It’s tempting to think every renovation will pay for itself when it’s time to sell—but that’s not always the case.

Before you pick up a hammer, consider these three key questions:

• Are similar homes in your area already updated?
• Do updated homes actually sell for more nearby?
• Can you stick to a realistic budget without over-spending?

Every home and market is different. I can help you look at the numbers so you can decide what’s worth doing before you list.

These are the upgrades that make a real difference — things like new driveways, landscaping, or utility connections that enhance both function and value. Thoughtful investments like these can make your property stand out and increase its long-term worth.

Selling your home is a big move — and having the right professional by your side makes all the difference. A REALTOR® helps you price strategically, present beautifully, attract more qualified buyers, and navigate every step with confidence. The result? A smoother sale and the best possible return on your investment.

Ready to make your move? Let’s get your home sold. 🏡

One of the biggest mistakes sellers make is pricing their home too high. While it might seem like a smart move to leave room for negotiation, it can actually turn away serious buyers who never even see your listing. The right price attracts the right attention — and gets your home sold faster.

Today, we pause to remember the courage, sacrifice, and selflessness of those who served and continue to serve. Their dedication has given us the freedom to build our homes, our families, and our futures in peace.

Lest we forget. ❤️

As the leaves change colour and pumpkin spice lattes reappear, the Calgary real estate market shifts gears. Fall is a unique time for buying and selling homes, and understanding the current trends is crucial if you’re looking to make a move or stay informed about your investment. Let’s take a look at what’s happening this fall and what it means for both buyers and sellers in our city.

Key Market Trends

Recent data from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) shows that sales activity in September and October has decreased by 8% compared to August. While this might seem like a slowdown, it’s important to remember that the market was exceptionally hot earlier this year. Overall, sales are still above the 5-year average for this time of year. The key takeaway is that the market is becoming more balanced.

Inventory, or the number of properties listed for sale, is slowly increasing. This means buyers have more options than earlier in the year, when competition was fierce. However, inventory is still below historical averages, so it’s not a buyer’s market just yet.

Average home prices in Calgary have continued to rise modestly, with the benchmark price for a detached home reaching $545,000 in October. However, the rate of price growth has slowed significantly compared to the spring months. We’re seeing a more sustainable pace of price appreciation.

Properties are now taking an average of 35 days to sell, compared to just 25 days in June. This means sellers need to be more strategic about pricing and marketing.

What This Means for Sellers

In a more balanced market, overpricing your home is a recipe for disaster. Work with your realtor to review recent sales in your area and price your home competitively. A market evaluation is essential!

With more inventory available, buyers are more discerning. Make sure your home is clean, decluttered, and well-staged. First impressions are critical!

What makes your property stand out from the competition? It could be a renovated kitchen, a large backyard, or a desirable location near schools or parks.

Be prepared to negotiate. It’s not always about the money; look at closing dates and other important factors.

What This Means for Buyers

While the market has cooled somewhat, it’s still competitive. Take your time to find the right property, but don’t hesitate to make an offer when you find something you love. The best homes still sell quickly.

Knowing your budget and having a pre-approved mortgage will give you a competitive edge.

Calgary has so many great neighbourhoods. You can expand your search area to find more affordable options.

Enlist expert help. Work with a realtor who knows the Calgary market inside and out. They can help you find properties that meet your needs and negotiate the best possible price.

Calgary Neighbourhood Spotlight: Legacy

This month, we’re shining a spotlight on Legacy, a vibrant and growing community in Southeast Calgary. Known for its diverse housing options, extensive green spaces, and family-friendly atmosphere, Legacy offers something for everyone. Recent sales data show a wide range of prices, from starter homes in the $300,000s to larger detached homes over $700,000, with an average days-on-market of around 45. Residents enjoy access to numerous parks, walking paths, shops, and services, making it a highly desirable location.

The Calgary real estate market is constantly evolving, and fall is a time of transition. Whether you’re buying or selling, it’s essential to stay informed and work with a trusted real estate professional who can guide you through the process.

Would you be ready to discuss your real estate goals? Contact me today for a free consultation!

When your home hits the market in the colder months, staging is about creating a feeling of warmth, comfort, and modern relevance. This winter, buyers will be drawn to staging that doesn’t just look clean and empty, but feels inviting and current. Here’s how to level up your listing.

Embrace Warm, Earth-Rooted Colour Palettes

Gone are the days when cool greys and stark whites ruled the staging palette. Today’s savvy stagers are turning toward warm neutrals like camel, taupe, mocha, deep olive, burgundy and rich browns. For a home that will show in winter, these tones help counteract the shorter days and often muted natural light. Use them in throw pillows, accent chairs, area rugs and even consider one feature wall (but don’t overuse dark tones to make the space feel smaller).

