Moving into a new home is exciting ─ it’s a fresh start, a chance to create a space that reflects you and an opportunity to connect with a whole new community. But between unpacking boxes and adjusting to a different routine, it’s easy to feel a little disconnected in those first few weeks.

The good news is there are simple ways to make your house feel like home while getting to know the people around you. Here are six tried-and-true tips to help you settle in and meet your neighbours.

Start with a friendly introduction

A simple wave and a smile can go a long way. As you see neighbours outside, take the opportunity to introduce yourself. If you feel a bit shy, prepare a short “hello” and mention that you’ve just moved in. You can even bring a small token, like a plate of cookies, as an icebreaker. These early interactions set the tone for future conversations and help you quickly become a familiar, friendly face in the neighbourhood.

Host a casual get-together

You don’t need to throw a huge housewarming party to bring people together. A low-key gathering, such as a weekend coffee hour, backyard barbecue or even just lemonade on the porch, is an easy way to invite neighbours over. Keep it simple ─ offer a few snacks or drinks and focus on conversation rather than creating a perfect event. Hosting something informal gives your neighbours a reason to stop by and creates a natural opportunity to start building connections.

Get involved in community activities

Check if your neighbourhood has a homeowners’ association, community centre or local events like farmers markets, volunteer days or holiday celebrations. Participating in these activities is a great way to meet multiple people at once and get a feel for the area’s culture. Even if you don’t have an organized neighbourhood group, you can look for local meetups, fitness classes or library events − anywhere community residents might gather.

Spend time outdoors

Simply being visible in your neighbourhood is one of the easiest ways to meet people. Take evening walks, work in your yard or sit on your porch with a cup of coffee. People are far more likely to strike up a conversation when they see you regularly. Plus, spending time outside helps you become familiar with your surroundings, from the best walking routes to which neighbours are early risers or dog walkers.

Join local online groups

Many neighbourhoods use online platforms, Facebook groups or even group chats to share news, recommend local businesses and keep each other informed. Joining these groups can help you stay updated about what’s happening nearby and introduce you to neighbours before you even meet in person. You might also find opportunities to swap goods, share resources or participate in block-wide events.

Install a little free library

Are you an avid reader? Consider setting up a little free library at the bottom of your front lawn. This is where you can put books that you’ve enjoyed for others to borrow and invite your neighbours to add their own favourite reads. Exchanging books with people who live nearby is a great way to get to know them and connect with individuals who share this common interest.

In closing

Settling into a new home is about creating a sense of belonging. By taking small steps to meet neighbours, get involved and show kindness, you’ll quickly go from “the new person on the block” to a valued member of the community. And who knows? The connections you make might turn into lasting friendships.

Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel, a basement suite or a full home renovation, hiring the right contractor can make the difference between a smooth, successful project and a stressful experience. Calgary has no shortage of skilled tradespeople, but hiring the best professional for your home improvement needs takes some careful research and planning. Here are practical steps to help.

Start with recommendations and research

Word of mouth is still one of the most reliable ways to find a trustworthy contractor. Ask friends, family, coworkers or neighbours if they’ve had good experiences with local contractors. Personal referrals often come with honest feedback about the contractor’s workmanship, communication and pricing.

In addition, do some online research. Websites and reviews can give you a sense of which contractors have consistently positive feedback. Look for contractors who have detailed profiles, photos of completed projects and plenty of recent reviews.

Verify credentials and experience

In Alberta, contractors are required to have a valid business license. You can check a contractor’s status through the City of Calgary’s business license database. It’s also important to confirm that they carry general liability insurance and have WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) coverage.

Experience matters, especially for complex renovations. Ask the contractor how long they’ve been in business and whether they specialize in the type of work you need − for example, kitchen renovations, bathroom remodels or basement developments. A contractor with a proven track record in your specific type of project is more likely to deliver quality results.

Ask for references and portfolios

A reputable contractor should be willing to provide references from past clients. Take the time to call these references and ask about their overall satisfaction, whether the project stayed on budget and schedule and how the contractor handled any unexpected issues.

Reviewing a portfolio of completed work is also essential. Many contractors showcase before-and-after photos on their websites or social media accounts. This can give you an idea of their style, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Get multiple quotes – but don’t just choose the cheapest

It’s wise to get at least three detailed quotes for your project. A good estimate should break down costs for labour, materials, permits and timelines. Be cautious of unusually low quotes, as they could indicate corner-cutting or a misunderstanding of the project scope.

The best contractor isn’t always the cheapest − it’s the one who offers a fair price, communicates clearly and demonstrates professionalism.

Review contracts carefully

Once you’ve chosen a contractor, insist on a written contract. It should outline the scope of work, payment schedule, timelines, materials to be used and how changes will be handled. This document protects both you and the contractor and helps avoid misunderstandings later.

