Thinking about buying a house but worried you might be making a very expensive mistake? Totally normal. A lot of people are asking the same question right now - is buying actually smarter than renting, or is everyone just repeating what their parents told them?

Here’s the real answer:

• Buying can be great. It can build wealth, give you stability, and help you put down roots.

• But it’s not the right move for everyone  and it totally depends on where you’re at in life.

So let’s break this down in a way that actually makes sense and if buying a home is the right move for you.

Quick Homebuying Cheat Sheet

• Plan to stay in the home for at least 5 years

• Have 5% or more saved for a down payment, plus another 3 to 6% for closing costs

• Budget 1% of the home's value per year for maintenance

• Your mortgage payment should be around 28% or less of your income

• Avoid changing jobs right before applying for a mortgage

The Pros of Buying

1. Personal Investment: Home values tend to rise over the long term. While there may be short-term ups and downs in the market, the general trend over decades has been upward. This is one of the main reasons people consider homeownership to be a strong long-term investment.

2. Stability: Owning a home can also make your housing costs more predictable. Rent often increases year after year, sometimes more than expected. With a fixed-rate mortgage, your main monthly payment remains the same, which provides consistency. Although property taxes and utilities may shift, your core cost is steady.

3. Wealth: Each mortgage payment also helps build equity. When you pay rent, the money is gone once the month is over. With a mortgage, part of your payment reduces the loan amount, meaning you own more of the property. Over time, a larger portion of each payment goes toward principal rather than interest, increasing your ownership stake.

4. Tax Benefits: There are also tax benefits available to many buyers. Depending on where you live and which programs you qualify for, first-time buyers may receive credits or refunds that help reduce the overall cost of purchasing. These incentives can make homeownership more accessible and financially rewarding.

5. It’s YOURS: Finally, owning your home gives you the freedom to personalize your space. Whether that means painting the walls, bringing home a pet, or reworking the backyard, you have the ability to create a living environment that suits your lifestyle and preferences. This control can greatly enhance how comfortable and connected you feel to your home.

The Cons of Buying

1. Buying a home is expensive: The upfront costs of buying a home can be significant. A down payment combined with closing costs adds up quickly, which makes purchasing much more expensive at the beginning than renting. In most cases, renting only requires the first month’s rent and a security deposit, so it is usually far cheaper to get into initially.

2. Homeownership is all on you: Once you own a home, maintenance and repairs become your responsibility. If something breaks, leaks, or wears out, you are the one paying for it. Routine upkeep, small fixes, and larger replacements all require ongoing funds. This means it is important to set aside money regularly to cover unexpected repair costs.

3. Less flexibility: Homeownership also works best when you plan to stay put for a while. Buying and selling come with transaction costs, so it often takes several years of living in a property before you break even or start gaining financially. If there is a chance you may need or want to move again soon, renting may be the smarter and more flexible option for the time being.

Ask Yourself These Questions

• Can I comfortably stay in the same area for at least five years

• Do I have savings left over after my down payment

• Am I prepared to handle repairs and ongoing maintenance

• Would the mortgage payment still be manageable if my income changed temporarily

If your answers feel confident, buying might be a good next step.
If any of these feel uncertain, renting could provide more flexibility while you prepare.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to housing. Buying can help you build wealth and create stability when your timing and finances are in the right place, while renting can offer flexibility and breathing room as you prepare for the future. The key is to assess your situation honestly and choose the option that best supports your long-term goals.

If you’ve been watching interest rates, you’ve probably noticed they’ve started to settle down  and that’s reshaping the Calgary real estate market in a big way. With the next Bank of Canada announcement coming up on October 29, 2025, here’s what’s happening now, where rates are trending, and what to expect if you're buying or selling this fall.

Are Today’s Mortgage Rates Good?

It depends on what you compare them to.

