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        <title>Blog</title>
        <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/</link>
        <description></description>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/real-estate-scripts-for-new-realtors/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/real-estate-scripts-for-new-realtors/</link>
        <author>MBourque@MaxwellRealty.ca (Megan Bourque)</author>
        <title>Real estate scripts for new REALTORS®</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Real Estate Scripts for New REALTORS®





Conversation starters, lead conversion scripts, and client communication examples


New REALTORS® often struggle because they don’t know what to say next. Scripts are not meant to sound robotic — they provide a framework so you can confidently start conversations, ask better questions, and guide people through the real estate process.



1. First Conversation With a New Lead (Buyer)


Goal: Build rapport + discover motivation


Script:


“Hi, this is [Name] with [Brokerage]. I noticed you were looking at some homes online and I wanted to introduce myself. I’m curious — are you just starting to explore the market, or are you hoping to make a move sometime soon?”


If they say “just looking”:


“That’s completely normal. Most buyers start by researching online. Out of curiosity, what has you looking right now — are you thinking about moving in the next few months, or are you just gathering information?”



2. Buyer Lead Qualification Script


Discover motivation, timeline, and needs


“To make sure I’m actually helpful, can I ask you a few quick questions about what you’re hoping to accomplish?”


Questions:






“What has you considering a move?”






“When would you ideally like to be moved?”






“Have you purchased a home before?”






“What are the most important things you’re looking for?”






“What areas are you considering?”






“Have you spoken with a lender about your financing options?”







3. Booking a Buyer Consultation


Move from casual conversation to commitment


“Based on what you’ve shared, I think the best next step would be a quick buyer consultation. It gives us a chance to discuss your goals, explain the process, and make sure you have a clear plan before you start looking at homes. Would you have 30 minutes this week?”



4. Buyer Consultation Opening Script


Establish authority and expectations


“My goal today is not to pressure you into buying a home. My goal is to understand what you’re looking for, explain the process, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident when the right home comes along.”



5. When a Buyer Says “We’re Just Looking”


Response:


“That makes sense. A lot of people start there. The market can change quickly, and having a plan before you’re ready often helps buyers make better decisions. Would it be helpful if I sent you some information on the buying process and kept you updated on homes that match what you’re looking for?”



6. Open House Greeting Script


First 30 seconds


“Hi, welcome in Feel free to take your time looking around. Before you go through, can I ask — are you currently living nearby, or are you looking in this area?”


Follow-up:


“What caught your attention about this home?”



7. Open House Qualification Questions


Ask naturally:






“Have you been looking for long?”






“Are you currently renting or do you own?”






“Are you hoping to move soon or just exploring options?”






“What would your ideal home look like?”






“Have you spoken with a mortgage professional yet?”







8. Open House Follow-Up Script


Same day text:


“Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at the open house today. I enjoyed hearing about what you’re looking for. I’d love to help you keep an eye out for homes that fit your goals. Let me know if you have any questions”



9. First Conversation With a Seller Lead


Goal: Discover motivation


“Hi [Name], this is [Name] with [Brokerage]. I noticed you were interested in information about selling your home. I wanted to personally reach out and see what prompted you to start thinking about making a move.”



10. Seller Qualification Script


Questions:






“What has you considering selling?”






“Where are you thinking about moving?”






“Is there a specific timeline you’re working toward?”






“Have you sold a home before?”






“What do you feel your home is worth?”






“What questions do you have about the selling process?”







11. Booking a Listing Appointment


“The next step I recommend is a home value consultation. I’ll come by, take a look at your property, discuss current market conditions, explain how we position homes for maximum exposure, and answer any questions you have. Would [day/time] work for you?”



12. Seller Appointment Opening Script


“Thank you for inviting me over. My goal today is to understand your goals, show you what is happening in your market, and explain the strategies I use to help sellers achieve the best possible outcome.”



13. FSBO Script (For Sale By Owner)


Respect first, then provide value


“I completely understand wanting to try selling yourself. Many homeowners consider that option. I’m curious — what was your main reason for wanting to sell it yourself?”


After listening:


“That makes sense. My role is to help make the process easier, protect your interests, negotiate on your behalf, and maximize your exposure. Would you be open to having a conversation about what I would do differently to help you achieve your goals?”



14. Expired Listing Script


“Hi [Name], this is [Name] with [Brokerage]. I noticed your home was recently listed but didn’t sell. I’m curious — what do you think prevented the sale?”


Follow-up:


“If you were to try again, what would you want to do differently?”



15. Database Follow-Up Script


Stay connected without sounding salesy


“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well I was thinking about you and wanted to check in. How have things been going?”


After conversation:


“By the way, if you ever have questions about the market, your home value, or real estate in general, I’m always happy to help.”



16. Past Client Check-In


“Hi [Name], it’s hard to believe it’s already been [time] since you purchased your home I wanted to check in and see how everything is going. Are you still loving the home?”



17. Asking for Referrals


After providing value:


“Most of my business comes from helping people I know and their referrals. If you know anyone thinking about buying, selling, or even just asking questions about real estate, I’d really appreciate an introduction.”



18. Handling “We’re Working With Another REALTOR®”


“I completely understand. Having someone you trust is important. Can I ask — what are you looking for in a REALTOR®?”


If appropriate:


“My goal is never to convince someone to switch agents. I simply want to make sure you’re getting the service and support you need.”



19. Price Objection Script


Client says: “Your listing price seems too high.”


Response:


“I understand why you’d feel that way. Pricing is one of the most important decisions we make because we want to attract the right buyers while maximizing your return. Let’s look at the market data together and determine the strategy that gives you the best chance of success.”



20. Daily Prospecting Script


Calling your database:


“Hi [Name], it’s [Name]. I was just reaching out to say hello and see how things are going. I’ve been keeping up with the local market and wanted to see if you had any real estate questions I could help with.”



The New REALTOR® Conversation Formula


Every conversation should focus on:


1. Connect


“Tell me about yourself.”


2. Discover


“What are you hoping to accomplish?”


3. Educate


“Here is what you need to know.”


4. Guide


“Here is the next best step.”


5. Follow Up


“Let’s stay connected.”



A successful REALTOR® does not win clients by having the perfect sales pitch — they win by having more conversations, asking better questions, and consistently providing value.


