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My House Isn't Selling. Is reducing the price the best option?

If your house isn't selling, you're not alone. The Okotoks market is a bit strange right now.  One of the hardest parts of selling a home is watching it sit on the market while other properties seem to sell around you.

Every showing gets your hopes up, and every day without an offer leaves you wondering what you're doing wrong.

The good news? A home that hasn't sold isn't necessarily a bad home. It simply means your current strategy isn't connecting with today's buyers.

One phrase we often use with clients is:

"The market never lies, but it can change its mind."

Buyer preferences, interest rates, inventory levels, and even the weather can influence how quickly a home sells.

Before making a drastic decision, let's look at the options available if your home won't sell.

1. Review Your Asking Price

Price is usually the biggest factor influencing buyer interest.

Today's buyers can easily compare:

  • Similar homes currently for sale including new homes in adjacent communities

  • Recent sold prices

  • Previous price reductions

  • Neighbourhood statistics

If comparable homes are selling while yours isn't, it's worth taking an honest look at your pricing strategy. 

Sometimes a small price adjustment is enough to expose your property to an entirely new group of buyers.

For example, a home listed at $605,000 may receive significantly more online exposure if priced at $599,900, simply because many buyers search in price brackets under $600,000.

A strategic adjustment often performs much better than multiple small price reductions over time.

2. Improve Your Home's Presentation

First impressions matter, both online and in person.

Ask yourself:

  • Is the landscaping welcoming?

  • Is the home spotless and odour-free?

  • Have you removed excess personal items?

  • Are your listing photos showing the home's best features?

  • Does the home feel bright and inviting?

  • Were any issues identified during your pre-listing inspection left unrepaired?

Often, relatively inexpensive improvements can have a significant impact, including:

  • Fresh paint (especially if you have red or very dark walls in the main living areas)

  • Decluttering Here are some tips on decluttering.

  • Brighter light bulbs or updated light fixtures

Sometimes buyers aren't rejecting the house, they're reacting to the presentation.

3. Refresh Your Marketing

If your listing has been online for several weeks, many buyers have already scrolled past it.

That doesn't necessarily mean they've lost interest, it may simply be time for a fresh approach.

When we market homes, we regularly refresh the advertising throughout the listing period, particularly when seasons change. Nobody wants to see a Christmas tree in January!

This may include:

  • Updating, rearranging or removing listing photos 

  • Creating new social media ads

  • Highlighting different features

  • Rewriting the MLS® description

Sometimes it's the marketing, not the house, that needs updating.

4. Consider Renting Instead

If selling today doesn't make financial sense, renting your property may be worth considering.

That said, not every property makes a good rental and not every homeowner can be a good landlord! Ask me how I know!!

Some homeowners decide to rent while waiting for:

  • Higher property values

  • Increased buyer demand

  • A more favourable selling market

Before becoming a landlord, think about:

  • Monthly cash flow (your rent may not cover the entire mortgage payment, but ideally it should cover the interest and operating costs)

  • Property management responsibilities (definitely hire a property manager if you are moving away)

  • Ongoing maintenance and repairs (there will be wear and tear)

  • Insurance requirements

  • Condo bylaws or restrictions (Many do not allow short term rentals such as AirBNB)

  • Tax implications

For some homeowners, renting provides flexibility while preserving the opportunity to sell later.

5. Sell Quickly with an Aggressive Price ("Fire Sale")

Sometimes speed is more important than maximizing price.

Perhaps you've already purchased another home, are relocating, settling an estate, or simply want to move on.

Pricing aggressively below comparable homes can generate immediate interest and may even create multiple offers.

However, proceed carefully.

Selling significantly below market value can cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Before choosing this option, make sure you understand exactly what you're giving up—and whether another strategy could achieve the same result.

A fire sale should always be a business decision, not an emotional one.

6. Take Your Home Off the Market

Sometimes the best move is no move at all.

If your listing has become stale, temporarily removing it from the market allows you to:

  • Complete minor renovations

  • Improve curb appeal

  • Wait for a stronger selling season

  • Relaunch with fresh marketing

In the Calgary real estate market, Days on Market (DOM) reset after a listing has been off the MLS® System for 15 days.

This can give your property a fresh start when it returns to market, especially when combined with some of the other ideas. 

7. Be Patient

Real estate markets don't move in a straight line.

Interest rates, seasonal trends, economic uncertainty, buyer confidence, and available inventory all affect how quickly homes sell.

