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Winter 2024 Calgary Area Real Estate Market: Top Tips for Buyers and Sellers This December

As the winter months settle in, the Calgary real estate market offers unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you’re planning to purchase your dream home or sell your property before the year ends, December can be a surprisingly active month for real estate. Here’s how you can make the most of this season in Calgary’s competitive housing market.

Why December Is a Great Time to Buy or Sell in Calgary

  • Fewer Competitors, More Serious Buyers
    The holiday season typically sees fewer listings, but those who are buying or selling are highly motivated. Sellers can benefit from showcasing their home to serious buyers, while buyers may find less bidding competition during this time.

  • Seasonal Charm Adds Appeal
    Calgary’s snow-covered landscapes and cozy homes with festive decorations can create an emotional connection with buyers. Highlighting these features in your listing photos and staging can boost interest.

  • Year-End Tax Benefits
    December is the last chance to take advantage of annual tax breaks tied to property investments, making it an attractive time for financially savvy buyers and sellers.

Top Tips for Calgary Home Sellers This December

  • Enhance Winter Curb Appeal
    First impressions matter! Keep driveways and walkways clear of snow and ice. Add festive lighting or a simple holiday wreath to make your home feel inviting.

  • Optimize Winter Home Staging
    Highlight the cozy aspects of your home. Showcase fireplaces, use warm lighting, and add plush throws or seasonal décor to create a welcoming atmosphere.

  • Price Your Home Strategically
    Work with a Calgary real estate expert (like us at PK Realty!) to price your home competitively. Winter buyers are often serious but budget-conscious, so pricing it right can help you close deals faster.

Top Tips for Calgary Home Buyers This December

  • Understand Market Trends
    December often offers reduced competition, but it's essential to stay updated on Calgary's housing trends. Check our latest market updates for insights.

  • Be Prepared for Winter Home Inspections
    Ensure the furnace, roof, and insulation of potential homes are in top condition. Winter weather can reveal critical issues, giving you a clearer picture of the property.

  • Secure Financing Early
    Banks and lenders may operate on reduced schedules during the holidays. Get pre-approved for your mortgage to avoid delays in closing deals.

What’s Happening in Calgary Real Estate This December?

The Calgary housing market has shown resilience, with steady demand for detached homes, townhouses, and condos despite seasonal slowdowns. Popular neighborhoods like Beltline, Evanston, and Mahogany remain in demand for their unique offerings and proximity to amenities.

Thinking about buying or selling? Explore Calgary community guides to find the perfect neighborhood for your next move.

Why Work with PK Realty This Winter?

At PK Realty, we’re Calgary’s trusted real estate experts. With years of experience navigating the local market, we know how to help you achieve your goals, even during the winter months. From strategic pricing to expert negotiation, we’re here to make your December real estate journey stress-free.

Get Started Today

Don’t wait for spring to make your move! December is the perfect time to seize unique opportunities in Calgary’s real estate market. Whether you’re buying or selling, contact us at PK Realty for personalized advice and expert guidance.

📞 Call us at 403-324-5656
📧 Email us at contact@pk-realty.com


FAQs about Calgary Real Estate in Winter

Q: Is December a good time to sell my home in Calgary?
A: Absolutely! With fewer homes on the market, sellers face less competition and can attract serious buyers motivated to close before year-end.

Q: Can I view homes during the winter in Calgary?
A: Yes, winter home viewings are common in Calgary. Just be prepared for icy roads and ensure proper footwear for showings.

Q: Will my home sell for less in winter?
A: Not necessarily. With fewer listings, buyers are often willing to pay a premium for the right home. Pricing it correctly is key.


Final Thoughts

December can be a golden opportunity to make your real estate dreams come true in Calgary. Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing, PK Realty has the local expertise to guide you through the process. Don’t let the snow slow you down—take advantage of the Calgary market this winter!

Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate

Are you thinking of Selling or Buying your dream home? Connect with our expert team and learn how we make every real estate decision a confident one.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, real estate laws, market conditions, and regulations change frequently. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals such as real estate attorneys, financial advisors, mortgage brokers, or tax experts before making any decisions related to buying, selling, or investing in real estate. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.

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Happy Holidays!

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year behind us and set goals for the year ahead. While we can’t control everything life throws our way, creating a clear vision and actionable steps can set us up for success.

Have you thought about your goals for your home in the new year? Unlike spending on vacations or cars, investing in your home often comes with the potential for a significant return. If home improvements are on your 2025 to-do list, now is a great time to start exploring your options and finding a reputable contractor before their schedules fill up. Need recommendations? I’d be happy to connect you with trusted professionals.

Or maybe a move is in your future? If so, planning early is key. I’d love to help you navigate the process, whether it’s sharing market insights or providing a complimentary home valuation to help you make informed decisions.

Feel free to call or email me anytime—I’m here to help with all your home-related goals.

 

Keeping Kids Safe Online

 
 
During the holiday break, if you have kids, perhaps they’ll have more screen time than usual. Given the disturbing rise in online predators and cyberbullying, it’s a good time to consider how to keep kids as safe as possible online. For some helpful tips, keep reading.