Real Estate Scripts for New REALTORS®


Conversation starters, lead conversion scripts, and client communication examples


New REALTORS® often struggle because they don’t know what to say next. Scripts are not meant to sound robotic — they provide a framework so you can confidently start conversations, ask better questions, and guide people through the real estate process.



1. First Conversation With a New Lead (Buyer)


Goal: Build rapport + discover motivation


Script:


“Hi, this is [Name] with [Brokerage]. I noticed you were looking at some homes online and I wanted to introduce myself. I’m curious — are you just starting to explore the market, or are you hoping to make a move sometime soon?”


If they say “just looking”:


“That’s completely normal. Most buyers start by researching online. Out of curiosity, what has you looking right now — are you thinking about moving in the next few months, or are you just gathering information?”



2. Buyer Lead Qualification Script


Discover motivation, timeline, and needs


“To make sure I’m actually helpful, can I ask you a few quick questions about what you’re hoping to accomplish?”


Questions:






“What has you considering a move?”






“When would you ideally like to be moved?”






“Have you purchased a home before?”






“What are the most important things you’re looking for?”






“What areas are you considering?”






“Have you spoken with a lender about your financing options?”







3. Booking a Buyer Consultation


Move from casual conversation to commitment


“Based on what you’ve shared, I think the best next step would be a quick buyer consultation. It gives us a chance to discuss your goals, explain the process, and make sure you have a clear plan before you start looking at homes. Would you have 30 minutes this week?”



4. Buyer Consultation Opening Script


Establish authority and expectations


“My goal today is not to pressure you into buying a home. My goal is to understand what you’re looking for, explain the process, answer your questions, and make sure you feel confident when the right home comes along.”



5. When a Buyer Says “We’re Just Looking”


Response:


“That makes sense. A lot of people start there. The market can change quickly, and having a plan before you’re ready often helps buyers make better decisions. Would it be helpful if I sent you some information on the buying process and kept you updated on homes that match what you’re looking for?”



6. Open House Greeting Script


First 30 seconds


“Hi, welcome in Feel free to take your time looking around. Before you go through, can I ask — are you currently living nearby, or are you looking in this area?”


Follow-up:


“What caught your attention about this home?”



7. Open House Qualification Questions


Ask naturally:






“Have you been looking for long?”






“Are you currently renting or do you own?”






“Are you hoping to move soon or just exploring options?”






“What would your ideal home look like?”






“Have you spoken with a mortgage professional yet?”







8. Open House Follow-Up Script


Same day text:


“Hi [Name], it was great meeting you at the open house today. I enjoyed hearing about what you’re looking for. I’d love to help you keep an eye out for homes that fit your goals. Let me know if you have any questions”



9. First Conversation With a Seller Lead


Goal: Discover motivation


“Hi [Name], this is [Name] with [Brokerage]. I noticed you were interested in information about selling your home. I wanted to personally reach out and see what prompted you to start thinking about making a move.”



10. Seller Qualification Script


Questions:






“What has you considering selling?”






“Where are you thinking about moving?”






“Is there a specific timeline you’re working toward?”






“Have you sold a home before?”






“What do you feel your home is worth?”






“What questions do you have about the selling process?”







11. Booking a Listing Appointment


“The next step I recommend is a home value consultation. I’ll come by, take a look at your property, discuss current market conditions, explain how we position homes for maximum exposure, and answer any questions you have. Would [day/time] work for you?”



12. Seller Appointment Opening Script


“Thank you for inviting me over. My goal today is to understand your goals, show you what is happening in your market, and explain the strategies I use to help sellers achieve the best possible outcome.”



13. FSBO Script (For Sale By Owner)


Respect first, then provide value


“I completely understand wanting to try selling yourself. Many homeowners consider that option. I’m curious — what was your main reason for wanting to sell it yourself?”


After listening:


“That makes sense. My role is to help make the process easier, protect your interests, negotiate on your behalf, and maximize your exposure. Would you be open to having a conversation about what I would do differently to help you achieve your goals?”



14. Expired Listing Script


“Hi [Name], this is [Name] with [Brokerage]. I noticed your home was recently listed but didn’t sell. I’m curious — what do you think prevented the sale?”


Follow-up:


“If you were to try again, what would you want to do differently?”



15. Database Follow-Up Script


Stay connected without sounding salesy


“Hi [Name], I hope you’re doing well I was thinking about you and wanted to check in. How have things been going?”


After conversation:


“By the way, if you ever have questions about the market, your home value, or real estate in general, I’m always happy to help.”



16. Past Client Check-In


“Hi [Name], it’s hard to believe it’s already been [time] since you purchased your home I wanted to check in and see how everything is going. Are you still loving the home?”



17. Asking for Referrals


After providing value:


“Most of my business comes from helping people I know and their referrals. If you know anyone thinking about buying, selling, or even just asking questions about real estate, I’d really appreciate an introduction.”



18. Handling “We’re Working With Another REALTOR®”


“I completely understand. Having someone you trust is important. Can I ask — what are you looking for in a REALTOR®?”


If appropriate:


“My goal is never to convince someone to switch agents. I simply want to make sure you’re getting the service and support you need.”



19. Price Objection Script


Client says: “Your listing price seems too high.”


Response:


“I understand why you’d feel that way. Pricing is one of the most important decisions we make because we want to attract the right buyers while maximizing your return. Let’s look at the market data together and determine the strategy that gives you the best chance of success.”



20. Daily Prospecting Script


Calling your database:


“Hi [Name], it’s [Name]. I was just reaching out to say hello and see how things are going. I’ve been keeping up with the local market and wanted to see if you had any real estate questions I could help with.”



The New REALTOR® Conversation Formula


Every conversation should focus on:


1. Connect


“Tell me about yourself.”


2. Discover


“What are you hoping to accomplish?”


3. Educate


“Here is what you need to know.”


4. Guide


“Here is the next best step.”


5. Follow Up


“Let’s stay connected.”



A successful REALTOR® does not win clients by having the perfect sales pitch — they win by having more conversations, asking better questions, and consistently providing value.


 


Don't try to figure it all out on your own.


