Stay on top of home maintenance in Alberta! Learn key seasonal tips for Calgary homeowners to protect property value and avoid costly repairs year-round.

Owning a home in Alberta is a major milestone — but maintaining it properly is essential to protect your investment and avoid costly surprises. Alberta’s unpredictable climate, with freezing winters and hail-filled summers, can take a toll on homes.

This guide shares practical, seasonal maintenance tips for Calgary and area homeowners so you can keep your home safe, efficient, and valuable year-round.

🌦️ Why Home Maintenance Matters in Alberta

Our province’s weather can shift overnight — from warm sun to snow or hail. Regular upkeep helps you:

• Prevent costly repairs and weather-related damage

• Improve home energy efficiency

• Maintain property value for resale

• Ensure insurance coverage remains valid

🧊 Winter Home Maintenance Tips

• Service your furnace early: Change filters and schedule professional inspections before winter hits.

• Prevent ice dams: Clean gutters and ensure proper roof drainage.

• Seal drafts: Apply weather stripping to windows and doors to retain heat.

• Protect plumbing: Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages or basements.

• Check the roof after heavy snow: Prevent leaks and structural strain.

🌷 Spring Home Maintenance Tips

• Inspect for winter damage: Look for foundation cracks or roof wear.

• Clean gutters and downspouts: Ensure proper water flow before spring rains.

• Service A/C units: Clean filters and inspect outdoor components.

• Check yard grading: Make sure water drains away from your foundation.

• Trim trees and shrubs: Prevent damage to siding and roofing.

☀️ Summer Home Maintenance Tips

• Inspect for hail damage: Alberta’s “Hailstorm Alley” makes this crucial.

• Reseal decks and fences: Protect wood from sun and moisture.

• Wash siding and windows: Maintain curb appeal and prevent buildup.

• Check attic ventilation: Prevent heat damage and moisture issues.

• Inspect sprinklers and hoses: Fix leaks to save water and money.

🍂 Fall Home Maintenance Tips

• Clear leaves and debris: Prevent gutter clogs and water damage.

• Inspect roof and chimney: Schedule professional cleaning before winter.

• Drain outdoor plumbing: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets.

• Test smoke and CO detectors: Essential for heating season safety.

• Replace worn seals: Keep cold air out and energy bills low.

🧰 Alberta-Specific Homeowner Advice

• Review your insurance annually: Hail, water, or renovation coverage may require add-ons.

• Keep a maintenance log: Record repairs and inspections for future buyers or claims.

• Set aside 1–2% of home value yearly: Prevents budget shocks and protects resale value.

💡 Final Thoughts

Proactive home maintenance keeps your Alberta property safe, comfortable, and ready for Calgary’s ever-changing weather.
Whether you’re a new homeowner or preparing to sell, staying ahead with regular upkeep protects your investment for the long term.

If you’re planning to buy, sell, or upgrade your home, I’d love to help you make the right move.

📞 Harpreet Johal – REALTOR®, VIVO Realty
📍 Serving Calgary & Area
📱 403-919-2424
🌐 www.vivorealty.ca

Calgary's October 2025 housing market shows balanced conditions with increased inventory. Get expert insights on prices, sales trends, and what this means for buyers and sellers.

As a Calgary realtor with over 10 years of experience, I analyze market reports monthly to help my clients make informed decisions. The October 2025 CREB® (Calgary Real Estate Board) statistics reveal important shifts in our local market that every homeowner, buyer, and seller should understand.

Market Overview: A Shifting Landscape

Calgary's October housing market saw inventory levels ease compared to last month, thanks to a pullback in new listings and a pickup in sales. With 6,471 units in inventory and 1,885 sales, the months of supply returned to 3.5 months after reaching four months in September.

What does this mean for you? We're experiencing more balanced market conditions—a shift from the heated seller's market of recent years. This balance creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers, but strategy matters more than ever.

The Big Picture: Sales and Inventory Trends

Year-to-date sales in Calgary totaled 20,082 units, down nearly 16% compared to last year, but still in line with longer-term trends. While sales have declined, this doesn't signal market weakness—rather, it reflects a return to normal, sustainable activity levels after several years of exceptionally high demand.