Prioritize communication and compatibility

Renovations can take weeks or even months, so select someone you feel comfortable communicating with. Pay attention to how quickly they respond to emails or phone calls and whether they answer your questions clearly. A contractor who listens to your concerns and explains their process will make the renovation experience far less stressful.

Quick checklist: questions to ask before hiring a contractor

Here’s a list of questions for your reference:

• Are you licensed to work in Calgary and covered by WCB insurance?
• Can you provide proof of liability insurance?
• How many years have you been in business and do you specialize in my type of project?
• Can you share recent references and a portfolio of similar work?
• Will you handle permits and inspections, or do I need to arrange those?
• Can you provide a detailed written quote and timeline?
• What is your payment schedule and how do you handle cost overruns or changes?
• Who will be on-site daily − you or subcontractors?

In closing

Finding the best contractor takes time, but the effort pays off with a smoother project and better results. By doing your research, verifying credentials and using a checklist of key questions, you’ll set yourself up for a successful renovation and enjoy your improved space for years to come.

When buying or selling a home in Alberta, one of the most common terms you’ll encounter is a conditional offer. Unlike a firm offer, which is binding immediately, a conditional offer means the sale will only proceed if certain conditions are met within a specified timeframe.

These conditions are designed to protect both buyers and sellers, but they also introduce some uncertainty into the transaction. Understanding how conditional offers work can help you make informed decisions, whether you’re purchasing your first home or selling a property in a competitive market.

What is a conditional offer?

A conditional offer is an agreement between a buyer and seller that the property will be sold once specific requirements are satisfied. Conditions are usually tied to inspections, financing, or legal approvals. If the conditions are met by the deadline, the offer becomes firm. If not, the buyer may withdraw without penalty, and the seller is free to relist or entertain other offers.

Common real estate conditions

Here are four common conditions:

1. Financing approval

Perhaps the most common condition, financing ensures the buyer can secure a mortgage. While buyers may already be pre-approved, lenders often require a full appraisal of the property before finalizing the loan. This condition gives buyers time to confirm funding and protects them from being locked into a purchase they can’t afford.

1. Home inspection

A home inspection allows buyers to assess the property’s condition, including major systems like plumbing, roofing and electrical. If serious issues are uncovered, buyers can negotiate repairs, request a price reduction or walk away altogether.

1. Sale of buyer’s current home

In some cases, buyers make their offer contingent on selling their existing home first. This reduces their financial risk but can be less attractive to sellers, as it ties up the property for longer.

1. Condo document review

For condominium purchases, buyers often require time to review condo board documents. These provide insight into the building’s financial health, bylaws, reserve fund and potential special assessments.

Timelines and deadlines

Conditional periods are usually short, ranging from 3 to 7 business days, depending on the nature of the conditions. For example, inspections might be completed within a week, while financing may require a bit more time. Both parties must agree to the deadlines, and extensions can be requested but not guaranteed.

What buyers should know

Here’s what buyers should be aware of:

• Don’t skip due diligence – Even in a hot market, it’s risky to waive conditions unless you are absolutely certain of your financing and the property’s condition.
• Act quickly – Schedule inspections, provide documents to your lender and review condo bylaws promptly to avoid missing deadlines.
• Be realistic with conditions – Adding too many or overly broad conditions can make your offer less appealing to sellers. Strike a balance between protection and competitiveness.

What sellers should know

Following is what sellers need to consider:

• Conditional offers still show serious interest − Most buyers will submit conditional offers: it’s a standard part of he process. Don’t dismiss them outright.
• Set clear deadlines − Shorter conditional periods reduce uncertainty and prevent your property from being tied up for too long.
• Backup offers − Sellers can accept backup offers, which only take effect if the first conditional offer collapses. This provides extra security in case the deal falls through.
• Consider the buyer’s position − An offer with fewer or shorter conditions might be more attractive than a higher-priced one with lengthy conditions.

When conditions are met, or not

If the buyer satisfies all conditions, the offer becomes firm and both parties are legally bound to complete the sale. If conditions are not met by the deadline, the deal collapses and deposits are typically returned to the buyer. In rare cases, disputes may arise, which is why clear contracts and legal advice are important.

In closing

Conditional offers are a standard feature of Alberta’s real estate market. For buyers, they provide essential protections during one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. For sellers, they require patience and strategy to ensure the deal moves forward smoothly.

Whether you’re buying or selling, I’m more than happy to explain all aspects of conditional offers to help you navigate the process with confidence and reduce the stress of uncertainty.

Purchasing a pre-construction home in Alberta is an exciting opportunity that comes with unique advantages and responsibilities. Unlike buying a resale property, where you can see and walk through the home before you purchase it, buying pre-construction means committing to a home that has not yet been built or is still under development.

