May 2025 Market Update

There’s been some talk lately about a “drop” in Calgary’s real estate market — mainly because sales were down 17% compared to last May. But that headline doesn’t tell the full story. The truth is, Calgary’s market is adjusting, not collapsing. In fact, sales in May were still 11% higher than the city’s long-term average for this time of year. What we’re seeing is a natural shift toward balance after a very active few years.

Inventory levels have grown — almost double compared to last year — giving buyers more options and easing the pressure we’ve been used to. Detached homes are holding strong with a benchmark price of $769,400, which is actually up 1% from last year. Townhomes and apartments, on the other hand, are seeing a bit more price movement as new construction and rental supply create more competition. Overall, Calgary’s benchmark price dipped slightly from April to $589,900 — still very healthy and far from what we’d call a downturn.

If you’re thinking of selling, it’s important to know that homes are taking longer to sell. Buyers are being more selective, and pricing based on last year’s peak may lead to your home sitting on the market. Strategic pricing and preparation are everything right now. This is not the time to guess — it’s the time to plan smartly.

On the flip side, if you’re buying, this market brings opportunity. With more listings, especially in the condo and row home segments, you have more time and flexibility to find the right fit. Whether you’re buying your first home or your next one, this is a great time to start exploring — especially if you’re clear on your budget and ready to move with purpose.

Calgary is in a different position than many other Canadian cities. While places like Toronto and Vancouver were cooling even before interest rates and uncertainty came into play, Calgary entered this phase with strength. That’s why we’re still seeing solid activity, despite the shift in pace.

So no — the market hasn’t dropped. It’s finding its rhythm. And that means smart sellers and strategic buyers can both find success.

If you’ve been wondering what your next move should be — whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, investing, or just testing the waters — I’d love to help you make a confident and well-informed decision.

Let’s refine your real estate experience.

—
Diana Secrieru
Refined Estate
Coldwell Banker Mountain Central | Calgary & Surrounding Areas

This Father’s Day, go beyond the classic necktie and tee shirt—craft memorable experiences tailored to him. Whether your dad is a sports fanatic, a nature lover, or a hands-on hobbyist, Calgary has a rich lineup of ideas to make June 15 truly special.

For the Nature-Loving Dad

1. Calgary Zoo Father’s Day Brunch & Exploration
Start the day with a delightful brunch at the Wilder Institute Café, complete with kids' crafts, then enjoy the wildlife trails together. It’s a fun, educational outing that combines good food with fresh air. calgary.ca

2. Heritage Park Brunch + Steamboat Ride
Enjoy Victorian-era charm at Heritage Park’s Father’s Day brunch (seatings at 9:30 AM & 10:30 AM), followed by rides on the steam train or the S.S. Moyie around Glenmore Reservoir. heritagepark.ca

3. Shirley’s Greenhouse Visit Nearby
Head out to Didsbury’s Shirley’s Greenhouse Farm Stand (open Saturdays) for a greenhouse tour, vegetable picking, and a picnic lunch among the blooms—an outdoor escape just a short drive from Calgary. 

For the Gearhead & History Dad

4. Wings & Wheels at The Hangar Flight Museum
On June 14–15, enjoy vintage aircraft up close, climb into cockpits (they provide bump caps/gloves), and admire classic cars on display. Dads get free admission with a paying child. familyfuncanada.com

5. Military Museums Adventure
Explore tanks, historical military vehicles, weapon displays, and interactive storytelling. Perfect for a dad who appreciates history and engineering. familyfuncanada.com

For the Culture & Music Dad

6. Calgary Chinese Orchestra Concert – June 15
Enjoy an afternoon of traditional Chinese orchestral music—an elegant, cross-cultural experience in Calgary’s music scene. eventbrite.com

7. Sled Island Music & Arts Festival (June 18–22)
If your dad is into indie music, comedy, art, film, or street vibes, explore curated events across downtown venues. Snag day-passes or catch a free show.

8. YYC Jazz Summer Festival (June 23–29)
Though it overlaps slightly, consider surprising Dad with a mellow evening at jazz performances—check festival schedule for sets on June 15.

For the Active & Social Dad

9. Calgary Surge Basketball Game (June 15)
Cheer on the home team at WinSport Event Centre—an energetic, fast-paced CEBL game is a great group outing with friends or family. todocanada.ca

10. Calgary Stampeders Football Game
If football is more his speed, look ahead to the Stampeders at McMahon Stadium; the next home CFL game is June 21, but season energy is in full swing. eventbrite.com

For the Chill & Social Dad

11. Patio Crawl with the Crew
Hit up Calgary’s top patios (Barbarella, Clive Burger, Lonely Mouth, Lulu Bar) for craft cocktails or burgers. Great for a relaxed Father’s Day lunch or dinner. todocanada.ca

12. Farmers’ Market Fun
Visit Calgary Farmers’ Market locations (South/West) for a laid-back morning—kids’ crafts, food samples, giveaways just for dads. familyfuncanada.com

For the DIY & Backyard Dad

13. Backyard BBQ + Science at TELUS Spark
Head to TELUS Spark on June 15 for a science-themed BBQ—live demos, outdoor lawn games, and interactive fun perfect for the curious DIY dad. familyfuncanada.com

14. Home-Based Grill Challenge
Stay in and host a friendly “Dad Grill-Off”: source local Alberta steaks or veggie kabobs, experiment with homemade rubs, and close with lawn games or cornhole in the yard.

