With the Bank of Canada holding the policy rate at 2.25%, many homeowners are asking the same question: Should I sell now—or wait for better conditions?

It’s a fair question. But in today’s market, waiting for perfection often comes at a real cost.

Rate Stability Reduces One Major Risk

When rates stop moving, one of the biggest unknowns disappears. Buyers can plan. Sellers can price with confidence. Transactions become more predictable.

That predictability has value.

Historically, markets with stable rates tend to see:

• More consistent buyer activity

• Fewer failed deals due to financing

• Stronger execution on properly priced homes

Waiting for a rate cut may feel safe—but it’s not always strategic.

Timing the Market vs. Controlling the Outcome

Many sellers delay because they’re trying to time the market. The reality is that very few sellers ever time it perfectly.

What they can control is:

• How their home is positioned

• How it compares to current inventory

• How it’s priced relative to buyer expectations today

In a rate-stable environment, these factors matter more than macro forecasts.

When rates eventually move—up or down—competition often moves with them. More sellers enter the market. Buyer behaviour shifts. Leverage changes.

Clarity today can be stronger than optimism about tomorrow.

Buyer Demand Doesn’t Wait for Headlines

Most serious buyers aren’t waiting for central bank announcements. They’re driven by life events: growing families, job changes, relocations, and long-term plans.

With financing conditions no longer tightening, those buyers are active—and selective.

Sellers who wait too long often face:

• Increased competing inventory

• Buyers with more options

• Greater pressure to negotiate

Early movers tend to face fewer comparisons and less downward pressure.

The Cost of Inaction Is Rarely Obvious—Until It Is

Holding off can mean:

• Higher carrying costs

• Missed demand windows

• Listing into a more crowded market later

These costs don’t show up in headlines, but they impact net results.

In contrast, sellers who act with preparation and intent often secure stronger outcomes—even in “quiet” markets.

Bottom Line

The Bank of Canada’s rate hold at 2.25% has created a window of clarity. Not excitement. Not panic. Clarity.

For sellers, clarity is often the best environment to act—before conditions shift and competition increases.

Waiting feels safe.
Prepared action is often smarter.

If you are planning to sell your home in Calgary or the surrounding area in 2026, it is vital to recognize that the market has shifted. The frenzy of the past few years has cooled, and we are entering a period defined by choice and competition.

According to the latest 2026 CREB® Forecast Report, the Calgary market is expected to see balanced to buyer’s market conditions depending on the property type, with total residential prices forecast to ease slightly by roughly 1%.

Here is what sellers need to know to succeed in this new landscape.

1. The "Easy Sell" Era is Over

For the past few years, low supply and high migration drove prices upward. In 2026, however, migration levels are expected to slow, meaning housing demand will return to long-term trends rather than record highs.

At the same time, inventory is rising. A surge in new home starts over the last few years has added significant supply to the market, particularly in the apartment and row home sectors. For sellers, this means you are no longer just competing with your neighbours; you are competing with brand-new construction.

2. Outlook by Property Type

Not all homes will perform the same this year. Your selling strategy must align with the specific forecast for your property type:

• Detached Homes (Stable/Balanced): This remains the most stable segment. Prices are forecast to remain essentially flat (+0.11%). However, conditions vary by district. Higher-priced homes in the City Centre are seeing price growth, while the North East is seeing price adjustments due to competition from new builds.

• Apartment Condos (Buyer’s Market): If you are selling a condo, you must price aggressively. Prices are forecast to decline by 3.5% this year. Record-high listings and a flood of new rental and condo completions mean buyers have plenty of options.

• Row/Townhomes (Competitive): Supply in this sector has doubled in some districts. As a result, prices are expected to dip by 1.9%. If you own a row home, your property needs to show impeccably to stand out against new inventory.

• Semi-Detached (Modest Growth): This segment is seeing a "soft landing." While inventory is rising to historical norms, prices are expected to see a slight increase of roughly 0.78%.

3. The "New Build" Factor

A major theme for 2026 is the competition between resale homes (existing properties) and the new home market.

Builders have been aggressive, and as of late 2025, there were over 26,000 units under construction in the Calgary region. In the detached and row sectors specifically, new home supply is drawing buyers away from resale homes. If you are selling an older home, you need to highlight the advantages of an established neighbourhood (landscaping, amenities, schools) to compete with the allure of "brand new."

4. Surrounding Areas are Stabilizing

If you are selling outside of Calgary proper, the explosive growth of recent years is moderating.

• Airdrie & Chestermere: Both markets have seen rising listings and are entering 2026 with balanced conditions.

• Cochrane: While sales remain relatively high, inventory has returned to long-term trends, which will moderate price growth.

• Okotoks: This market remains tighter than others due to limited supply, which supported price growth last year, but conditions are shifting as inventory slowly improves.