CLICK HERE to apply for our FREE Internship Program at MaxWell Capital Realty
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 19:13:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/multiple-offers---how-to-choose-the-best-offer/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/multiple-offers---how-to-choose-the-best-offer/</link>
        <author>websupport@maxwellrealty.ca (MaxWell Realty Admin)</author>
        <title>Multiple Offers - How to Choose the Best Offer</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



How to Choose Between Multiple Offers (It's Not Always the Highest Price)


If you have listed your home and found yourself looking at several offers on the table, congratulations. That is a good problem to have. It is also a more nuanced decision than most sellers expect when they imagined this moment.


The instinct is to take the highest number. Sometimes that is exactly right. But experienced agents will tell you that the highest offer and the best offer are not always the same thing, and the sellers who understand that tend to have smoother closings.


Here is how to think through a multiple offer situation clearly.


Start With the Price, But Do Not Stop There


Price matters enormously. All else being equal, a higher price is better. But all else is rarely equal, and the conditions, financing, and structure of each offer tell you a great deal about which ones are most likely to actually close.


A high offer from a buyer whose financing is shaky, who has three conditions attached, and whose conditional period runs for fifteen business days is a riskier proposition than a slightly lower offer from a well-qualified buyer with a short conditional period and a clear ability to close. If the higher offer falls apart during the conditional period, you are back on the market, potentially with fewer interested buyers than you had the first time.


Evaluate the Conditions


An unconditional offer, also called a firm offer, is the most certain kind. The buyer has done their due diligence and is committed to closing. This certainty has genuine value, particularly if your own plans depend on a reliable closing date.


A conditional offer is not automatically a problem. Most buyers need a financing condition and an inspection condition, and that is entirely reasonable. What you are assessing is whether the conditions are standard and short, or whether they are lengthy, open-ended, or suggest a buyer who is uncertain about proceeding.


A condition on the sale of the buyer's existing home introduces the most uncertainty. Unless the price difference is substantial, most sellers in a multiple offer situation will prefer a buyer who does not need to sell another property first.


Consider the Deposit


The deposit amount signals how serious and financially prepared a buyer is. A larger deposit indicates commitment and suggests the buyer has the financial capacity to follow through. A very small deposit on a high-priced offer is worth noticing.


Think About the Possession Date


The possession date matters for your own planning. If you need to be out by a certain date, an offer with a possession date that works for your timeline has real value beyond its price. If one offer perfectly aligns with your moving plans and another would require you to scramble or arrange interim housing, factor that into your thinking.


Read the Whole Offer


Small details in offers occasionally reveal things worth knowing. Has the buyer included any unusual clauses? Have they asked for inclusions that were not part of your listing? Is the deposit payable immediately or on a delayed schedule? Your agent will walk you through each offer in detail and flag anything that stands out.


What to Do When Offers Are Close


When two or more offers are genuinely competitive and close in price, you have options. You can accept the one you find most compelling overall. You can counter one offer while declining the others. Or in some cases your agent may advise going back to some or all buyers for improved offers, though this approach requires careful handling to be done fairly and effectively.


There is no obligation to disclose the contents of competing offers to other buyers, and doing so can create problems. Your agent will manage this process in a way that is fair and legally appropriate.


Trust the Process


Multiple offer situations move quickly and the pressure to decide immediately is real. Take the time you need to review each offer properly with your agent. The decision is yours, and it is worth making it with a clear head rather than pure adrenaline.



MaxWell Realty Canada is a real estate company with offices across Canada. This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional real estate advice. Always work with a licensed REALTOR® and qualified professionals in your area.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 07 Oct 2026 11:32:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/invermere-and-columbia-valley-real-estate-update-september-2026/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/invermere-and-columbia-valley-real-estate-update-september-2026/</link>
        <author>chrisraven09@gmail.com (Chris Raven)</author>
        <title>Invermere and Columbia Valley Real Estate Update September 2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Invermere and Columbia Valley Real Estate Market Update: September 2026



September 2026 brought a noticeable increase in real estate sales across the Columbia Valley, while inventory remained elevated and average prices continued to rise. According to September market data compiled from the Association of Interior REALTORS®, the market recorded 48 sold listings, 69 new listings and 403 active listings at the end of September.


The numbers show a market with more sales activity, higher average sale prices and fewer days on market, while buyers continue to have a significant amount of inventory to choose from.


For buyers and sellers in Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont, Radium Hot Springs, Panorama, Canal Flats and surrounding Columbia Valley communities, the September numbers provide some useful insight into where the market is heading.


September Sales Increased 20 Year over Year



One of the strongest numbers in the September report is the increase in completed sales. There were 48 sold listings in September 2026, compared with 40 in September 2025. That represents a 20 increase in monthly sales. The September result is also above the 12-month average of 38 sales per month, indicating that September was a relatively active month for completed transactions. Year to date, however, the picture is more measured. There have been 369 sales in 2026 compared with 433 during the same period in 2025, representing a 14.78 decrease.


This is an important distinction: September showed stronger sales activity, while the year-to-date market remains below last year’s pace.


New Listings Remain Strong, but Slightly Below Last Year



September brought 69 new listings to the Columbia Valley market, compared with 72 in September 2025. That represents a modest 4.17 decrease in new listings year over year. There were still enough new properties coming onto the market to provide buyers with considerable choice. Year to date, the market has recorded 744 new listings, compared with 820 during the same period in 2025, a decrease of 9.27.


For sellers, this means there is still competition from other properties, but the flow of new listings has moderated compared with last year.


Average Sale Price Climbed to $566,380



The September 2026 average sale price was $566,380, up from $525,526 in September 2025. That’s an increase of 7.77 year over year. The average list price also increased, reaching $600,052, compared with $559,110 last September, an increase of 7.32. Year to date, the average sale price is $573,230, compared with $535,861 in 2025, representing a 6.97 increase. These numbers show that while the number of transactions is lower year to date, average prices have moved higher.


It is important to remember that average price can be influenced by the type and mix of properties sold during a particular month. The average therefore provides a useful market indicator, but it does not mean every property has increased in value by the same percentage.