If you look back to the peak of 2023 and 2024, when many mortgages were priced above 5%, today’s rates look much better. Seeing rates closer to the mid 4% range again means lower monthly payments and more flexibility for borrowers.

If you compare them to the pandemic years when interest rates dipped under 2%, they don’t look as appealing. But those extremely low rates were temporary emergency measures and aren’t expected to return.

Over a longer timeline, today’s rates are actually fairly normal. For most of the last two decades, mortgage rates in the 4 to 5% range have been the standard.

What That Means For Calgary Homebuyers Today

Calgary’s current benchmark home price is about $721,432. With a 20% down payment, the mortgage works out to roughly $577,146.

Here’s how the monthly payment shifts at different interest rates on a standard 25-year amortization:

• At 5%, the monthly payment is about $3,357.

• At 4%, the payment drops to around $3,036.

• At 3%, it falls to approximately $2,732.

The difference between 5% and 4% interest is roughly $321 per month, or about $3,850 per year, which adds up to nearly $19,250 over five years. Even 1% makes a meaningful impact on affordability.

How Rates Are Shaping the Calgary Market

The higher rates of the past two years cooled the frenzy we saw during the pandemic. That means buyers now have more breathing room.

Inventory has increased from roughly 5,800 listings last year to more than 6,800 today. Detached home sales are down about 10 percent year over year, and homes are taking longer to sell. Buyers have more time to view properties, include conditions like home inspections, and negotiate.

For sellers, pricing strategy matters again. Homes that are priced realistically are still selling at a reasonable pace, while overpriced homes are sitting. Some property types are holding up better than others. Semi-detached homes remain relatively stable. Condos and apartments have taken the largest hit in this market.

What to Watch on October 29

The Bank of Canada’s overnight rate is currently 2.50%. Many economists expect that number to gradually move down toward 2.25% by the end of 2025. There is a reasonable chance that we see a small quarter-point cut at the October 29 announcement, but there is also a meaningful possibility that the Bank holds steady to wait for more inflation data.

A cut would make variable mortgage rates slightly more affordable and may encourage more buyer activity. If the Bank holds the rate, we may see the current balanced conditions continue a little longer.

What This Means for You

If you are buying, even a small rate drop improves affordability, but the real advantage right now is the breathing room in the market. You can take your time, evaluate options, and negotiate.

If you are selling, pricing and presentation are now just as important as the property itself. The market is still moving, but buyers are more selective than they were two years ago.

Conclusion

We are transitioning still toward a more stable and predictable market. Rates are easing slowly, not dramatically, and that supports sustainable home prices rather than sudden swings. It is a much more healthier environment for both buyers and sellers than what we saw during the extremes of the last few years.

If you are thinking about making a move, planning based on current trends and your timeline will matter more than trying to time the market perfectly.

As the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, Calgary transforms into a winter wonderland. But before you settle in for cozy nights by the fire, it’s worth taking some time to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.

Winterizing your home isn’t just about comfort, it’s about protecting your investment, avoiding expensive repairs, and keeping energy costs down. Here are 8 tips to help you get your home ready for winter in Alberta.

1. Start with Your Heating System

Your furnace works overtime in the winter, so it’s the first place to start.

• Book a furnace inspection: Have a professional check that everything’s running efficiently before the first deep freeze.

• Replace the filters: Swap them out frequently to help with airflow and indoor air quality.

• Clear the vents: Make sure furniture or curtains aren’t blocking your heat registers.

• If you have an HRV: Clean or replace the filters so it runs efficiently and keeps your air fresh.

2. Stop the Drafts

Nothing makes a home feel colder (or more expensive to heat) than air leaks.

• Check your windows and doors: Seal gaps with caulking or weather stripping, and consider adding storm windows if you have older ones.

• Look up: Make sure your attic has enough insulation.

• Don’t forget your doors: Adjust thresholds and seals to keep warm air in and cold air out.

3. Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes are no fun, and they can get pricey to fix.