5. Three Keys to Success for 2026 Sellers

1. Price for the Market You Are In, Not the One You Missed With total residential prices expected to decline slightly (-0.94%), overpricing is a dangerous game. Buyers are price-sensitive and have more negotiating power than before. A competitive list price is the best way to generate interest.

2. Be Patient In a balanced market, homes take longer to sell. The absorption rate—how long it takes for the current inventory to sell—is rising. Prepare for a longer timeline and ensure your home is "show ready" for the duration.

3. Know Your Buyer With migration slowing, there may be fewer investors and out-of-province buyers. Your target demographic is likely a local buyer looking to move up or right-size. Marketing your home’s lifestyle benefits is crucial.

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The Bottom Line: You can absolutely sell successfully in 2026, but "listing and waiting" is no longer a viable strategy. You need a data-driven approach that respects current inventory levels and buyer behavior.

Are you thinking of making a move this year? Contact us today for a specific market analysis of your neighbourhood and property type.

One of the most common questions homeowners ask is:

“What’s my home worth?”

And right behind it is another important question:

“How do I know that number is actually accurate?”

In today’s market, home values can shift faster than many people realize. A home that would have sold for one price last year might sell for something completely different today, even in the same neighbourhood.

That’s why the best first step isn’t guessing, and it isn’t relying solely on an online estimate. The best first step is a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

What Is a CMA?

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a detailed report created by a real estate professional that estimates a home’s value by comparing it to other similar properties in the area.

A CMA is designed to answer one key question:

Based on today’s market, what would a buyer realistically pay for this home?

It’s a practical, data-based way to evaluate value for both sellers and buyers.

Why Home Value Is More Than Square Footage

Many people think home value comes down to size, number of bedrooms, and location. Those things absolutely matter, but they aren’t the whole story.

Value is influenced by details like:

• Condition (updated vs original)

• Layout and functionality

• Natural light and overall feel

• Lot size and privacy

• Garage and parking

• Basement development

• Upgrades, finishes, and renovations

• What buyers are actively competing for right now

That’s why two homes that look similar on paper can sell for different amounts in real life.

A CMA helps bring those differences into the conversation.

How a CMA Helps Sellers Make Better Decisions

If you’re thinking about selling, pricing correctly is everything.

A strong CMA helps sellers by:

Pricing with confidence

Instead of picking a number based on emotion or hearsay, you’re using actual market activity to support a realistic value range.

Avoiding costly mistakes

Overpricing can lead to fewer showings, longer time on market, and eventually price reductions. Underpricing can mean leaving money on the table. A CMA helps protect you from both.

Strengthening negotiation leverage

When you understand your position compared to other listings and recent sales, you negotiate from a stronger place.

How a CMA Helps Buyers Make Smarter Offers

A CMA isn’t just for sellers.

If you’re buying and you’re interested in a particular home, a CMA can help you answer questions like:

• Is this home priced fairly relative to nearby homes?

• What have similar homes sold for recently?

• Is the market leaning in the buyer’s favour or the seller’s?

• Am I overpaying for this property?

A CMA provides clarity, especially when emotions run high during a purchase.

What Information Is Included in a CMA?

A quality CMA comprises several key sections that work together to create a pricing picture.

Property Data

Basic details about the home, including size, number of rooms, condition, age, and features.

Comparable Sold Properties

3 to 5 similar homes sold in the area, matching the location, style, and size. Sold homes are a key indicator because they reflect what buyers actually paid.

Active Listings

These show current market competition and what buyers are looking for today.

Pending Sales

Pending homes can provide insight into where the market is moving, even though the final sale price hasn’t been recorded yet.

Market Trends

This might include how fast homes are selling, what buyers are responding to, and overall neighbourhood activity.

Adjustments and Value Range

A CMA considers differences between properties and provides a value range that reflects those comparisons.

Why Online Home Estimates Aren’t Always Reliable

Online home value tools can be interesting, but they often miss critical details that impact true value, such as:

• Renovation quality and finish level

• Layout differences

• Interior condition

• Street appeal and presentation

• Location factors within the neighborhood

A CMA is specific to your home, your neighbourhood, and the real activity happening right now.

When Is the Best Time to Get a CMA?

The simple answer is: any time you want clarity.

It can be helpful if you are:

• Selling soon

• Buying and comparing properties

• Planning renovations

• Curious about equity growth

• Considering a move in the next 6 to 12 months

• Keeping an eye on market shifts

You don’t have to be ready to list to benefit from knowing your home value.

Want a Free, No-Obligation CMA?

If you’ve been wondering what your home is worth, I’d be happy to create a free, no-obligation Comparative Market Analysis for you.

It’s a simple way to understand your home’s value, compare it to nearby properties, and make decisions with confidence.

Send me a message, and I’ll get started.

And by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.