Homes are Selling Faster than they were Last Year



One of the most significant improvements in the September numbers is days on market. The average time to sale fell from 120.18 days in September 2025 to 98.85 days in September 2026. That’s a substantial 17.74 decrease. In practical terms, properties that sell are moving through the market faster than they were a year ago. Year to date, the average days on market is 90.93 days, compared with 100.73 days in 2025, a 9.74 decrease.


For sellers, this is an encouraging indicator that appropriately positioned properties can attract buyers and reach a sale more quickly than the previous year.


Buyers are Negotiating, but Properties are Selling at 93.33 of List Price



The September average sale-to-list price ratio was 93.33, slightly higher than 92.98 in September 2025. That’s a 0.38 improvement. This means that, on average, properties that sold in September changed hands at approximately 93 of their final list price. Year to date, the average sale-to-list ratio is 94.30, compared with 94.42 in 2025.


For buyers, this continues to demonstrate the importance of understanding current pricing and comparable properties. For sellers, accurate pricing remains an important part of attracting serious buyers and converting a listing into a completed sale.


Inventory Remains one of the Biggest Market Stories



At the end of September, 403 properties were in active inventory. That compares with 400 active properties at the same time last year, a relatively small 0.75 increase.


However, the more significant number is months of supply. September ended with 10.61 months of inventory, compared with 9.11 months in September 2025. That’s an increase of 16.44. A higher months-of-supply figure means buyers continue to have considerable choice across the Columbia Valley. The report shows 454 properties in starting inventory, with 69 new listings added during September, creating 523 total inventory units during the month. Of those, 48 sold, 42 moved to other off-market status, and 403 remained active at month end.


For buyers, this level of inventory creates opportunities to compare properties, locations and pricing. For sellers, it reinforces the importance of strong presentation, accurate pricing and a marketing strategy that gets a property in front of the right buyers.


Year-to-Date Market Numbers tell a more Balanced Story



Looking beyond September alone gives buyers and sellers a broader perspective.


Through September 2026:




369 sold listings — down 14.78 from 433


744 new listings — down 9.27 from 820


$573,230 average sale price — up 6.97


$608,773 average list price — up 7.01


94.30 average sale-to-list ratio


90.93 average days on market — down 9.74


403 active listings — up 0.75


10.61 months of supply — up 16.44




Taken together, these numbers point to a balanced market with elevated inventory and stronger pricing, rather than a market defined by rapidly increasing transaction volume.


What does the September 2026 Market mean for Buyers?


For buyers, September’s 403 active listings and 10.61 months of supply provide meaningful choice. The combination of higher inventory and a 93.33 September sale-to-list ratio suggests buyers should continue to carefully evaluate pricing and comparable properties rather than assume every listing will sell at or near asking price. At the same time, the 20 year-over-year increase in September sales and the reduction in average days on market show that good properties can still attract buyers and move through the market.


The opportunity for buyers is to be informed, prepared and strategic.


What does the September 2026 Market mean for Sellers?



For sellers, the numbers reinforce the importance of getting the fundamentals right. There are 403 active properties competing for buyers, while September brought another 69 new listings to the market. However, the positive side of the report is that 48 properties sold in September, up 20 from last year, while average days on market dropped almost 18. That suggests buyers are active, but they have choices.


A well-priced property, strong presentation and effective marketing can help a listing stand out in a market where buyers have time to compare their options.


The Bottom Line: September brought Stronger Sales, Higher Prices and More Choice



September 2026 was a month of mixed but meaningful signals for Columbia Valley real estate. Sales increased 20. Average sale prices increased 7.77. Days on market decreased 17.74. Active inventory increased slightly, while months of supply climbed 16.44. The result is a market where buyers have substantial choice, while sellers still have opportunities when their property is priced and marketed appropriately.


At Maxwell Rockies Realty, we believe the best real estate decisions start with understanding the numbers behind the market. Whether you’re considering buying, selling or simply want to understand what’s happening in Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs, Panorama, Canal Flats, Edgewater, and the Columbia Valley, local market data can help you make a more informed decision.


The market is always changing. The numbers tell the story.

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 06 Oct 2026 09:45:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/how-much-do-realtors-make-in-alberta/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/how-much-do-realtors-make-in-alberta/</link>
        <author>MBourque@MaxwellRealty.ca (Megan Bourque)</author>
        <title>How much do REALTORS® make in Alberta?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
How Much Do REALTORS® Make in Alberta?





 


There isn't a fixed salary for a REALTOR® in Alberta. Most real estate professionals are commission-based and self-employed, so income can vary dramatically depending on the number and type of transactions they complete, their average price point, commission arrangements, and business expenses.


According to the Government of Canada's Job Bank, the median annual wage for real estate sales representatives in Alberta is $46,400, with reported wages ranging from approximately $32,867 to $138,000. The data is based on the 2021 Census, so it should be viewed as a broad benchmark rather than a current income guarantee. 


A More Useful Way to Look at REALTOR® Income


For someone considering a real estate career, I'd break it down like this:










Experience / Business Stage

Potential Gross Income






New REALTOR®


$0–$50,000




Building a consistent business


$50,000–$100,000




Established REALTOR®


$100,000–$200,000+




High-producing REALTOR®


$200,000–$500,000+




Top producers


$500,000+










These are business-income examples, not guaranteed Alberta salary ranges. Some new agents make very little in their first year, while others establish a strong referral and prospecting business quickly.


Gross Commission Isn't the Same as Take-Home Income


This is one of the most important things a new REALTOR® needs to understand.


For example, suppose an agent generates $150,000 in gross commission income during the year.


They may then have expenses such as:




Brokerage split and fees


REALTOR®/board fees


RECA licensing and insurance


Marketing and advertising


CRM and technology


Signs and printing


Photography/video


Vehicle expenses


Fuel


Professional development


Accounting/bookkeeping


Income tax


GST obligations




So $150,000 in commissions does not mean $150,000 in personal income.


Why Income Can Be So Different


Real estate is essentially a sales business. Your income is strongly connected to your ability to consistently generate and convert opportunities.


A REALTOR® who closes:


5 transactions × $500,000 average price


will have a very different income from someone who closes:


20 transactions × $500,000 average price.


And two REALTORS® doing the same number of transactions can have very different take-home incomes because of their commission structures, brokerage arrangements and business expenses.


The Biggest Lesson for a New REALTOR®


You don't get paid for having a real estate licence. You get paid for creating transactions.


