If you're planning to sell your property in Calgary this spring, you're likely excited about the opportunities ahead. Whether you're upgrading, downsizing, or simply moving on to the next chapter in your life, selling a property is a big decision—and it comes with some financial considerations. As a Realtor who has been helping Calgary families and investors for over seven years, I’ve seen that understanding the costs involved in selling can help you prepare and avoid surprises. Let’s break it down together: 1. Realtor Fees Hiring a professional Realtor is one of the most important steps in selling your property. In Calgary, the typical commission is a percentage of the final sale price, split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. While these fees can vary, they generally reflect the level of expertise, marketing, and negotiation skills your Realtor brings to the table. When you work with me, I ensure that your property gets maximum exposure—professional photos, video tours, social media campaigns, and more. These tools can make a significant difference in how quickly your property sells and for how much. 2. Mortgage Break Fees If you still have a mortgage on your property, it’s important to check with your lender about any potential penalties for paying it off early. Depending on the type of mortgage you have—fixed or variable—there could be a mortgage break fee. These fees can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, so knowing this in advance is essential for budgeting. If you’re planning to buy another property, your lender might offer a “porting” option, which allows you to transfer your mortgage to your new home and potentially avoid some of these costs. I’d be happy to connect you with trusted mortgage brokers to explore your options. 3. Legal Fees A real estate lawyer will help finalize the sale, ensuring all documents are properly handled and your interests are protected. Legal fees in Calgary typically range between $1,500 and $2,500 for a standard transaction. 4. Property Improvements and Staging First impressions matter! Some sellers choose to invest in minor repairs, painting, or professional cleaning to make their home more appealing to buyers. Staging your home can also help it stand out in the market. While these costs vary depending on the scope of work, they often pay off by attracting higher offers and faster sales. 5. Moving Costs Don’t forget to budget for moving! Whether you’re hiring professional movers or renting a truck, moving expenses can add up. Planning ahead can help keep these costs manageable. Final Thoughts... Selling a property is an exciting journey, but it’s also one that requires careful planning. By understanding the costs involved, you can make informed decisions and keep your sale stress-free. If you’re thinking about selling this spring, I’d love to help you navigate the process. Let’s chat about your goals, your timeline, and how I can make this experience as smooth and successful as possible for you. Feel free to reach out to me directly—I’m here to answer all your questions!

  As 2024 comes to a close, Calgary’s real estate market once again showed strength, with steady sales and notable price growth. December ended with 1,322 sales—a slight 3% dip from last year but still almost 20% higher than the long-term average. For the year as a whole, sales held firm, with higher-priced homes making up for challenges in the more affordable price ranges, where limited supply posed issues. Population growth has been a significant driver, supporting a sales pace that has consistently outperformed historical trends. According to Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®, sales could have been even stronger if more affordable homes were available. The second half of the year, however, saw some relief as supply improved, particularly for higher-priced properties. By December, inventory levels reached just under 3,000 units—a welcome improvement from the beginning of the year but still below long-term norms. Increased activity in new home construction and rental markets helped boost listings, giving buyers more options. These changes also eased the steep price growth we saw in the spring, leading to a more stable market in the latter half of the year. Overall, residential benchmark prices rose by over 7% in 2024. As we move into 2025, the focus will remain on supply. How much is added to the market—and the type of homes being listed—will significantly impact prices, especially as economic conditions continue to shift. Stay tuned for CREB®’s forecast report on January 21 to get a clearer picture of what lies ahead for Calgary real estate! Whether you're buying, selling, or investing, 2024 reminded us that real estate is all about timing, supply, and strategy. If you’ve been wondering how these trends might impact your next move, let’s connect—I’d be happy to help you plan for success in 2025!  

Planning Your Real Estate Investment in Calgary for 2025 As we inch closer to 2025, many prospective investors are eyeing the real estate market with keen interest. Calgary, with its dynamic economy and growing population, remains a hotbed for real estate opportunities. Whether you're looking to buy your first home, downsize, or even upsize to accommodate a growing family, there are critical steps you should be taking now to ensure your investment is sound and profitable. Take Action Now The first step towards securing a lucrative real estate investment in Calgary by 2025 is to take action today. The market is constantly evolving, influenced by economic shifts, policy changes, and demographic trends. Waiting until the last minute can mean missing out on prime opportunities or facing unexpected challenges. Start by conducting thorough research on Calgary's neighbourhoods, property values, and future development plans. Book a Meeting with a Real Estate Professional - Me! One of the smartest moves you can make right now is to book a meeting with a seasoned real estate professional. An experienced agent can provide you with invaluable insights into the Calgary market, helping you identify areas with high growth potential and properties that match your investment goals. They can also assist you in navigating the complexities of buying real estate, from legal considerations to negotiating the best deals.  Preparation Financing: Get Your Finances in Order Financial planning is crucial when it comes to investing in real estate. Begin by evaluating your current financial situation. Assess your savings, income, debts, and credit score. It's advisable to meet with a financial advisor who can help you create a robust financial plan tailored for 2025. Determine how much you can afford to invest without compromising your financial stability. If you're considering taking out a mortgage, start preparing now by paying down existing debts and improving your credit score. A higher credit score can secure you better mortgage rates and terms. Additionally, begin saving for a down payment; having at least 20% of the property's value saved up can make the mortgage approval process smoother. Downsizing or Upsizing: Know Your Needs Understanding whether you need to downsize or upsize is essential in making an informed investment decision. If you're nearing retirement or looking to reduce expenses, downsizing might be the way to go. Smaller properties generally come with lower maintenance costs and utility bills. On the other hand, if you're planning for a larger family or need more space for remote work and leisure activities, upsizing could be beneficial. Consider future needs such as additional bedrooms or home office space when evaluating properties. Rent vs Buy: Weighing Your Options While buying property has its advantages like building equity and having full control over your living space, renting remains an attractive option for some investors. Renting allows flexibility without the long-term commitment of owning property. It also spares you from maintenance responsibilities and property taxes. However, given Calgary's favourable market conditions projected for 2025, buying could offer substantial returns on investment through property appreciation and potential rental income if you decide to lease out your property. Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead Investing in real estate requires meticulous planning and timely action. As we approach 2025, start preparing now by researching the market, consulting professionals, getting your finances in order, and understanding your specific needs whether it's downsizing or upsizing. Don't wait until it's too late—take proactive steps today to ensure that your real estate investment in Calgary is both profitable and aligned with your long-term goals. Book that meeting with mw now; it could be the key move that sets you on the path to success in 2025! BOOK WITH ME!