortgage terms.

❌ Potential Cons of Waiting

1. Rising Home Prices
In many parts of Canada, including the Edmonton area, prices are still trending upward—especially for entry-level and family homes. Waiting even 6–12 months could mean paying more for the same home, eating into any savings from potential rate drops.

2. Missing Out on Today’s Opportunities
Right now, some sellers are more flexible with pricing or incentives—especially in slower segments like condos or townhomes. Waiting could mean missing these windows of opportunity.

3. Uncertain Market Conditions
There’s no guarantee the market will shift in your favour. Inventory could tighten again, competition may return, or interest rates could remain higher for longer than expected.

Final Thought: It Depends on You

Timing the market is always tricky. Instead of trying to predict the perfect moment, consider your personal situation. Are you financially ready? Is your current living situation no longer working? Are you buying for the long term?

If the answer is yes, now might be the right time—regardless of headlines.

Still unsure? Let’s talk. We’ll help you weigh your options, understand current market conditions, and decide if waiting or moving forward makes the most sense for you.

Posted in Buying a Home
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July 17, 2025

Time To Sell?

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is: “When is the best time to sell my home?” While the answer can vary depending on market conditions, personal timelines, and local trends, there are some consistent patterns that can help guide your decision.

In many markets—including here in the Edmonton area—spring and early summer are traditionally the most active times for home sales. Warmer weather, longer days, and the end of the school year make it easier for buyers to shop, view properties, and plan a move. Homes also tend to show better in the spring, with blooming gardens and more natural light enhancing curb appeal and first impressions.

Fall can also be a strong time to list, especially in early September before colder weather and the holiday season slow things down. Buyers in the fall often want to close quickly before winter or the end of the year, which can lead to more motivated offers.

That said, timing isn't everything. While certain months bring more activity, serious buyers are looking year-round—especially in today’s digitally driven market. What’s more important is being strategically prepared. A clean, well-staged home priced right in any season will often sell faster (and for more) than a poorly presented home listed during the busiest time of year.

If you're considering selling, it’s worth having a conversation about your goals, the current market in your specific area, and how to position your home for success—regardless of the season.

Need help figuring out when the time is right for you? Let’s talk. We'll walk through your options and create a plan that works with your timeline, priorities, and the current market.

Posted in Selling Your Home
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July 14, 2025

June 2025 - Market Update

Is the Market really changing?

The Edmonton housing market is showing signs of evolution as we move through mid‑2025. According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (RAE), key shifts in prices, inventory, and sales volume reveal a gradual move toward a more balanced market—yet still experiencing year‑over‑year growth in many areas.

📊 Prices & Benchmark Trends (May & June 2025)

  • In May 2025, the average residential sale price across the Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) was $464,277, reflecting a modest 1.4% decline from April, but maintaining a solid 5.2% year‑over‑year increase

  • The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) composite benchmark rose to $439,100, up 0.3% from April and nearly 9.8% above May 2024 

  • By June 2025, average selling prices inched higher to $464,955 (+0.1% MoM, +5.9% YoY), with the HPI benchmark at $439,700 (+0.1% MoM, +7.7% YoY) 

These figures show that while month-to-month price growth is softening, long-term appreciation remains strong. This is REALLY good news!

🏠 Sales & Inventory Dynamics

  • May 2025 brought 2,967 residential sales—a 9.7% increase from April but a 7.9% drop year-over-year

  • New listings in May surged to 4,917 homes, up 27.8% MoM and 16.1% YoY 

  • Overall inventory climbed 19.9% MoM and 13.2% YoY in May 

  • In June, buyers saw 2,877 sales (‑2.8% MoM, but +1.2% YoY), while listings slowed slightly to 4,215 (‑10.9% MoM, yet +15.8% YoY). Total inventory reached 6,768 units—up 3.8% from May and 15.0% higher than last June 

📌 Segment-Level Highlights (June 2025)

  • Detached homes sold 2.6% more units than June 2024, though prices dipped 1.0% month-over-month. Still, annual price growth remains healthy at +6.4% 

  • Semi‑detached homes saw MoM sales increase 5.6%, despite a 9.3% YoY drop. Prices showed modest +4.1% annual growth .

  • Row/townhomes remain resilient: +6.8% YoY price growth ($309,811 avg), despite monthly sales slowing 13.7%

  • Apartment condominiums maintained stability (+1.4% YoY price growth), even amid slight sales dips

⏱️ Market Pace & Balance

  • As of May, average days on market stood at 29 days, a 5‑day improvement from last year. Detached homes lingered 27 days, apartments averaged 40 days 

  • RAE’s sales-to-new-listings ratio (SNLR) remained around 60%, maintaining a seller’s-market environment, but edging closer to a balanced market 

🧭 What It All Means

  1. Balanced Market Emerging: Rising inventory and slower monthly price growth signal a shift toward equilibrium.

  2. Annual Growth Still Robust: Homes continue to appreciate year-over-year, especially detached and townhome segments.

  3. Greater Choice for Buyers: With more homes available, buyers gain more selection and negotiating leverage.

  4. Opportunity for Sellers: Strategically priced homes still attract strong interest—though presentation and pricing accuracy are more important than ever.

Here's what we think...

Edmonton’s housing market remains healthy and evolving. Monthly gains are moderating as inventory rises, but the long‑term trajectory continues to point upward. Whether buying or selling, now is a time to stay informed and strategic. Partnering with a knowledgeable local REALTOR® is crucial in navigating current conditions with confidence and achieving your real estate goals.

Interested in a neighborhood-level deep-dive or advice tailored to your situation? Let’s connect!

Cheers,

David & Kristen

Posted in Market Updates
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