That means the most important skills for a new REALTOR® aren't just learning contracts and showing homes. They are:




Lead generation


Building a database


Prospecting consistently


Converting leads into appointments


Converting appointments into clients


Learning the listing process


Learning the buyer process


Negotiating


Following up


Building a referral and repeat-client business




The Government of Canada's Job Bank currently rates the employment outlook for real estate sales representatives in Alberta as “very good,” but that doesn't mean every individual REALTOR® will earn a high income. 


For a new-REALTOR® training program, I would emphasize this message:




Real estate has unlimited income potential—but no guaranteed income. Your results will largely depend on your ability to consistently generate leads, build relationships, convert opportunities and create repeat and referral business.


Don't try to figure it all out on your own.





CLICK HERE to apply for our FREE Internship Program at MaxWell Capital Realty


 


 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:03:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/welcome-to-the-family-september2026/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/welcome-to-the-family-september2026/</link>
        <author>websupport@maxwellrealty.ca (MaxWell Realty Admin)</author>
        <title>Welcome to the Family September2026</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 

 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Tue, 29 Sep 2026 10:16:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/how-do-new-realtors-get-clients/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/how-do-new-realtors-get-clients/</link>
        <author>MBourque@MaxwellRealty.ca (Megan Bourque)</author>
        <title>How do new REALTORS® get clients?</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
How Do New REALTORS® Get Clients?





 


One of the biggest challenges for a new REALTOR® is realizing that clients do not automatically come with a licence. Successful REALTORS® build their business by consistently creating conversations, developing relationships, and staying visible in their community.


The first clients usually come from a combination of their personal network, prospecting activities, marketing, and referrals.



1. Start With Your Sphere of Influence (SOI)


Your first clients are often people who already know, like, and trust you.


Your sphere includes:




Family


Friends


Neighbours


Former coworkers


School contacts


Sports and community connections


Local business owners


Previous professional contacts




The goal is not to immediately &quot;sell real estate.&quot; The goal is to let people know:




You are licensed


You are available to help


You are building your business


You would appreciate introductions and referrals




Example Conversation:




&quot;I wanted to let you know I officially started my real estate career. I'm excited to help people with buying and selling homes. If you know anyone who has questions about the market, even if they aren't ready to move yet, I'd love the opportunity to help.&quot;





2. Build and Maintain a Database


A successful REALTOR® treats their database like a business asset.


Start by creating a list of everyone you know:




Names


Phone numbers


Email addresses


Relationship


Location


Home ownership status


Important dates


Notes about their goals




A database allows you to consistently stay connected through:




Phone calls


Text messages


Emails


Market updates


Home anniversary messages


Client events


Social media engagement




The money is not in the database—the money is in the relationships you build with the database.



3. Call People and Have Conversations


Many new REALTORS® avoid calling because they fear being &quot;salesy.&quot;


The purpose of calling is not to pressure people into buying or selling. It is to:




Build relationships


Find opportunities


Provide value


Stay top of mind




Examples:


Past contact:




&quot;Hi Sarah, I hope you're doing well I wanted to check in and see how things are going. I've recently started helping people with real estate and wanted to reconnect.&quot;




Neighbour conversation:




&quot;I noticed you've been in your home for a while. Have you ever wondered what your home might be worth in today's market?&quot;





4. Attend Networking Events


New REALTORS® should intentionally meet new people.


Opportunities include:




Chamber of Commerce events


Community events


Business networking groups


Local fundraisers


Sports activities


School/community events


Volunteer opportunities




The goal is not to hand out business cards—it is to build genuine relationships.



5. Door Knock in Your Community


Door knocking remains one of the fastest ways for new agents to create conversations.


Reasons REALTORS® door knock:




Meet homeowners


Introduce themselves


Learn about the neighbourhood


Find future sellers


Build local expertise




Successful door knocking is about providing value:


Examples:




Market updates


Neighbourhood reports


Home value information


Recent sales


Community events





6. Host Open Houses


Open houses are one of the best opportunities for new REALTORS® because they create face-to-face conversations.


New agents can:




Host open houses for other REALTORS®


Meet active buyers


Build relationships with neighbours


Create seller opportunities




The goal is not just:




&quot;Did anyone buy the house?&quot;




The goal is:




&quot;How many relationships did I create?&quot;





7. Use Social Media to Build Trust


New REALTORS® should use social media to become known as a real estate resource.


Content ideas:


Education:




Home buying tips


Selling mistakes


Mortgage information


Market updates


Real estate myths




Personal:




Your journey as a REALTOR®


Community activities


Behind-the-scenes content


Your personality and interests




Proof:




Client testimonials


Success stories


Negotiation wins


Learning experiences




People often choose the REALTOR® they know and trust—not necessarily the one with the most advertisements.



8. Create Local Market Content


Become the local expert.


Examples:




&quot;5 Things Happening in Calgary Real Estate This Month&quot;


&quot;What Homes Are Selling For in Your Community&quot;


&quot;Airdrie Market Update&quot;


&quot;Top Renovations That Increase Home Value&quot;




This helps attract people searching online.



9. Prospect Every Day


A new REALTOR® needs income-producing activities every day.


A simple daily prospecting plan:


Morning:


✅ Call 5–10 people ✅ Follow up with leads ✅ Send messages to your database


Afternoon:


✅ Door knock ✅ Attend appointments ✅ Create marketing content


Evening:


✅ Respond to inquiries ✅ Update CRM ✅ Plan tomorrow



10. Follow Up With Every Lead


Many REALTORS® do not fail because they lack leads—they fail because they do not follow up.


A lead may say:




&quot;We're just looking.&quot;


&quot;We're not ready yet.&quot;


&quot;Maybe next year.&quot;




Those are not &quot;no's.&quot;


They are future opportunities.


Follow-up systems include:




Weekly check-ins


Monthly market updates


Home valuation reminders


Email newsletters


Personal messages





11. Ask for Referrals


Referrals are one of the most powerful sources of business.


After providing value:




&quot;I really appreciate the opportunity to help you. If you know anyone who has questions about buying or selling, I would love an introduction.&quot;





12. Find a Mentor and Learn Sales Skills


A licence teaches you how to trade in real estate. It does not teach you how to build a business.


