After more than four decades navigating Calgary’s real estate market, I find it fascinating to watch how nearby communities like Cochrane are evolving. In Mid-Q3, Cochrane saw home sales climb by about 34% year-over-year—a clear sign of growing buyer activity. Yet, the benchmark price dipped around 2% to roughly $570,000, illustrating that stronger sales don’t always mean higher prices. This subtle shift suggests buyers had a bit more room to negotiate, thanks in part to increased inventory—supply was up, which helped ease pricing even as deals picked up. While much of the surrounding area saw softer numbers, Cochrane stood out, showing that momentum can build even as prices settle. It’s another reminder that every local market has its own rhythms and story, something I’ve learned time and again in my career.

After more than 40 years navigating the Calgary real estate landscape, I’m fascinated by how our market continues to adapt and evolve. Looking ahead to 2027, forecasts point to steady resilience: Calgary MLS sales are expected to reach 26,000—still under 2025 numbers, but a step up from what’s anticipated in 2026. Average home prices are projected to hover near $645,000, holding steady thanks to robust construction and a healthy uptick in supply, even as our city’s population keeps growing. On the rental front, vacancy rates are predicted to rise to 5.8%, which means tenants will have more options and flexibility than in previous years. With housing starts projected at 21,000 units, Calgary remains one of Canada’s most active hubs for residential construction. It’s always fascinating to see how market forces and new supply shape our city, and I’m excited to keep sharing these shifts with clients and colleagues as we all continue to adapt together.

Reflecting on what 2027 might bring for Canadian housing, I’m reminded just how much our market evolves with broader economic shifts. According to CMHC, we can anticipate a gradual improvement in housing conditions as incomes and economic growth pick up. While sales are expected to rebound, activity might still lag behind the busier years of the past decade. The CREA is forecasting only modest national price growth—so rather than another big spike, we’re likely headed toward a period of stabilization. For buyers, higher inventory and softer demand in some areas could mean more room to negotiate, a notable change from the recent competitive landscape. After more than four decades in Calgary real estate, these cycles continue to shape how I help clients navigate opportunities and challenges. As always, I’m here to share what I learn and experience firsthand as our market transforms.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours survivors and raises awareness about their experiences.
It's a symbol of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Wearing orange shirts on this day symbolizes respect for survivors and raises awareness about residential schools.
May this day inspire a future where every voice is heard, and every spirit is healed.
Together, we can create a tomorrow filled with hope and endless possibilities.

Understanding the essentials of Alberta's new home warranty is something I’ve navigated with clients and colleagues throughout my career. Since February 1, 2014, every newly built Alberta home requires warranty coverage that remains with the property, even after resale, and starts at occupancy, permission to occupy, or title transfer—whichever comes first. With seven warranty providers operating in Alberta, municipalities must verify builder licensing and warranty details before granting permits, ensuring protection for both buyers and sellers. As of December 1, 2017, all new-home builders must hold valid active licences, and homes built since February 2014 cannot be listed or sold until warranty registration is confirmed. For those buying or selling, it’s crucial to check the property registry for warranty information on homes and builders. Decades in Calgary real estate have taught me the value of staying ahead of regulatory changes like these. Keeping informed is key to making confident decisions in today’s evolving market.

After more than four decades helping clients navigate Calgary’s real estate landscape, I’ve seen how every dollar counts when it comes to new home construction. A recent report from our national housing agency highlights that development fees can significantly bump up the cost of new homes—sometimes enough to make or break a project. In fact, reducing these fees could make about 14% more residential developments financially viable nationwide. The impact is even bigger in cities like Toronto and Vancouver: eliminating the charges could boost viable projects by around 10%, and Toronto could potentially meet half of its stated housing needs.

Here in Calgary, development fees are on the lower end—ranging from roughly $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise to $9,000 for detached homes. That’s a stark contrast to Vancouver, where similar fees run between $20,000 and $33,000, putting extra pressure on affordability. Of course, these fees do fund essential infrastructure—roads, sewers, and city services—so there’s a balance to strike. But as we all learn and adapt to today’s market dynamics, it’s clear that reducing costs on family-sized homes could help more projects get off the ground, especially in cities where new, larger units often out-price comparable resales and challenge families looking for space.

As I continue to follow these shifts, I’ll keep sharing insights and experiences to help my clients and fellow realtors stay ahead of the curve.

Over my four decades as a Calgary Realtor, I've witnessed many market cycles—and Mid-Q3 2024 is shaping up to be another chapter worth noting. Sales in our city reached 1,660, marking a 16% decrease compared to last year. The residential benchmark price now stands at $570,000, reflecting an overall dip of about 1%. What's particularly interesting this quarter is how condo-style homes led the way in softening: apartment benchmarks dropped to $295,000, down roughly 8% year-over-year, and row homes averaged $415,000—a decline of around 5%. Detached homes settled near $744,000 after a slight 1% decrease, while semi-detached properties edged up to $691,000, showing a modest gain. On the supply side, we saw 3,140 new listings (about 10% fewer than last year), with total inventory at 6,510 homes—just a bit lower than previous levels. As always, movement varied across price bands. Improved supply provided more options in Calgary’s upper end, while strong rental conditions kept some buyers on the sidelines at entry-level prices. Navigating these shifts is all part of what I do—adapting, learning, and sharing insights as our market evolves.