For many Albertans, this can be an attractive option, especially in growing cities like Calgary and Edmonton where new communities are expanding rapidly. But before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to understand the benefits, risks and key considerations involved.

The benefits of buying pre-construction

Here are three basic things to think about before buying:

1. Modern designs and customization

Pre-construction homes typically reflect the latest architectural trends, energy-efficient standards and smart-home features. Buyers often have the opportunity to choose finishes, floor plans and upgrades that align with their lifestyle, allowing for a more personalized space than what’s usually available in the resale market.

1. Warranty protection

In Alberta, all new homes are protected by the New Home Buyer Protection Act, which ensures minimum warranty coverage. This includes one year for labor and materials, two years for systems like plumbing and electrical, five years for building envelope protection and 10 years for major structural components. This peace of mind is something buyers of older resale homes don’t always enjoy.

1. Potential for appreciation

Buying early in a new development can sometimes mean securing a property at a lower price. As the community grows and amenities are added, property values may increase, potentially giving early buyers a solid return on investment.

Important considerations

Following are four critical considerations:

1. Timelines can shift

Construction delays are common. Weather, supply chain issues or permit approvals can push back move-in dates. Buyers should be prepared to be flexible and understand that possession dates are often estimates rather than guarantees.

1. Deposit structure

Pre-construction homes require a deposit, typically ranging from 5% to 20% of the purchase price, depending on the builder. Buyers should ask about payment schedules, whether deposits are refundable and how funds are protected if the builder defaults.

1. Financing challenges

Mortgage pre-approvals usually expire within 90 to 120 days, but construction timelines can take much longer. Buyers may need to re-qualify for financing closer to the possession date, which can be risky if interest rates rise or if their financial situation changes. Working with a mortgage broker familiar with pre-construction purchases is highly recommended.

1. Hidden costs

While base prices are often advertised, upgrades, landscaping, lot premiums and GST can add significantly to the final cost. Buyers should carefully review upgrade lists, budget realistically and ensure they understand what’s included in the standard package.

Legal and contractual protection

Take these steps to protect your interests:

1. Builder Reputation Matters

Not all builders are created equal. Researching a builder’s track record, past projects and customer reviews can save future headaches. Many buyers also consult the Alberta New Home Warranty Program registry to confirm a builder’s enrollment and coverage.

1. Review the Contract Carefully

Pre-construction contracts can be lengthy and filled with technical details. These agreements outline possession dates, deposit rules, upgrade costs and builder obligations. Having a real estate lawyer review the contract before signing is a critical step to avoid surprises down the road.

Tips for buyers

Here are four good tips to follow:

• Visit the show home − While it may feature premium upgrades, it helps visualize the layout and quality.
• Clarify what’s included − Ask for a detailed specifications sheet to confirm finishes, appliances and landscaping.
• Budget for the unexpected − Keep a financial cushion for potential upgrades or closing costs.
• Stay in touch with the builder − Regular updates can help manage expectations and keep you informed about progress.

In closing

Buying a pre-construction home can be an excellent way to secure a modern, customizable property backed by warranty protection. However, it’s not a process to rush into. From understanding deposit requirements and timelines to carefully reviewing contracts and anticipating hidden costs, due diligence is key.

Reach out to me for assistance with the right preparation and professional guidance. I want to make sure you can enjoy both the excitement and long-term value of a brand-new home tailored to your needs.

Over the past year, Calgary’s housing market has been quietly shifting. What was once clearly a seller’s market ─ with low inventory and rising prices ─ is now tipping toward more balanced, and in some segments even buyer-friendly, conditions.

Below is a look at what’s happening with “buyer’s market” pricing in Calgary: the trends, the causes, and what to watch going forward.

The current picture

Here are the trends that stand out:

• Inventory is rising sharply. In June 2025, Calgary’s active listings jumped to 6,941 units ─ an 83 % increase compared to the previous year. 
• Prices are flattening or softening in many areas. As of August 2025, average home prices in Calgary were about $572,600, down approximately 2.3 % year over year.
• The downward pressure is strongest in high-density housing. Condos, row homes and townhouses are seeing steeper declines as new supply competes directly with resale stock.
• The months of supply are rising. In August, Calgary’s overall months of supply was about 3.35 months. For detached homes, supply remains tighter (around 2.9 months), but in the condo/apartment space, it was 4.4 months ─ clearly dipping into buyer’s market territory. 
• Sales are cooling. For example, home sales in August fell about 9 % compared to the prior year, as more inventory gives buyers more options and less urgency.

These dynamics point to a market that is transitioning: no longer sharply favouring sellers in all categories, but not yet in a deep buyer’s market across the board.