New REALTORS® should learn:




Lead generation


Sales conversations


Buyer consultations


Listing presentations


Negotiation


Marketing


Time management


Database management





A Simple New REALTOR® Client Generation Formula


Talk to people → Build relationships → Provide value → Follow up consistently → Convert opportunities into clients


A realistic first-year goal for a new REALTOR® is to focus on activities:




Add 500+ people to your database


Have daily conversations


Meet new people every week


Host open houses regularly


Create consistent content


Follow up relentlessly




The REALTORS® who succeed are usually not the ones with the biggest network—they are the ones who consistently create the most conversations and provide the most value.


 


Don't try to figure it all out on your own.


CLICK HERE to apply for our FREE Internship Program at MaxWell Capital Realty





 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 23 Sep 2026 19:10:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/why-fall-listings-can-be-ideal/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/why-fall-listings-can-be-ideal/</link>
        <author>websupport@maxwellrealty.ca (MaxWell Realty Admin)</author>
        <title>Why Fall Listings Can be Ideal</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 



Why Fall Is the Other Window to List Your Home


Tomorrow is the first day of fall, and if you have been sitting on the fence about listing your home, this is the moment worth paying attention to.


Most people think of spring as the real estate season. And it is, but understanding why it is reveals something equally useful: there is a second season, and it is happening right now.


The Calendar That Drives Canadian Real Estate


Canadian real estate runs on two clocks, and both of them are set by the same thing: the school year.


The spring market exists because families who need to move want to be settled before September. If your children are changing schools, if you are relocating for work, if you need to be in a new neighbourhood before the kids start in September, you need to buy in spring. That urgency creates the spring surge most people know about, with active buyers, competitive offers, and heightened energy in the market from roughly March through June.


What gets talked about less is that the same logic runs in reverse in the fall.


Families who did not move in spring, or who have made a decision since then, face a different version of the same deadline. In most of Canada, and especially on the prairies, that deadline is not the school calendar. It is the weather. Nobody wants to be moving furniture in November when there is a foot of snow on the ground and the temperature is dropping. Nobody wants to take possession of a new home in December and spend their first weeks there unpacking boxes in the dark.


So the fall market is real, it is motivated, and it has a hard stop. Buyers who are active right now are active for a reason.


What This Means if You Are Thinking About Listing


The window is open but it is not wide. List in the next few weeks and you are in front of buyers who are ready to move before winter. List in November and you have missed most of them.


The fall market tends to be smaller than spring in terms of total activity, but the buyers who are out there are not browsing. They have a timeline. A family that needs to be in a new home before the snow flies is not going to spend three months deliberating. They are going to find the right home, make a decision, and move.


That is a very different buyer than the one who attended twelve open houses last May because it was a nice Saturday and they were vaguely curious about what was out there.


The Competition Angle


One of the underappreciated advantages of a fall listing is that your competition thins out. Sellers who were going to list in spring have already done so. The wave of new listings that floods the market every April is not happening in September. The buyers who are active right now are looking at a smaller pool of available homes, which means yours gets more attention than it would in a crowded spring market.


If your home is in good shape and priced well, a fall listing in a leaner market can outperform what you might have expected in spring, simply because you are not competing with every other motivated seller in your neighbourhood listing at the same time.


The Practical Timeline


If you want to be through conditions, past possession, and have a buyer moved in before the serious cold arrives, the math works roughly like this.


List in late September or early October. Allow two to three weeks for the right buyer to find you, view the home, and make an offer. A conditional period of one to two weeks follows. Possession typically runs three to six weeks after a firm deal. That puts you closing in late November or early December, which is workable for most buyers and sellers.


Wait until November to list and that timeline pushes into January for possession, which is past the window most motivated fall buyers are working within.


One More Thing Worth Saying


There is a version of fall that Canadians know well: that stretch of weeks between the end of summer and the first real snow, when the air is crisp, the leaves are turning, and everything feels settled and beautiful. A home shown during that stretch, with good light coming through clean windows and the yard still looking its best, can be genuinely compelling.


Fall light is warm. A well-maintained home in October can show very well. You do not have to wait for spring to put your best foot forward.


The window is open. It will not be for long.



MaxWell Realty Canada is a real estate company with offices across Canada. This article is intended for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal or professional real estate advice. Always work with a licensed REALTOR® and qualified professionals in your area.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 21 Sep 2026 14:10:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-alberta-real-estate-exam/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/how-to-pass-the-alberta-real-estate-exam/</link>
        <author>MBourque@MaxwellRealty.ca (Megan Bourque)</author>
        <title>How to pass the Alberta real estate exam</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
How to Pass the Alberta Real Estate Exam





 


Passing the Alberta real estate exam is less about memorizing an entire textbook and more about understanding the concepts, knowing how to apply them, and practicing the types of questions you will encounter.


The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) currently requires a minimum score of 70. The Fundamentals exam has 120 questions, while other pre-licensing exams have 100 questions. You have two attempts, and each attempt costs $235. 


1. Learn the material — don't just memorize it


Your course materials should be your primary study source. RECA specifically recommends studying the course materials rather than trying to memorize practice questions. 


Focus on understanding:




Real Estate Act and Rules


Agency and representation


Professional responsibilities


Ethics


Contracts


Disclosure requirements


Duties to clients and customers


Transaction processes


Financing fundamentals


Property ownership


Real estate terminology


Calculations and math


Alberta-specific rules and practices




2. Break the course into manageable sections


Instead of trying to study everything at once, create sections such as:


Week 1: Real estate fundamentals Week 2: Legislation and regulation Week 3: Agency and representation Week 4: Contracts and transactions Week 5: Financing and calculations Week 6: Review and practice exams


The exact timing can be adjusted depending on your course schedule.


3. Make your own study guide


Don't simply highlight the textbook.


Create a one-page summary for each major topic.


For example:


Agency




Who is the client?


Who is the customer?


What duties are owed?


What must be disclosed?


What creates agency?


What terminates agency?




This forces you to understand the material rather than simply recognize it.


4. Pay special attention to Alberta terminology


A major mistake students make is assuming that general real estate information from Google, YouTube or U.S. courses applies in Alberta.


