With nearly two decades guiding Calgary families through every shift in the market, I’m always watching for what’s next—and right now, our Canadian housing scene is feeling the weight of global trade tensions, oil price uncertainty, and inflation. Activity is down about 7% compared to last year, and national sales dipped slightly month-over-month. Higher bond yields have nudged fixed mortgage rates up, adding another layer for homebuyers to consider. The Bank of Canada is holding steady on its policy rate, and with inflation hovering close to 3% for a second month, some economists are even talking about possible rate cuts—but not until 2027. For 2026, expectations lean toward stable rates or maybe a small increase. The wildcard? A US trade deal could quickly breathe new life into the market. For now, I’m advising clients to keep a close eye on the next 6 to 12 months. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for your next renovation project, staying prepared is key—especially in times like these.
Category: Latest Posts
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Wordfest Presents Imaginairium Festival
Calgary’s literary calendar is getting a major highlight this October with Wordfest Presents Imaginairium Festival, running October 13–18, 2026. Hosted at Memorial Park Library, Central Library, and other Calgary venues, the festival brings readers and curious minds together for an exciting citywide celebration.
With 41 shows and more than 50 Canadian and international authors, Imaginairium offers plenty of ways to connect with great stories. The program includes storytelling, author talks, performances, and discussions—ideal for longtime readers, emerging writers, families, and anyone who enjoys thoughtful conversation.
Festival passes and individual tickets are available, making it easy to shape an experience around your interests and schedule. Consider making an evening of it by exploring the surrounding neighbourhood before or after a show and supporting nearby local businesses.
Ready to add a little inspiration to your fall calendar? Visit https://wordfest.com/festival/imaginairium/ to explore the lineup, check venue details, and purchase tickets. Share this post with your Calgary reading circle and start planning your festival adventure.
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Canada Needs Twice the Projected Homes
When we talk about restoring home affordability in Canada, the numbers are staggering: the national housing agency estimates we need between 417,000 and 469,000 new homes each year through 2036—nearly double what current construction projects will deliver. Yet, the reality on the ground is a persistent supply gap of 187,000 to 238,000 homes annually. As someone who has spent 18 years guiding Calgary families through every stage of the real estate journey, I see how these figures aren’t just statistics—they shape real opportunities and challenges for buyers and sellers alike. With construction expected to slow even more quickly than demand, the risk to affordability isn’t something on the horizon—it’s here now. Much of what’s being built today comes from projects already in motion, making it clear that we’d need a dramatic increase in new builds to truly close the gap. For those navigating the current market, understanding the scale of this shortage is key; it influences everything from investment potential to renovation value. It’s one more reason I keep a close eye on both the numbers and the neighborhoods—because every home matters, especially in times like these.
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Canada housing affordability and market trends
It’s no secret that buying a home in Canada has become more challenging, thanks to the pandemic housing boom and persistent inflation. The Bank of Canada has moved interest rates up sharply in recent years, though there have now been nine cuts, bringing the rate to 2.25%. Inflation is hovering around 3%, and fixed mortgage rates are still unpredictable—though some have dipped below 4%. Having guided Calgary families through all kinds of markets over the past 18 years, I know firsthand how these numbers translate into real-life decisions, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to invest. My own journey started with a tough real estate experience, so I understand the uncertainty and the excitement that comes with every market shift. It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m committed to helping my clients navigate the ups and downs of our ever-changing market.
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Happy Thanksgiving
The perfect opportunity to embrace your inner "foodie" and unbutton your pants at the dinner table!In Canada, post-Thanksgiving is all about creative cranberry sauce solutions. Cranberry sauce pancakes, anyone?It's that time when multiple ovens are a blessing. Turkey, pies, casseroles – less stress!
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Canada’s Housing Market Shows Steady Monthly Growth Progress
It’s encouraging to see another uptick in Canada’s home resales—July marks four months of steady, if modest, gains. Even so, we’re still 12% below the decade’s average activity, which shows just how much ground our housing market has to recover. New listings dipped by 1.6%, tightening options for buyers. National prices have climbed for a second month, with Ontario showing renewed strength while BC continues to lag. After nearly two decades helping Calgary families navigate all kinds of market cycles, I know these numbers only tell part of the story. Whether you’re buying your first home or planning your next investment, having an experienced guide can make all the difference.