Incorporate Natural & Sustainable Materials

Winter puts extra pressure on interiors because you want to make the space cozy but also authentic. Because of that, staging professionals are leaning into natural textures and sustainable materials: reclaimed wood, rattan, woven jute, live plants, linen throws. These materials bring tactile warmth and convey quality and eco-awareness (which many buyers now value). For example: a soft boucle throw on the sofa, a woven basket filled with firewood or decor that nods to nature, leaves a favourable impression.

Curves, Movement & Soft Geometry

One subtle but powerful trend: staging furniture and accessories with soft, organic shapes. Think curved sofas, round coffee tables, arched mirrors, vases with flowing lines. This matters in winter because spaces feel tighter when light is limited. Using curves helps soften the room, make it feel more open and less rigid. It invites a buyer to linger, imagine themselves relaxing in the room rather than simply passing through.

Layered Lighting & Texture for Atmosphere

With shorter daylight hours, staging must compensate with thoughtful light and texture. It’s not just about the overhead fixtures, either. The lighting should be layered so include table lamps, floor lamps, and accent lighting. Textures matter too: wool rugs, linen drapes, textured wall finishes. Turn more than one light on during showings, add a small cozy item like a blanket or pillow, and use rugs to anchor spaces so floors don’t appear cold and bland.

Biophilic & Wellness-Friendly Spaces

Buyers now expect more than “just a house.” They want a home where they can relax, find calm, even work from home, especially through winter’s months. Staging is responding with biophilic design (bringing nature in) and wellness-friendly touches: plants, reading nooks, ergonomic corners. In a winter market, when potential buyers may already feel the gloom of grey skies and limited daylight, a staged home that hints at calm, fresh air, and connection to nature can stand out.

What to Avoid This Winter

Knowing what to skip is as important as knowing what to include. The staging trends list several “out” items: icy-cool all-gray interiors, overly themed decor (like a heavy “holiday” look), oversized bulky furniture that shuts off flow, and rooms that feel sterile or empty.

In winter, a home that feels cold, cluttered, or too large (without intention) will struggle to connect. Instead, aim for warmth, intention, and flexibility.

Legacy is a new, master-planned community east of MacLeod Trail, south of Walden and west of the Bow River.

Neighbourhood Vibe & Lifestyle

The community itself emphasizes connection to nature, walkability, and modern amenities. Its design features include a substantial 300-acre environmental reserve, and more than 15 kilometres of paved walking paths that wind through parks, ponds and green space.

The architecture leans toward “timeless” styling: stone-entry features, a central clock tower, and builders using classic materials and detailing — helping the homes age gracefully.

For families, the community is well-equipped: there are playgrounds, a community garden, and the Legacy Residents Association supports events and maintains communal spaces.

Commercially, Legacy offers convenience: multiple shopping centers (Legacy Village, Legacy Corner, Township, Legacy Grove) bring grocery, retail, fitness and dining right into the neighbourhood

Real Estate Highlights

Housing mix & price ranges:

• Homes in Legacy span a wide spectrum: condos and townhomes at the entry level; single-family front-drive homes; and higher-end estate homes on larger lots.

• Builder-offered starting points: for example, one builder lists front-garage models from the mid $600s and estate homes from the high $500s, with signature estate homes rising into the $1 million+ range.

• Current listings show detached homes around the $1 million mark in recent sample listings.

Location & transit:

• Legacy’s access to major routes is a strong asset: Macleod Trail and Stoney Trail allow for commutes toward downtown or the airport, and the setting south of Calgary offers quieter surroundings but relatively straightforward access.

• For families, strategic planning includes schools within the community, though some are still planned/future phases.

Outdoor & lifestyle amenities that support value:

• The 300-acre protected reserve means less risk of heavy infill or dense redevelopment nearby, which is a positive from a homeowner’s perspective.

• Extensive walking/biking paths and green space boost appeal for buyers looking for lifestyle and recreation, which can support resale value and attract families.

• Newer build homes often include modern features like energy-efficient construction, smart-home tech, and premium finishes (especially in the estate segments) which may command a premium.

Legacy is not just a house-for-sale area it’s a thoughtfully designed neighbourhood with lifestyle, green space and mixed housing.

It’s tempting to think every renovation will pay for itself when it’s time to sell—but that’s not always the case.

Before you pick up a hammer, consider these three key questions:

• Are similar homes in your area already updated?
• Do updated homes actually sell for more nearby?
• Can you stick to a realistic budget without over-spending?

Every home and market is different. I can help you look at the numbers so you can decide what’s worth doing before you list.