It doesn't necessarily.


RECA's exam is based on the competencies required for Alberta licensing. Alberta legislation, terminology, procedures and professional requirements matter. RECA provides an Exam Blueprint and weighted competency information to help learners understand what is assessed. 


5. Practice with RECA's Prep Exam


This is one of the best ways to prepare.


RECA currently offers a Prep Exam for $65 per attempt, with up to three attempts. It is designed to familiarize you with the exam format and identify areas where your knowledge needs improvement. 


The important part is not simply getting a high score.


After completing a practice exam, ask:




What topics did I get wrong—and why?




Then go back to your course material and study those areas.


6. Don't memorize the practice questions


This is extremely important.


RECA states that prep-exam questions may resemble questions on the actual exam, but they will not be identical. The actual exam assesses the competencies using different combinations of questions. 


So don't study like this:




&quot;I remember the answer to Question 47.&quot;




Study like this:




&quot;I understand why this is the correct answer and why the other choices are incorrect.&quot;




7. Learn the math


Don't leave the calculations until the night before.


Practice:




Percentages


Commission calculations


Adjustments


Property taxes


Mortgage calculations


Interest


Land measurements


Financial calculations relevant to your course




The goal should be to recognize which calculation is required and how to set it up.


8. Use the 70 rule—but aim higher


The passing grade is 70, but I wouldn't recommend walking into the actual exam barely scoring 70 on practice questions.


A better target is:


80–85+ consistently on practice material.


That gives you a margin for difficult questions, exam pressure and areas where you're less confident.


9. Use a &quot;weakness list&quot;


Create three columns:










Topic

Confidence

Action






Agency


???? Strong


Quick review




Contracts


???? Medium


More questions




Legislation


???? Weak


Re-study




Calculations


???? Medium


Practice




Ethics


???? Strong


Quick review










Spend the majority of your study time on the red and yellow areas, not the topics you already know.


10. Read every question carefully


On exam day, don't rush.


Look for words such as:




BEST


MOST appropriate


FIRST


EXCEPT


NOT


MUST


SHOULD




Sometimes several answers may appear reasonable, but one is the best answer according to Alberta's rules and professional requirements.


11. Don't change answers without a reason


If you've carefully read a question and selected an answer, don't automatically change it because you become nervous.


Change your answer only when you identify something in the question or your reasoning that you initially missed.


12. Take the exam seriously


RECA's current pre-licensing exams are administered through Pearson at a test centre. You must be marked &quot;Ready for Exam&quot; by your course provider before purchasing the exam. 


Give yourself time to:




Sleep properly


Arrive early


Bring the required identification


Avoid studying heavily immediately before the exam


Stay calm


Read each question carefully





⭐ The Best Study Formula


For a new Alberta real estate student, I recommend:


Learn → Summarize → Practice → Identify Weaknesses → Re-study → Practice Again → Write the Exam


Don't try to memorize your way through the exam.


Instead, aim to understand why the answer is correct.


One of the Biggest Mistakes New Students Make


They wait until the last few days and try to cram hundreds of pages of information.


A much better approach is to study a little every day, continually test yourself, and keep returning to the topics you struggle with.


RECA's published data also shows why preparation matters: for January–June 2026, the reported success rate for the Fundamentals exam varied considerably among recognized course providers, ranging from 52 to 72. 


Bottom line: The Alberta real estate exam is absolutely manageable, but you need to treat it like a professional licensing exam—not just another school test.


 


Don't try to figure it all out on your own.


 


CLICK HERE to apply for our FREE Internship Program at MaxWell Capital Realty


 
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Wed, 16 Sep 2026 19:06:00 -0600</pubDate>
</item>
<item>
    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/why-do-canadians-decorate-for-fall/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/why-do-canadians-decorate-for-fall/</link>
        <author>websupport@maxwellrealty.ca (MaxWell Realty Admin)</author>
        <title>The Canadian Roots of Fall Decorations</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Why We Decorate for Fall: The Canadian Roots of Autumn Traditions





There is a moment every September when it happens. The air shifts. The light goes golden and slightly sideways. You walk past a display of pumpkins at a grocery store or garden centre and something in you responds before your brain even catches up. Suddenly you want candles and wool blankets and a wreath on the door.


We do not always stop to wonder why. The urge to decorate for fall feels instinctive, almost biological. And in a way, it is. The things we reach for this time of year, the pumpkins, the dried corn, the warm colours, the harvest imagery, carry the weight of traditions that stretch back centuries in this country and much further than that in human history. Understanding where they came from makes them feel a little richer.


Pumpkins: More Canadian Than You Might Think


The pumpkin is the undisputed symbol of fall decorating, and it has a deeper connection to Canada than most people realize.


Pumpkins are native to North America. Indigenous peoples across the continent cultivated them for thousands of years before European contact, using them as a food staple, particularly during the difficult months of late fall and winter. When European settlers arrived, they quickly adopted the pumpkin as a reliable crop that could sustain them through the cold. The pumpkin was not a novelty. It was survival food that became cultural currency over generations.


Early settlers carved turnips into lanterns to ward off spirits, a tradition that later evolved into the pumpkin jack-o-lanterns we know today, mostly because North American settlers could not find turnips in the new world. That practical substitution, swap the turnip for what was actually growing here, is a quietly Canadian kind of story. Make do with what the land provides.


Today we buy pumpkins largely as decoration, but when you put one on your front step you are participating in a tradition that connects Indigenous agricultural knowledge, European harvest customs, and the particular reality of life in North America all at once.


The Harvest Palette: Why Orange and Gold


The warm colours of fall decorating, burnt orange, deep gold, russet red, forest green, are not arbitrary. They are the literal colours of harvest time in the northern hemisphere. Ripening squash, changing maples, drying corn husks, the last of the late-season flowers. These are the colours that have surrounded people in this part of the world every autumn for as long as people have been here.


There is good psychological evidence that humans are drawn to these colours in autumn in part because our ancestors needed to notice and respond to them. A landscape shifting to gold and orange meant food was ready. It meant winter was coming. It meant work to do and reasons to gather.


When we bring those colours inside, we are doing something our nervous systems understand at a level below conscious thought. It feels like fall because it looks like what fall has always looked like.