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45 Panorama Hills Manor NW Calgary, Alberta T3K 5K6
Backing directly onto the golf course and tucked away on a quiet street in Panorama Hills, this beautifully maintained bungalow offers a rare combination of privacy, space and pride of ownership. Lovingly cared for by its original owner, this exceptional home sits on a rectangular lot with mature landscaping and a peaceful golf-course backdrop.The main level welcomes you with a spacious foyer, warm hardwood flooring and an inviting open-concept design. The bright kitchen features newer stainless steel appliances and an island, flowing naturally into the dining and living areas. The family room is a wonderful place to unwind, complete with a gas fireplace and views of the backyard and golf course. The spacious primary retreat offers a large walk-in closet and a 4-piece ensuite with a separate jetted tub and shower. A second bedroom and adjacent 4-piece bathroom provide excellent flexibility, while the convenient upper-level laundry adds everyday ease.The fully finished walkout basement adds an impressive 1,456 sq. ft. of additional living space, with high ceilings and an abundance of room to relax and entertain. A large recreation room features a pool table, built-in bookshelves and a built-in wall unit, while the wet bar includes a microwave and bar fridge. A spacious bedroom and 4-piece bathroom make this level ideal for guests, extended family or a private retreat. The large storage room provides plenty of space for seasonal items and everything in between.Enjoy the comfort of central air conditioning, a newer roof replaced in 2025, new stainless steel appliances 2026, Washer/ Steam Dryer Oct 2019, and NEW carpet in the walkout basement. With an attached double garage plus additional parking, main-floor laundry, central vacuum and attachments, this home combines thoughtful functionality with generous living space.Step outside and enjoy the tranquil setting, mature trees and direct golf-course backdrop. All of this is just minutes from schools, shopping, parks, playgrounds, walking and biking paths, golf and the many amenities of Calgary’s NW quadrant.
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Home affordability improves in most Canadian markets
August brought a shift in home affordability across Canada, with prices dropping in most major cities—good news for many buyers. In fact, 10 out of 13 markets saw affordability improve, with Toronto experiencing the largest gain. Meanwhile, places like Halifax, Ottawa, and Fredericton felt the pinch with tighter conditions. Fixed mortgage rates edged up to 4.24%, which is always a factor families consider as they weigh their options. Watching these trends unfold, I’m reminded how every market tells its own story—especially here in Calgary, where I’ve spent nearly two decades helping clients navigate their next move, whether they’re buying their first place or strategizing their next investment. It’s always about finding the balance between timing, opportunity, and what feels right for you.
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Canada Needs More Homes to Sustain Affordability
After nearly two decades guiding Calgary families through every twist and turn of the local market, I’ve learned that affordability is more than just a number—it’s what lets people plant roots and dream bigger. Recent improvements in affordability across Canada feel promising but, as construction of new homes slows—especially for those hoping to own rather than rent—I can’t help but feel a familiar concern. New estimates say we’ll need 417,000 to 469,000 housing starts every year if we want pre-pandemic affordability back by 2036. Yet, the gap isn’t really closing.
Here in Calgary and in other major cities, most new builds are rentals, while ownership-focused construction has lost momentum. Even though more rentals are helping balance things, it’s clear that slowing population growth is only a temporary boost to affordability. Construction has pulled back even faster than demand, which means when buyers return in force, we could be facing an even tougher shortage.
For families hoping to buy—and those eyeing their next step—this is the moment to keep our eyes on ownership supply. Having seen the ups and downs firsthand, I know the importance of building for tomorrow, not just today.
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Calgary Resales Take a Temporary Detour
Calgary’s resale market has taken a slight detour this mid-Q3, with sales down 3.4% month-over-month and 11% compared to last year. The local price index also eased by 0.3% year-over-year—not a dramatic drop, but a sign of softer conditions. As someone who’s helped Calgary families navigate every kind of market for nearly two decades, I see these numbers as a pause rather than a full stop. It reminds me of previous cycles, when uncertainty—like the recent renewed trade tensions—made everyone take a breath before moving forward.
This isn’t the first time Calgary has charted its own course; by late Q1, resale activity had already begun to diverge from national trends, continuing a split that lasted about six months. For those renewing mortgages, these softer prices mean equity hasn’t grown as quickly, which can tighten options for absorbing higher payments—a reality I discuss often with clients weighing their next move. The central bank kept rates steady through late Q3, but with some economists now hinting at a possible year-end hike, it adds another layer to the decisions Calgary buyers and sellers face. If you’re feeling unsure about how these shifts affect your plans, know that you’re not alone. The right guidance can make all the difference.