Much of the decline in sales has been driven by pullbacks for apartment- and row-style homes. This is a critical distinction: the market isn't declining uniformly across all property types.

Why Apartments and Townhomes Are Slowing

According to Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®'s Chief Economist, "Improved rental supply and easing rents have slowed ownership demand for apartment- and row-style homes. It is also these segments that have seen October inventories reach a record high for the month."

What this means practically: If you're considering selling an apartment condo or townhome, pricing strategy is crucial. As of October, apartment condos had nearly five months of supply, placing them firmly in buyer's market territory. Conversely, if you're looking to buy in these segments, you have significantly more negotiating power than you've had in years.

Price Trends: The Mixed Reality

The total unadjusted residential benchmark price in Calgary was $568,000 in October, down nearly 1% compared to last month and over 4% lower than last year's levels.

However, this citywide average masks significant variation by property type:

Detached Homes: The citywide detached benchmark price was $744,400 in October, 1% lower than last year. Despite recent adjustments, year-to-date prices remain over 1% higher than last year.

Semi-Detached Homes: With an October benchmark price of $683,100, prices remain nearly 1% higher than last year and on a year-to-date basis are over 3% higher.

Townhomes (Row): The October benchmark price was $431,200, nearly 6% lower than prices reported last year. Year-to-date prices have dropped by 1.5%.

Apartment Condos: The benchmark price was $318,200, down over 1% compared to last month and nearly 7% lower than last October. Year-to-date, prices are nearly 2% lower than last year's levels.

Geographic Price Variations Across Calgary

Price changes aren't uniform across Calgary's districts. Here's what the data shows:

For detached homes, price adjustments ranged from a year-over-year gain of nearly 2% in the City Centre to a decline of over 5% in the North East district.

For townhomes, the largest year-to-date declines occurred in the North East and North districts.

For apartment condos, the largest year-to-date price declines occurred in the North East and South East districts at 4%, as those districts are either reporting the highest months of supply on the resale market or are facing significant competition from the new home market.

What's Happening with Detached Homes

Detached homes continue showing the most resilience in Calgary's market. October sales reached 1,012 units, an improvement over last month but still 5% lower than last year's levels.

With just under three months of supply, conditions remain relatively balanced and far better than conditions reported during the 2015 to 2019 period. For context, a balanced market typically has 3-4 months of supply.

Strategic insight: If you own a detached home and are considering selling, you're in a reasonably strong position. While you won't see the bidding wars of 2022-2023, properly priced homes in desirable locations are still moving well.

Semi-Detached Market: Holding Steady

Sales improved over last month while new listings slowed, causing the sales-to-new-listing ratio to rise to 57%. With 186 sales and 613 units in inventory, the months of supply was over three months.

While more inventory choice has weighed on prices over the past several months, the October benchmark price of $683,100 remains nearly 1% higher than last year.

Townhome and Condo Markets: Buyer Opportunities

These segments are where we're seeing the most significant shifts:

Townhomes: With 275 sales in October, year-to-date row sales totaled 3,412 units, a 17% decline over last year. As of October, there were 1,054 units in inventory, the highest ever reported for the month and nearly 32% higher than long-term averages, causing the months of supply to remain around four months.

Apartments: With 1,891 units in inventory and 412 sales, the months of supply remained elevated at nearly five months. Apartment condominiums have been experiencing buyer's market conditions for nearly 6 months.

For buyers: This is your window. If you've been priced out of detached homes, townhomes and condos offer genuine affordability opportunities with significantly more selection and negotiating leverage than we've seen in years.

For sellers: You need to be realistic about pricing and presentation. Work with an experienced agent who understands current market dynamics and can position your property competitively.

Market Conditions by Property Type

Understanding market balance is crucial for decision-making. Here's the October snapshot:

• Detached: 2.88 months of supply (balanced market)

• Semi-detached: 3.30 months of supply (balanced market)

• Townhomes: 3.83 months of supply (slight buyer's market)

• Apartments: 4.59 months of supply (buyer's market)

Markets with less than 3 months of supply favor sellers. Markets with more than 4-5 months favor buyers. The 3-4 month range represents balance.