• Drain and disconnect outdoor hoses: Shut off the water supply to exterior taps and drain the lines.

• Wrap exposed pipes: Especially in basements, crawl spaces, or attics where it gets colder.

• Let faucets drip: During extreme cold snaps, keep a slow trickle running to prevent pipes from freezing.

4. Check Your Roof, Gutters, and Exterior

Before winter storms hit, a little outdoor maintenance goes a long way.

• Clean your gutters and downspouts: Remove leaves and debris so melting snow can drain properly. Make sure downspouts point away from the foundation.

• Inspect your roof: Look for missing or damaged shingles and have them repaired to avoid leaks.

• Clear window weep holes: Those tiny holes at the bottom of window frames let water drain, make sure they’re not clogged.

5. Balance Indoor Air and Humidity

Calgary winters are dry, and that can make the air inside your home uncomfortable.

• Set your humidifier: Switch it to winter mode.

• Use a programmable thermostat: Lower the temperature when you’re asleep or out of the house to save up to 5% on your heating bill for every degree you turn down.

6. Maintain Key Appliances

A few quick checks can help avoid mid-winter surprises.

• Flush your hot water tank: Draining it periodically removes sediment and helps it run efficiently.

• Prep your gas fireplace: Clean the glass, check the pilot light, and make sure it’s venting properly.

• Drain outdoor water features: Fountains and garden hoses should be emptied and stored before they freeze.

7. Clean Your Fireplace and Chimney

If you have a wood-burning fireplace, this is the time to get it ready.

• Book a chimney sweep: It reduces the risk of chimney fires and ensures proper ventilation.

• Stock up on firewood: Keep a dry, seasoned supply on hand for those cozy winter nights.

8. Stay Safe and Prepared

A few small steps can make a big difference in an emergency.

• Test your smoke and CO detectors: Replace the batteries and make sure they’re working properly.

• Build a winter emergency kit: Include bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, blankets, and a first aid kit in case of storms or power outages.

Conclusion 

Whether you’re ready or not, winter always seems to sneak up on us here in Calgary. But setting aside a weekend to winterize your home can make all the difference.

You’ll stay warmer, save on heating bills, and protect your home from costly damage, all while enjoying the season stress-free. So grab a cup of coffee, turn up the heat, and get your home winter-ready before the snow really starts to fly.

If you’ve ever talked to friends, family, or even scrolled through social media about real estate, you’ve probably heard it all:

“Wait until rates drop.”
“Spring is the best time to sell.”
“You should buy now before prices go up again!”

Here’s the truth: there’s no universally “perfect” time to buy or sell a home. The right time is when it aligns with your life, your plans, and your financial comfort level.

Timing the Market vs. Timing Your Life:

Real estate markets will always move up and down, interest rates change, inventory shifts, and buyer demand fluctuates. But trying to perfectly “time the market” is nearly impossible. What matters more is timing your move with your personal goals.

Maybe you’re thinking of buying because your family is growing and you need more space. Or perhaps you’re considering selling because you’re ready to downsize or relocate. Those motivations matter far more than what a chart or headline says.

If the move fits your long-term plans and you’re in a position to do it comfortably, that’s your right time.

The Role of Your Realtor:

That’s where your realtor comes in. A good agent’s job isn’t to pressure you into acting fast or waiting it out, it’s to give you the right information so you can make a confident, informed decision.

Your realtor should help you understand:

• What the current market conditions actually mean for you (not just in general terms)

• How your budget, financing, and lifestyle goals fit into today’s market

• What strategies can help you buy or sell effectively, no matter the season

When you have clarity and confidence, the timing becomes much less about the market and much more about you.

Conclusion:

The right time to buy or sell isn’t about catching the market at its peak or its bottom, it’s about making a move that aligns with your life, supported by the right guidance along the way.

If you’re wondering whether now might be the right time, don’t start with the market, start with a conversation. Because in real estate, the best timing is always personal.