For the Family & Craft Dad

15. Paint-by-Nature Watercolour Session
Spend a peaceful morning at The Confluence Historic Site Park on June 14 painting outdoors, then enjoy a family picnic in the gardens. todocanada.ca

16. Pinnovate DIY Studios Afternoon
Create art together—choose splatter painting, pour painting, or build a stuffed toy—an interactive experience that becomes a keepsake. todocanada.ca

For the Adventure & Sports Dad

17. Lakeside Line Dancing in Mahogany (June 14)
Get moving at this country-themed Father’s Day line dance event by the lake—a fun, light-hearted way to spend the evening.

18. Hiking the Bow River Pathway
Pack snacks and hit the trails—discover spots near Bowness or Edworthy Park. End with a riverside picnic and casual campfire stories at home.

To make the day truly special, plan ahead—some of the best events like the zoo brunch, Pinnovate, or Wings & Wheels need tickets and can fill up fast.

If you’ve got a mix of ages or interests, split the day up: maybe a fun morning with crafts or brunch, an afternoon game or hike, and a relaxed evening with a BBQ or dancing under the lights.

Celebrating at home? Add a few simple touches—backyard lights, his favourite music, or even bake a cake based on his go-to album (yes, really!).

Hand out a few disposable or instant cameras for fun family photos—those candid shots are always the best.And don’t forget a backup plan in case the weather turns. A cozy movie night or board game inside can still feel like a win. Father’s Day doesn’t need to be fancy—it just needs to feel like him. Keep it personal, keep it light, and enjoy the day together.

Preparing to sell your home can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. With the right approach and a few smart updates, you can significantly increase your home’s appeal and final sale price.

The truth is, buyers are more emotionally connected than we think. They’re not just buying four walls—they’re buying into a feeling, a lifestyle, and a sense of possibility. And that’s where you, as the seller, have real power.

Here are six smart, practical ways to boost your home’s value and stand out in today’s market.

1. First Impressions Matter—Make Your Entrance Count

We’ve all had that feeling—driving up to a house and instantly thinking “Wow, this feels right.” That’s curb appeal at work.

Whether it’s your home’s front door, tidy landscaping, or the glow of soft porch lighting at dusk, the little things make a big difference.

Try this:

• Repaint the front door in a timeless shade like black, navy, or forest green.

• Add potted plants or planters on either side of the entrance.

• Update your house numbers or install a new mailbox for a modern touch.

Even something as simple as a new welcome mat can shift the mood. These touches make buyers feel like they’re stepping into a well-cared-for home—and that sets the tone for the rest of the showing.

2. Keep It Fresh and Neutral

A fresh coat of paint is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to make a space feel new. The key? Stick to neutral tones. Soft whites, warm taupes, gentle greys—these colors help reflect light and create a calming atmosphere.

Buyers often struggle to look past bold or personal colors. While that cherry red dining room may have been your favorite, a buyer might only see “more work.”

Real-life tip:
One of my clients in West Springs repainted their entire main floor in a soft greige before selling. It made their open-concept living space feel brighter and more modern—and they received multiple offers in the first week.

3. Upgrade Your Light Fixtures

Lighting has a huge effect on mood—and buyers notice. Dated brass fixtures or dim overhead bulbs can make a home feel old or uninviting. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget to make a big change.

Smart upgrades to consider:

• Replace ceiling fixtures with something sleek and modern (you can find great options at HomeSense or online).

• Add under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen for a warm, upscale feel.

• Swap bathroom light bars for something more polished.

Think of lighting like jewelry for your home—it can elevate the whole look without needing a full remodel.

4. Declutter and Deep Clean—It’s a Game Changer

One of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to add value is simply making your home feel clean, open, and calm. Buyers aren’t just looking at your space—they’re trying to picture their life in it.

Simple steps that make a big impact:

• Clear countertops, tabletops, and shelves—less is always more.

• Remove excess furniture to open up rooms.

• Organize closets (yes, buyers peek inside!) and pack away seasonal items.

Hiring a professional cleaner for a pre-listing deep clean can be well worth the investment. I once had a seller in Springbank who didn’t change a thing structurally—just decluttered, staged, and cleaned. Their home showed beautifully and sold in 6 days.

5. Plan Renovations That Add Real Value

It’s tempting to dive into big renos before selling, but not all upgrades give you a return. Instead, focus on targeted, high-impact improvements. Kitchens and bathrooms usually top the list, but that doesn’t mean a full gut job.

Value-adding ideas that don’t break the bank:

• Update cabinet hardware or faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms.

• Re-caulk bathtubs and showers.

• Replace dated mirrors with modern frameless ones.

• Refresh the laundry room or entryway with a new light fixture or shelf.

Before starting any reno, I always recommend chatting with your real estate professional (that’s me!) to make sure the updates make sense for your neighborhood, price point, and buyer expectations.

6. Highlight the Features That Make Your Home Special

Every home has something that makes it stand out—but you’d be surprised how many sellers forget to showcase those details.

Maybe it’s the sunroom where you sip coffee in the morning, the mature trees that give privacy in summer, or the finished basement that’s perfect for guests. These are the lifestyle moments buyers are really looking for.

Real-world example:
One couple I worked with had a quiet backyard garden with a small patio. Instead of leaving it empty, we added cozy patio furniture, soft outdoor lighting, and a small bistro table. That tiny outdoor space became the star of the listing photos—and it made all the difference.

Getting your home ready to sell doesn’t have to mean huge renovations or stressful overhauls. With a bit of planning and the right advice, you can present your home in the best possible light—and maximize your return.

Every home is unique. What works in one neighborhood might not be worth the investment in another. That’s where professional guidance comes in.

If you're considering selling—or even just curious about where to start—reach out anytime. I’m happy to provide customized advice, walk you through your options, and help you feel confident every step of the way.

Let’s refine your real estate experience—together.