What This Market Means for You

If you're selling a detached or semi-detached home: You're operating in relatively balanced conditions. Price realistically based on recent comparables, present your home well, and expect reasonable negotiation. Don't overprice expecting bidding wars—those days are behind us.

If you're selling a townhome or condo: Acknowledge you're in a buyer's market. Price competitively from the start, highlight your property's unique features, and be prepared to negotiate. Properties that sit too long at inflated prices become stigmatized.

If you're buying: You have options and negotiating power not seen in years, especially in attached and apartment segments. Take your time, do thorough due diligence, and don't be afraid to negotiate on price, conditions, or closing dates.

If you're upgrading: This market presents opportunity. You can negotiate effectively when purchasing while still achieving reasonable prices when selling. The key is coordinating both transactions strategically.

The Longer-Term Perspective

While year-to-date sales are down 16% compared to last year, they remain in line with longer-term trends. This is important context. The 2021-2024 period was abnormally heated. We're returning to sustainable, healthy market activity—not entering a crisis.

Calgary's fundamentals remain strong. Our economy is diversifying, population is growing, and housing remains affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver. These balanced conditions actually create better long-term stability than the volatility we experienced recently.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

Based on current trends, expect:

1. Continued market balance for detached homes with modest price stability

2. Further price adjustments for apartments and townhomes until inventory normalizes

3. Geographic variation with some districts performing better than others

4. Seasonal slowdown as we move into winter months, though Calgary's market remains active year-round

The key is understanding that we're not in one market—we're in several simultaneously. Detached homes in desirable inner-city neighborhoods operate very differently than apartment condos in areas with significant new construction competition.

Why Professional Guidance Matters Now More Than Ever

In heated markets, almost anything sells. In balanced markets, strategy, pricing, and presentation separate successful transactions from disappointing ones.

Whether you're buying or selling, having experienced local expertise makes the difference between maximizing value and leaving money on the table—or worse, making costly mistakes.

How I Can Help

With over 10 years of experience navigating Calgary's market cycles, I provide:

• Accurate property valuations based on current market conditions and comparable sales

• Strategic pricing guidance that positions your property competitively

• Neighborhood expertise across Calgary's diverse communities

• Negotiation skills that protect your interests in any market condition

• Transaction coordination ensuring smooth, stress-free closings

I work with buyers, sellers, and those doing both simultaneously (upgrading or downsizing). My goal is helping you make informed decisions that serve your long-term interests.

Get Your Personalized Market Analysis

Every property and situation is unique. Generic market reports only tell part of your story. Let's discuss:

• What your home is worth in today's market

• How your target neighborhood is performing

• Whether now is the right time for your specific goals

• What strategies will maximize your outcome

Ready to discuss your real estate goals?

📱 Call or Text: 403-919-2424
🌐 Visit: vivorealty.ca

Harpreet Johal
VIVO Realty
Serving Calgary & Area
Over 10 Years of Local Market Expertise

Data source: Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) October 2025 Monthly Statistics Package

Is your Calgary home still meeting your needs? Discover 10 clear signs it's time to upgrade. Expert insights from Harpreet Johal, VIVO Realty - serving Calgary & area.

After a decade of helping Calgary families transition to larger homes, I've learned that homeowners usually know when it's time to upgrade - they just need confirmation that their feelings are valid. If you've been feeling cramped or wondering whether you've outgrown your current space, this guide will help you decide.

Calgary's 2025 market presents unique opportunities for homeowners ready to upsize. We're seeing more balanced conditions with better inventory and selection, creating a strategic window for families looking to move to bigger homes that better suit their lifestyle.

1. Your Family Has Clearly Outgrown Your Space

This is the number one reason families contact me. The kids are sharing bedrooms when they need their own space, your home office is squeezed into a corner, and you've maximized every closet and storage area. When you're constantly rearranging belongings or turning down opportunities to host gatherings because there's simply no room, your home is restricting your lifestyle.