If you’re curious about what’s happening in the market or thinking about making a move, let’s connect - I’d be happy to help you figure out what the right timing looks like for you.

The Calgary real estate market is always shifting, and this fall is no exception. The Bank of Canada dropped the policy rate to 2.50% on Sept 17, but the market isn’t exactly taking off just yet. While rate cuts usually light a fire under buyers, this month’s numbers show a market that’s still finding its balance.

Let’s take a look at what the stats are telling us and why this might be the perfect window buyers have been waiting for.

September Report:

• Benchmark price: $572,800 ⬇️ 4.0% year-over-year

• Sales: 1,720 homes ⬇️ 14.0%

• New listings: 3,782 ⬆️ 2.6%

• Inventory: 6,916 homes ⬆️ 36.5%

• Months of supply: 4.02 ⬆️ 58.7%

• Days on market: 42 days (up from 28 last year)

In short: buyers are taking their time, sellers are adjusting, and inventory is finally giving people some real choice again.

CREB’s Chief Economist, Ann-Marie Lurie, notes that the surge in new listings across resale, new home, and rental markets is giving buyers more options just as demand softens due to slower population growth and economic uncertainty. The result? Less urgency, more negotiation room, and modest price pullbacks across most property types.

The Bank of Canada Factor:

The 25-basis-point rate cut should’ve boosted activity, but it didn’t, at least not yet.

Here’s what’s happening:

• Buyers are still cautious, even with better affordability.

• Rate cuts alone aren’t enough to kick-start demand when confidence is shaky.

• Economic uncertainty is keeping a lot of people in “wait and see” mode.

• So yes, borrowing costs are down, but the mindset hasn’t caught up yet.

Buyers Finally Have Leverage:

With over 4 months of supply (the highest since 2020) and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of just 45%, the market has clearly shifted toward buyers.

If you’re buying right now, here’s what you get:

• Over 7,000 homes to choose from

• More time to think (45 days on market, on average)

• Negotiating power

• Freedom to include conditions without losing out

If you’re selling:

• You’re competing with over 7,000 listings

• Buyers expect flexibility

• Pricing right from the start is more important than ever

Property Market Breakdowns:

Condos: This segment saw the sharpest shift.

• Sales: 401 (down 20.1%)

• New listings: 924

• Sales-to-new-listings ratio: 43%

• Inventory: 1,999 units

• Benchmark price: $322,900 (down 6%)

With nearly five months of supply, the first time since 2021, the apartment market now leans solidly in favour of buyers, especially with more rental supply easing urgency for both first-time buyers and investors.

Townhomes: More stable but still cooling.

• Sales: 304

• New listings: 592

• Inventory: 1,099

• Benchmark price: $437,100 (down ~5%)

Inventory is at its highest September level since 2018. The North East district continues to see the largest softening here.

Detached: Still the market’s anchor.

• Sales: 859

• New listings: 1,905

• Benchmark price: $749,900 (down 1%)

While new listings rose and the sales-to-new-listings ratio dropped to 45% (a level not seen since 2018), detached homes remain relatively balanced compared to condos and rows.

Semi-Detached: Surprisingly resilient this fall.

• Sales: 156

• New listings: 361

• Benchmark price: $684,800 (up 1%)

Inventory has climbed, but prices have barely budged, up slightly year-over-year thanks to solid demand in the City Centre.

District Snapshot:

• East: $409,000 ⬇️ 6.5%

• North East: $485,000 ⬇️ 7.9%

• North: $534,900 ⬇️ 6.0%

• South East: $563,800 ⬇️ 3.2%

• South: $569,100 ⬇️ 3.7%

• City Centre: $576,800 ⬇️ 4.4%

• North West: $633,200 ⬇️ 2.1%

• West: $707,300 ⬇️ 2.3%

The most affordable areas (East and North East) continue to see the steepest price adjustments, while higher-end districts show more resilience.

