What to Do When You Inherit a House in Calgary

Inheriting a home can feel overwhelming.

You’re often dealing with emotional decisions and legal responsibilities at the same time.

Step 1: Understand the Legal Process

Confirm ownership, probate status, and authority to sell.

Step 2: Secure the Property

• Change locks if needed

• Maintain insurance

• Check utilities

Step 3: Sort the Contents

Decide what to:

• Keep

• Sell

• Donate

• Discard

Step 4: Prepare the Home for Sale

Focus on:

• Cleanliness

• Safety

• Presentation

Step 5: Build a Plan

Some families prioritize speed.
Others want to maximize value.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

👉 I help families manage this process step-by-step.

Reach out if you need guidance.

Should You Sell First or Buy First in Calgary?

This is one of the most common questions I get:

“Should I sell my home first or buy first?”

The answer depends on your situation.

Selling First (Lower Risk)

• You know exactly what you can afford

• No pressure to carry two homes

• More financial control

Buying First (More Flexibility)

• You secure your next home

• Avoid temporary housing

• Helpful in low-inventory markets

What Most Calgary Sellers Don’t Realize

Buying before selling can create pressure to accept a lower offer — or carry two properties longer than expected.

The Right Strategy

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

👉 I help clients map out both scenarios so you can make the right decision for your situation.

👉 Reach out if you want to walk through your options.

By Theresa Jennings, Broker/Owner of Revolve Realty Group Inc., serving Calgary and surrounding communities since 2006.

The Calgary real estate market is changing — but this isn’t a crash story.

After several years of intense seller-driven conditions, Calgary is transitioning into a more balanced market. Buyers are gaining more options, inventory is rising, and pricing growth has slowed across several property types.

At the same time, global economic uncertainty, ongoing Middle East tensions, fluctuating interest rates, and strengthening oil prices are creating a very different environment than what economists were forecasting earlier this year.

So what does all of this actually mean if you’re buying, selling, investing, or planning a move in Calgary?

Let’s break it down.

Calgary Is No Longer in a Frenzied Seller’s Market

For the past three years, Calgary sellers had the upper hand:

• Low inventory

• Multiple offers

• Rapid price growth

• Buyers competing aggressively

But the market is now normalizing.

More listings are hitting the market.
Builders dramatically increased construction.
Buyers have become more cautious.
And many sellers are discovering that pricing strategy matters again.

This shift doesn’t mean Calgary is weak — it means we are moving toward a healthier, more balanced market.

Inventory Has Increased Across Calgary

One of the biggest changes in 2026 is supply.

We are seeing:

• More resale listings

• Record apartment construction

• Increased rental inventory

• More choice for buyers overall

This is especially noticeable in:

• Condos

• Apartment-style properties

• Some townhome segments

• Investor-heavy areas

Buyers now have more negotiating power than they’ve had in years.

For sellers, preparation, presentation, and accurate pricing are becoming critical again.

Detached Homes Continue to Hold Strongest

While some property types are softening, detached homes continue to show the most stability overall.

Why?

• Limited new detached supply

• Calgary remains affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver

• Continued migration into Alberta

• Strong long-term demand for family housing

Well-priced detached homes in desirable communities are still moving — especially properties that show well and are positioned correctly from day one.

Condos and Rentals Face More Pressure

The condo market is experiencing the most competition right now.

A large amount of new apartment and rental inventory has entered the market, giving buyers and renters more choices.

As a result:

• Condo price growth has softened

• Rental vacancy rates are rising

• Rent increases are slowing

• Investors are becoming more selective

This doesn’t mean condos are a bad investment — but strategy and location matter more than ever.

Certain areas are outperforming others significantly.

Oil Prices Could Become a Major Wildcard for Calgary

One major factor that has changed since the original forecasts earlier this year is the global geopolitical environment.

Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are putting upward pressure on oil prices, and historically, stronger energy markets tend to support Alberta’s economy.

If oil prices continue rising, Calgary could benefit through:

• Increased energy investment

• Stronger employment growth

• Improved consumer confidence

• Renewed migration into Alberta

This is why Calgary’s housing market may remain more resilient than many other Canadian cities despite broader economic uncertainty.

Interest Rates Are Still a Major Factor

Many buyers were hoping for aggressive interest rate cuts in 2026.

So far, that hasn’t fully happened.

Rates remain elevated compared to the ultra-low borrowing environment people became used to years ago.

This means:

• Affordability still matters

• Buyers are more payment-sensitive

• Sellers must price realistically

• Financing conditions are shaping purchasing decisions

The market today is being driven more by supply and demand fundamentals — not cheap money.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, this market creates opportunities:

• More inventory

• Less competition

• More time to make decisions

• Greater negotiating ability

• Better conditions for inspections and financing

In many cases, buyers can now secure homes without the extreme pressure we saw over the past few years.

What This Means for Sellers

For sellers, strategy matters more than ever.

The homes that sell fastest and strongest today are:

• Properly priced

• Professionally marketed

• Well prepared

• Positioned correctly online

• Backed by a clear launch strategy

The days of simply putting a sign on the lawn and expecting multiple offers immediately are becoming less common in many price ranges and property types.

Final Thoughts: Calgary Remains One of Canada’s Strongest Long-Term Markets

Despite shifting conditions, Calgary continues to stand out nationally for:

• Relative affordability

• Economic opportunity

• Population growth

• Lifestyle

• Long-term investment potential

The market is evolving — not collapsing.

And in changing markets, having the right strategy matters more than ever.

Whether you’re buying, selling, downsizing, relocating, or investing, understanding your specific segment of the market is key.

If you’d like personalized advice based on your home, neighbourhood, or goals, I’d be happy to help.

— Theresa Jennings
Broker/Owner, Revolve Realty Group Inc.
Calgary, Alberta

Thinking about selling your home in Calgary? Here’s a clear breakdown of the real costs you should expect.

If you’re planning to sell your home in Calgary, one of the first questions is:

“How much will it actually cost?”

The answer depends on your home, your strategy, and how prepared you are before listing.

1. Real Estate Commission

This is typically the largest cost when selling. It varies depending on the level of service, marketing, and strategy involved.

2. Legal Fees

A real estate lawyer is required to finalize the transaction. Costs vary depending on complexity.

3. Preparation Costs

Before listing, many homes benefit from:

• Cleaning

• Minor repairs

• Painting

• Staging

Not all updates are worth doing — the key is knowing what actually adds value.

4. Moving Costs

Often overlooked, but can add up quickly depending on timing and distance.

What Actually Matters

Not all spending increases your sale price.

Strategic preparation can significantly impact:

• Buyer interest

• Time on market

• Final sale price

Want a Personalized Estimate?

Every home is different.

👉 Contact me here to walk through your specific situation and get a personalized estimate.

Or download my free guide:
👉 Secrets Every Seller Needs to Know