Calgary advantage: Unlike Toronto or Vancouver, upgrading to a significantly larger home here is achievable without overwhelming your budget. I recently helped a family move from a small bungalow to a bigger 2 storey home, their monthly payment was slightly increased, but they gained an entire extra floor of living space.

2. Remote Work Demands More Space

If you're taking Zoom calls from your bedroom, working at the kitchen table while kids do homework, or competing for quiet workspace, the struggle is real. The work-from-home shift isn't temporary, and cramming professional life into inadequate space creates daily stress.

Having a dedicated room for office space with a door you can close, proper lighting, and separation between work and home life isn't a luxury—it's essential for your sanity and career success. Many professionals I work with prioritize an extra room specifically for this purpose when upgrading.

3. You've Completely Run Out of Storage

When was the last time you purged belongings because there's nowhere to put them? If your garage is so packed you can't park inside, your basement is wall-to-wall boxes, and closets are bursting, you need more space.

Life accumulates. Kids' sports equipment, seasonal decorations, tools, hobbies, camping gear, family keepsakes—these aren't unnecessary items, they're the materials of a full life. A larger home with proper storage—extra bedrooms, bigger garage, spacious basement, mudroom—solves the problem permanently.

4. Your Kids Need Their Own Rooms

Sharing bedrooms works when kids are young, but as they get older, privacy and personal space become essential. Teenagers especially need their own territory for homework, friendships, and development. If your kids are constantly at each other's throats because they're sharing cramped quarters, that's a clear sign.

I've helped countless families upgrade specifically to give each child their own bedroom. The change in family dynamics is remarkable—less fighting, better sleep, more household peace. One family told me their biggest regret was not making the move two years earlier.

5. You Can't Host the Way You Want To

Do you avoid having family over for holidays because everyone's crammed uncomfortably? Have you stopped inviting friends for dinner because your dining area barely fits four people? Is having overnight guests impossible because there's no guest room?

Your home should enable connection, not limit it. Larger homes in communities like Tuscany, West Springs, Signal Hill, Mahogany, Auburn Bay, and Silverado offer open-concept main floors perfect for entertaining, multiple living areas so activities don't conflict, and guest bedrooms for when family visits.

One couple I worked with had been hosting family gatherings at restaurants because they couldn't accommodate everyone at home. After upgrading to a home with a proper dining room and large kitchen, they hosted 20 people for Christmas dinner. The emotional value was priceless.

6. You've Built Substantial Equity

This is the sign many homeowners don't realize is their ticket to upgrading. If you bought your Calgary home 7-10 years ago and made regular mortgage payments while property values appreciated, you likely have significant equity.

Real example: You purchased at $400,000 eight years ago with 10% down. You've paid down principal to $280,000 owing, and your home is now worth $520,000. That's $240,000 in equity—enough to move into a $650,000-$750,000 home with comfortable monthly payments.

I provide detailed market analyses showing your current home's value and how much buying power you actually have. Many families are shocked to discover they can afford homes 30-40% larger than their current property.

7. You Need Multi-Generational Living Space

Are your aging parents living alone when you'd prefer them nearby? Or do you have adult children who need to move back home temporarily? Multi-generational living is increasingly common, but it requires space—ideally a main-floor bedroom and bathroom, or even a separate suite.

Larger homes with walkout basements, main-floor primary bedrooms, or developed secondary suites are available throughout Calgary. This isn't about cramming people in—it's about creating living arrangements where everyone has space, privacy, and dignity while staying connected.

8. Your Lifestyle Has Outgrown Your Footprint

Maybe you've taken up hobbies that need space—woodworking, crafting, home gym equipment, music practice. Perhaps you want a home theatre, a playroom that isn't your living room, or a dedicated laundry room instead of stacked units in a closet.

Space enables lifestyle. I work with clients upgrading specifically to pursue what matters to them. Larger homes often include bonus rooms, recreation rooms, or flex spaces that transform how you live. One client converted a bonus room into an art studio—something impossible in their previous home—and it changed her entire outlook.

9. You're Constantly Browsing Larger Homes

You know you're ready when you're endlessly scrolling through MLS looking at bigger properties, driving through neighborhoods imagining yourself there, feeling envious when visiting friends' spacious homes, and daydreaming about having more room.