Talk with your kids – Educate them on safe online practices, such as:

  • Never reveal personal information such as their address and age
  • Use screen names (not full names)
  • Don’t share passwords 
  • Never meet anyone from online in person
  • For threatening or hurtful messages, stop, block, and tell (a parent or guardian)
  • For older kids that post on socials, discuss how it can be shared with anyone, at any time.

Controls – A child’s online experience can be controlled in various ways, such as:

  • Confine device use to common areas
  • Install child-safe browsers 
  • Set privacy settings to the highest level 
  • Cover webcams when not in use
  • Install parent controls that block certain sites and restrict personal information from being sent
  • “Follow” them on socials to monitor their online activity.

Notice if your child is spending long hours online, especially at night, suddenly turning off their device when you walk into the room, withdrawing, or is secretive about what they are doing online, as these could be signs that they are being targeted by an online predator.

 

Planning for a Spring Reno

 
 
Are you thinking about doing a spring home renovation? If the answer is yes, now is the time to start planning.
To begin, it’s best to create a budget, determining how much you can afford to spend, including wiggle room for unexpected costs. There’s no telling what you may uncover behind a wall, above a ceiling, or under a floor.

After you know what you can afford, shop around for a contractor. Get at least three quotes from reputable contractors. Ensure that they understand your vision and budget.

Discuss a timeline with the contractor. Have a projected end date for the project and plan backward so you know how much time will be needed to complete the project.

After you have secured a contractor, make all material decisions early. Decide on style, colours, and sizes so the materials can be ordered well ahead of time in case of delays.

Also, consider how your reno may affect living arrangements. Will you need to rearrange how you live (e.g., live without a kitchen or bathroom) and if so, how will you manage that? Will you need to move somewhere else temporarily?

With some thoughtful preplanning, you will be in a much better position to secure a reputable contractor and have the renovation go smoothly, staying within your budget, and realizing your vision.
 

Bringing Nature Indoors: The Benefits of House Plants

 
 
The first day of winter will be arriving this month and depending on where you live, you may start spending more time indoors. But it doesn’t mean that you can’t bring the outside in. House plants are a great way to do that, and they have benefits for you as well, such as:
  • Reduced anxiety – One study used two groups that each transplanted a house plant and then did a computer task. Findings showed that at the end of transplanting, participants had a noted decrease in blood pressure compared to when they did the computer task.

  • Improved productivity – Another study found that when plants were added to a windowless lab, college students worked 12 per cent faster.

  • Increased happiness – People who spent 5 to 10 minutes in a room with a few house plants were reported in an experiment to feel happier than people who spent time in a room with no plants.

  • Sharpened attention – When elementary-aged students were placed in separate classrooms, one with a real plant, one with an artificial plant, and one with a photo of a plant, a study found the students in the room with the real plant showed improvements in attention and concentration in brain scans.

So, if you are thinking of getting house plants, or adding some to your collection, check online for the many options available.

 

Holiday Events and Festivals

 
 
Looking for festive fun in Calgary this holiday season? From magical train rides and Grinch-inspired workshops to sparkling light displays and Santa visits, there's something for everyone! Explore Calgary's best Christmas events, create cherished memories, and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. ???
Once Upon A Christmas (Dec 7 – 22)
Step into the magic of Christmas at Heritage Park’s beloved holiday tradition. Enjoy wagon rides, carolers, Santa visits, and a festive market in a charming winter wonderland!
Grinch Tree Workshop (Dec 13)
Create your own Grinch-inspired Christmas tree! Perfect for all skill levels, with expert guidance and all materials provided, it’s a fun and festive event for everyone.
Santa's Holiday Brunch (until Dec 15)
Join Santa's Holiday Brunch at Granary Road every Saturday and Sundays, for a magical morning of delicious breakfast treats and festive fun. Enjoy a hot chocolate bar, a Christmas market, Santa photos, workshops, and more!
The Polar Express™ Train Ride (until Dec 24)
All aboard The Polar Express™ for a magical trip to the North Pole with hot chocolate, cookies, and festive fun. Meet Santa and take home a special sleigh bell to remember the journey!
Santa’s Enchanted Forest (until Dec 24)
Visit the Enchanted Forest for a magical journey to Santa and professional holiday photos. Book your appointment to create cherished memories!
Holidays at Deerfoot City (until Dec 24)
Celebrate the holidays at Deerfoot City with festive fun at Santa’s Chalet. Enjoy Santa photos, sleigh rides, crafts, films, and more, plus gift wrapping by donation to support Kids Up Front Calgary!
Calgary Zoo: ZOOLIGHTS (until Jan 5)
Experience the magic of ZOOLIGHTS, where dazzling lights, festive fun, and winter activities create unforgettable holiday memories. Don’t miss the city’s favorite sparkling tradition!
Lions Festival of Lights (until Jan 8)
Drive or walk through a spectacular display of holiday lights at Confederation Park.

Your Trusted Partner in Real Estate

Are you thinking of Selling or Buying your dream home? Connect with our expert team and learn how we make every real estate decision a confident one.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, tax, or investment advice. While we strive to ensure accuracy, real estate laws, market conditions, and regulations change frequently. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals such as real estate attorneys, financial advisors, mortgage brokers, or tax experts before making any decisions related to buying, selling, or investing in real estate. We do not assume any liability for actions taken based on the information provided in this blog.

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Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.