Why prices aren’t crashing

Even though supply is growing and momentum is slowing, prices haven’t collapsed. Several factors are cushioning the shift:

1. Sticky seller expectations ─ Many sellers, having ridden years of growth, are reluctant to adjust their price expectations downward quickly.
2. Strong demand fundamentals ─ Calgary’s economy, migration patterns into Alberta and relative affordability continue to underpin housing demand, especially in certain neighbourhoods and for detached homes. 
3. Segmented market effects ─ Lower-density housing (detached, single­ family) is holding up better than condos or townhomes, which face greater direct competition from new developments.
4. Moderating interest rate environment ─ With central banks potentially easing rates and mortgage borrowing costs less oppressive than in 2023–24, some buyers view current conditions as an opportunity.
5. Balance is emerging, not collapse ─ Most observers describe the market’s shift not as a crash, but as a correction back towards a more balanced market.

Therefore, while buyers do have more negotiating power now than in the past couple of years, they shouldn’t expect steep across-the-board price slashes in the near term.

What buyers should watch for

• Interest rate moves ─ If rates fall further, demand could snap back quickly, erasing buyer leverage.
• Supply from new construction ─ Developers are still adding inventory, and that can increase competitive pressure on resale homes.
• Seller concessions ─ Expect to see more price adjustments, bonus offers (e.g. closing cost help) or upgrades to influence deals.
• Micro-market differences ─ Each neighbourhood and price category is behaving differently; a well-located home that’s underpriced might still invite multiple offers.
• Psychology and momentum ─ As more sellers accept the new reality, expectations adjust and the shift toward buyer’s market conditions can accelerate.

I closing

Calgary’s housing market is in a state of change. If you're a buyer, this is one of the more favourable windows we’ve had in years. I’m happy to help you find your forever home when you’re ready.

Deciding whether now is the right time to invest in real estate in Calgary means weighing current signals, risks and opportunities. The market has been shifting lately, and while things aren’t perfect, there are several reasons why it might be a good moment ─ depending on what kind of investor you are ─ plus some cautions to keep in mind. Here are expert insights and tips.

What the data says

First, let’s look at what’s going on in Calgary’s market:

• Supply is catching up ─ The inventory of homes for sale has risen sharply. New listings are up, active homes on the market have nearly doubled compared to 2024 in many segments. This means less competition for buyers (and investors).
• Renting is cooling ─ After years of strong rent growth, one-bedroom units are down about 5–6 % year-over-year, two-bedrooms down around 7 %. More supply (especially of purpose-built rentals) and slower demand growth are contributing. 
• Strong fundamentals remain ─ Despite cooling in parts of the market, Calgary has increased population, immigration and job growth above national averages. Also, some neighbourhoods are performing better than others.
• Prices are more stable ─ Benchmark home prices are flat or slightly down in some categories. Detached homes hold up better while condos are seeing more downward pressure.

Pros and cons of investing now

Pros

• Better negotiating power ─ With inventory rising and sales slowing, sellers are less likely to get multiple offers, which can give investors wiggle room on price.
• Potential for capital appreciation ─ If you buy in neighbourhoods with strong demand, the upside remains, especially if the market recovers or the economy strengthens.
• Rental demand in key areas remains solid ─ Areas close to transit, services or in suburbs with good schools are more resilient. Even if rents are declining, properties in prime locations still attract good tenants.

Cons

• Declining rental income ─ If rents drop further, cash flow from rental properties may weaken. Investors need to stress-test their projections (e.g. what happens if rents drop by 10%).
• Vacancy and supply risk ─ With many new rental units under construction, and office-to-residential conversions, there’s risk of oversupply in some areas which may lead to higher vacancies.
• Interest rate uncertainty ─ Mortgage rates, financing costs and policies can shift. Higher financing costs reduce returns.

Expert tips

If you decide to invest now, here are some strategies experts recommend to help reduce risk and maximize potential reward:

• Focus on affordable, mid-market or high-demand areas. Suburbs with good schools, transit, or neighbourhoods undergoing densification tend to outperform.
• Buy quality buildings or units. Prioritize properties with strong fundamentals: good condition, low maintenance cost and features tenants care about.
• Do detailed cash flow projections. Account for worst-case scenarios: rent falling, vacancy, higher financing costs and increased maintenance. Only invest if the numbers hold up.
• Consider shorter-term rentals and mixed-use. If regulations allow, units that offer flexibility may allow you to adapt more quickly if markets shift.
• Leverage rezoning, infill or build-to-rent opportunities. If you can move early, you may capture appreciation and benefit from infrastructure or transit plans.
• Watch policy/regulation and rates. Changes to property tax, rent regulation, municipal bylaws, vacancy law, etc., can affect profitability.
• Hold for the long term. Short-term flipping may have higher risks. For investors expecting to hold over several years, the long-term growth potential in Calgary still looks solid.

In closing

Is now the right time to invest in Calgary real estate? Probably yes — for the right investor, the right property and in the right location. If you’re ready to consider making this move, reach out to me for the expertise you need.