Why This Buyer Window Won’t Last: 

Right now, buyers have the most leverage they’ve had in years. But this balance won’t last forever.

Here’s why:

• Rates could keep dropping, sparking demand again.

• Calgary’s economy and migration trends are still strong.

• Builders are facing delays, limiting future supply.

• Once sentiment shifts, competition will pick up again and these price dips might disappear.

What to Watch Next:

• The next Bank of Canada rate announcement

• Employment and confidence trends

• Whether inventory keeps rising or starts to level off

• The typical winter slowdown leading into spring 2026

Conclusion:

September made one thing clear, Calgary’s market has officially tipped in favour of buyers. With prices down around 4% year-over-year and inventory climbing, there’s finally some breathing room for anyone looking to make a move.

If you’ve been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the right moment, this might just be it.

And whether you’re planning to buy while conditions are in your favour or looking to position your home competitively in a shifting market, having the right strategy and guidance will make all the difference.

Canada’s banking regulator (OSFI) just finalized some key updates to its Capital Adequacy Requirements (CAR) guideline, and it’s going to change how lenders handle mortgages tied to rental income. These rules kick in starting the first fiscal quarter of 2026.

The big shift? Income can’t be double-counted. If rental or employment income is used to qualify for one mortgage, it can’t just be recycled again for another property. OSFI made this point clear at its Industry Day, stressing that banks need to tighten up how income gets applied across multiple mortgages.

For lenders, the rule also reaffirms the “50% borrower-income” test: if more than half of the qualifying income comes from the property itself, the mortgage is considered income-producing. That classification usually means higher capital requirements, which can impact how lenders price investment property mortgages. Banks can still use their own methods if they want, but those methods need to be at least as strict as OSFI’s baseline.

How This Hits Small Investors:

In 2026, the way banks handle rental mortgages will fundamentally change. Under the old rules, you could use your salary plus a portion of rental income from property #1 to help you qualify for property #2.

Under the new rules, if you’ve already used your salary to qualify for property #1, that income is completely off-limits for property #2.

Here’s the problem: the math no longer works. A typical rental property might only generate around $6,000 a year in qualifying income after expenses. Will a bank approve a $400K mortgage on that? Not likely.

This effectively ends the middle-class wealth-building strategy of gradually owning two or more rental properties. And it doesn’t touch big institutional investors like pension funds or REITs, who use corporate financing structures that don’t rely on personal income. In short, OSFI is handing the rental market to corporations on a silver platter.

Why This Could be Bad for Renters Too:

OSFI says the change will reduce financial risk, but it could actually make affordability worse. When small investors are pushed out of the rental market, one of two things usually happens:

1. Institutions step in and buy more properties and often raise rents.

2. Rental supply shrinks, which drives up rents for everyone.

Either way, renters lose. And with these changes set to land as early as January 2026, the impacts could be felt sooner than people think.

Other Changes Worth Noting:

OSFI’s update wasn’t just about rental properties. Here are some of the other highlights from the final CAR guideline:

• Combined loan products (CLPs): If you default on one product within a CLP, it counts as a default across all products tied to that same property. Banks have until Q3 2027 to roll this out.

• New IRB banks: Freshly approved institutions will start with a 90% capital floor, with phased reductions over time (subject to approval).

• Capital floor deferral: The sector-wide capital floor stays at 67.5% until further notice.

• U.S. GSEs: Rules were clarified to better align with U.S. treatment.

• Market risk: Adjustments were made to the Default Risk Charge for sovereign exposures so they’re better aligned with credit-risk treatment.

Conclusion: 

OSFI isn’t slowing down. It’s already working on a Credit Risk Management (CRM) guideline, expected in January 2026. This will pull together and modernize existing rules (including B-20) into one framework covering everything from residential mortgages to commercial real estate and corporate lending.

So here’s the big question: how will these changes affect your real estate plans and what are your thoughts?