These feelings aren't frivolous—they're your subconscious telling you something important. When emotional readiness aligns with financial capability, it's often the right time to take action. I encourage exploring what's possible because sometimes a conversation reveals you're more ready than you realized.

10. The Market Timing Supports Your Upgrade

Successful upgrades happen when personal readiness meets favorable market conditions. Calgary's 2025 market offers balanced conditions with better inventory selection, meaning more choices in larger homes across all price points.

For upgraders, this matters: you can negotiate effectively when purchasing your larger home while still achieving good sale prices for your current property. You benefit on both sides of the transaction.

Your Next Steps to Upgrade

If several of these signs resonate with you, here's my recommended path forward:

Define your space needs: Be specific. How many bedrooms? Do you need main-floor laundry? Finished basement? Home office? Three-car garage? Create a clear picture of the space that would genuinely improve your family's life.

Understand your financial position: I'll help you determine your current home's market value and calculate your equity. Then we'll work with trusted mortgage professionals to understand your buying power for larger homes.

Prioritize essentials: Knowing what's non-negotiable (four bedrooms, main-floor office) versus flexible (granite counters, finished basement) keeps your search focused on homes that truly meet your needs.

Explore communities: Visit neighborhoods with larger homes that interest you. Experience them at different times—morning commutes, after school, weekends. Get a feel for whether the community fits your family's lifestyle.

Plan your transition: Will you sell first and rent temporarily, buy first with bridge financing, or coordinate both transactions simultaneously? I'll help you choose the strategy that minimizes stress and financial risk.

How I Help Calgary Families Upgrade to Bigger Homes

Over ten years, I've developed an approach that helps families navigate this transition smoothly:

I understand your "why": What's driving your need for more space? Growing family? Work-from-home requirements? Hosting family? Understanding your motivation ensures we find a home that actually solves your problem.

I maximize your buying power: Through detailed market analysis, I show you exactly what you can afford. Many families underestimate their equity and are pleasantly surprised by how much larger home they can purchase.

I know where the space is: After a decade in Calgary real estate, I know which communities offer the best value for larger homes and where your money goes furthest in terms of square footage.

I coordinate everything: From listing your current home to managing showings, negotiating your purchase, coordinating closing dates, and ensuring smooth transitions—I manage every detail so you're never stressed about timing or carrying costs.

I have the connections: Home inspectors who understand larger properties, mortgage brokers who structure financing for upgrades, and lawyers who handle transactions efficiently.

The Calgary Advantage for Upgraders

Calgary offers something special: the ability to significantly upsize without the financial pain seen in Toronto or Vancouver. Your equity goes further here. A $220,000 equity position can move you from a 1,200 sq ft house to a 2,400 sq ft detached home—doubling your space without doubling your payment.

Throughout Calgary—from inner-city to northwest, southwest, southeast, and northeast—you have dozens of communities offering larger homes at various price points. This variety means you can find the space you need while staying connected to work, schools, and your social network.

Is Now Your Time to Upsize?

If you're experiencing clear space constraints, if your kids need their own rooms, if you're unable to host family the way you'd like, if you've built substantial equity, or if you simply feel that persistent sense of outgrowing your current home—these are valid reasons to explore upgrading.

Staying in a too-small home just because "we should make do" can cost you years of compromised quality of life. Your family deserves space to live comfortably, pursue interests, host loved ones, and simply breathe.

Let's Discuss Your Upgrade

I offer complimentary consultations for Calgary families considering upsizing to larger homes. We'll discuss your current space challenges, calculate your equity and buying power, explore communities with the size homes you need, and determine whether now is the right time to make your move.

No pressure, no obligation—just honest professional guidance from someone who's helped many families successfully upgrade to homes that better fit their lives.

Ready to explore larger homes?

📱 Call or Text: 403-919-2424
🌐 Visit: vivorealty.ca

Let's talk about getting your family into a home with the space you need and deserve.

Harpreet Johal
VIVO Realty
Serving Calgary & Area
Over 10 Years Helping Calgary Families Upgrade to Larger Homes