Canadian Thanksgiving and the Harvest Table


Canadian Thanksgiving developed primarily as a harvest celebration rather than a historical commemoration, and its earlier October timing allows Canadians to celebrate during the peak of fall harvest festivals, pumpkin season, and autumn foliage across the country.


The very first Canadian Thanksgiving was in 1578 in Newfoundland, when explorer Martin Frobisher gave thanks for surviving a long voyage. Today, the holiday blends European harvest customs with Indigenous expressions of gratitude.


The decorative traditions around Thanksgiving, the cornucopia spilling over with gourds and apples, the dried wheat sheaves, the table centrepieces of squash and candles, are visual representations of abundance. They say: we made it through another growing season. There is enough. This is a feeling worth marking.


The cornucopia itself, the horn overflowing with fruit and vegetables, comes from ancient Greek mythology, but it found a natural home in Canadian harvest traditions because the imagery mapped so perfectly onto the agricultural reality of fall in this country. A good harvest in a place where winters are long and cold was not a small thing. It was the difference between comfort and hardship. We still set those symbols on our tables even though most of us have never worried about whether there would be enough to eat in February.


Samhain and the Thinning of the Veil


The spookier side of fall decorating has its own ancient roots. The origins of Halloween can be traced back to the Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. According to legend, the boundary between the living and the dead blurred on this night, allowing spirits to cross over. To blend in with wandering spirits, people wore animal skulls, antlers, and furs, and gathered around massive bonfires.


Brought to North America by Irish and Scottish immigrants, Halloween evolved into the Canadian tradition we know today. Those immigrants arrived in significant numbers throughout the 1800s, carrying their customs with them, and the traditions took root in Canadian soil alongside everything else they brought.


When we hang a wreath of dried leaves and berries, light candles against the darkening evenings, and put something a little witchy on the mantle, we are participating in a tradition that is fundamentally about the same thing it has always been about: acknowledging that the dark is coming, and making something beautiful in the face of it.


Apples and Orchards


The apple is the other great symbol of Canadian fall, and like the pumpkin it has a story worth knowing. Apple orchards were among the first agricultural projects of European settlers in Canada, and apple harvests became a social occasion, a reason for communities to gather at the end of the growing season.


Apple picking as a fall activity, now a beloved Canadian family outing particularly in Ontario and BC, is a very old impulse dressed in a modern format. The desire to go somewhere and participate in the harvest, to come home with something you gathered yourself, connects directly to traditions that predate Canada as a country.


A bowl of apples on a kitchen counter in October is a decoration. It is also a very old signal that abundance is here, use it before winter arrives.


The Instinct to Nest


There is a broader pattern underneath all of these specific traditions. Fall decorating, at its core, is nesting behaviour. It is the human equivalent of what animals do when they sense the season changing: prepare the shelter, make it warm, signal that it is a place of safety and comfort against what is coming.


This instinct is not uniquely Canadian, but it takes a particular shape here. Canadian winters are serious. The contrast between the warmth of a well-lit home in October and what waits outside in January is one of the more dramatic seasonal experiences on the planet. The things we do to our homes in the fall, the warm textiles, the candles, the harvest imagery, the colours of ripe things, are a way of fortifying against that contrast before it arrives.


We are, every September and October, doing something our ancestors did in this same landscape for a very long time. The pumpkin on the step and the wreath on the door are newer versions of much older gestures.


That feels like a good reason to enjoy them.



MaxWell Realty Canada is a real estate company with offices across Canada. This article is intended for general informational purposes.
 ]]> </description>
    <pubDate>Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:36:00 -0600</pubDate>
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    <guid>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/reading-between-the-lines-of-this-falls-housing-data/</guid>
    <link>https://www.arunwardrealty.com/blog/reading-between-the-lines-of-this-falls-housing-data/</link>
        <author>websupport@maxwellrealty.ca (MaxWell Realty Admin)</author>
        <title>Reading Between the Lines of This Fall's Housing Data</title>
    <description> <![CDATA[ 
Fall Market Takes a Breather


By Ron Alfred De Guzman, MaxWell Realty Insights | September 09, 2026





Canada's housing market cooled again heading into fall. CREA's latest national release, covering July, showed home sales up 0.5 from June. That marked a fourth straight monthly gain. Senior economist Shaun Cathcart called the data &quot;a carbon copy&quot; of June. Sales edged up, listings dropped, and prices held steady. The more interesting story is happening below those headline numbers. Markets across the Prairies, Quebec, and the East Coast are steadily shifting back toward balance after a long stretch as sellers' markets. BC's Lower Mainland and Ontario's Greater Golden Horseshoe are making the same shift, moving out of buyers' market territory and into something more even.


RBC Economics' August breakdown shows that shift playing out differently from city to city. Toronto's recovery hit a bump. Resales fell 1.3 in August after building momentum since March. RBC ties the pullback partly to renewed uncertainty around the escalating Canada-US trade war, alongside supportive factors like a new housing rebate and pent-up demand. Vancouver bucked the trend, with resales jumping 8.5 seasonally adjusted. Even so, it remains the weakest of Canada's six largest markets, with prices still falling, just at a slower pace. Montreal continues to face steep affordability challenges even as more sellers step into the market and new listings climb.


Calgary cooled too. Resales slipped more than 9 from July, erasing the gains made earlier in summer and pulling activity back toward its 10-year average. New listings kept climbing, keeping inventory near historic highs. The sales-to-new-listings ratio dropped to 0.52, the lowest point since the pandemic, though RBC notes this still falls within balanced market territory rather than tipping fully toward buyers. Detached homes held up far better than condos in Calgary, down just 1.1 year over year compared to an 8 drop for condos, a sign the slowdown isn't hitting every part of the market equally.


CREA and RBC are telling a similar story from two different angles. This isn't a market stalling out. It's one recalibrating city by city after a strong summer. CREA's next national release lands September 15 and should show whether August's regional split holds true at the national level too.


Sources: CREA (&quot;Canadian Home Sales Climb Again in July,&quot; August 18, 2026), RBC Economics (&quot;Canada's housing markets show persistent regional splits,&quot; September 8, 2026)
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    <pubDate>Wed, 09 Sep 2026 16:01:00 -0600</pubDate>
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