The 2026 spring real estate market has been as unpredictable as our weather.

Ultimately, being patient might be the only option depending on circumstances. You can do everything right, price, presentation, marketing, but if the buyers don’t want your home right now, there’s nothing that can be done except be patient. 

If you don't have a firm deadline to move, patience may be the best financial decision.

Sometimes waiting is not only acceptable, it's the smartest strategy available.

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SOLD in The View at Sunrise, High River

Welcome home! You won't find a more welcoming condo in all of High River. Centered around a welcoming community, The View at Sunrise is an amazing 55+ apartment building, complete with games room, fitness room, common dining area, and a theater room. The home has a full well laid out kitchen, open living room with Air Conditioning. The 2 bedrooms have large windows to welcome in lots of natural light. The primary bedroom comes complete with a 4 piece ensuite. The main bathroom has the stacked in-unit laundry machines. Your parking stall is underground, and in a great spot being right beside your caged storage unit, and a quick walk to the elevator. Make this amazing home yours, and call your favourite agent to book a showing!

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SOLD in Devonshire Building at Rideau Place

Perched above the city in Calgary's iconic Rideau Towers, this rare higher floor unit offers breathtaking panoramic views of downtown, the Elbow River valley, and the city skyline. Located in historic Devonshire House, one of Calgary's most recognizable mid-century modern buildings, this spacious one-bedroom condominium combines an unbeatable location with incredible potential. The well-designed layout features a generous living room, large primary bedroom, full bathroom, functional kitchen, pantry storage, and an expansive balcony stretching over 33 feet across the entire width of the unit, an extraordinary outdoor space rarely found in today's condominium market. The unit remains largely original and presents a fantastic opportunity for buyers looking to renovate and create their own custom residence in one of Calgary's most prestigious inner-city neighbourhoods. Whether you're an investor, designer, renovator, or buyer with a vision, the possibilities here are endless. Rideau Park is renowned for its mature trees, quiet streets, and exceptional proximity to Mission, the Elbow River pathway system, downtown Calgary, restaurants, shopping, and transit. If you've been waiting for an affordable entry into one of Calgary's most sought-after locations, this is your chance to transform a classic residence into something truly special. Outdoor pool access is available for additional fee.

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New Listing

I have listed a new property at 216 474 Seton CIRCLE SE in Calgary. See details here

Welcome home! This is a pet-friendly condo, so your pets are more than welcome! You can have up to 2 pets without board approval, combined with the fenced front yard, this home is great for you and your pets! This home is perfectly situated to take advantage of all Seton has to offer. Walking paths out your front door, Seton’s private Community Center across the street, quick access to highways, and the worlds LARGEST YMCA just up the road. The living room and kitchen are the heart of this home, they are both naturally lit, and have plenty of space to cook and host. The 2 bedrooms are at the back of the home, and provide enough space for a queen sized bed in each, and the closets provide plenty of storage. The 4 piece bathroom is bright and comes complete with quartz counters, and a tub shower combo. This home is the pinnacle of easy maintenance, with tough materials used throughout, and low condo fees, this is a great home for a first time homebuyer, or someone looking to downsize. Call your favourite agent to book a private viewing!

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SOLD in Seton, Calgary

OPEN HOUSE: SAT JUNE 20 1-3 PM Welcome to this exceptional executive home, perfectly positioned on a large corner lot in the vibrant community of Seton. Offering an oversized triple garage and thoughtfully curated upgrades throughout, this residence delivers the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and functionality. A welcoming foyer introduces the bright, open-concept main floor, highlighted by 9-foot ceilings & 8-foot doors on main & upper levels with elegant finishes. The sun-filled great room is anchored by a striking 60” Amantii electric fireplace. Designed for both everyday living and entertaining, the chef-inspired kitchen features full-height white cabinetry, quartz countertops, large central island with waterfall edge, & premium stainless steel appliances. A dedicated coffee station and walk-through pantry with a custom built-in bar featuring glass cabinetry, wine rack, beverage fridge and abundant storage add both style and convenience. Spacious dining area flows seamlessly from the kitchen offering ample room for family gatherings and entertaining. A versatile open office space, 2-pc powder room, & luxury vinyl plank flooring throughout complete the main level. The home is flooded with natural ambient light throughout with the abundant windows. Upstairs, a comfortable bonus room provides additional living space, equipped with built-in speakers. The generous primary suite showcases a vaulted ceiling, easily accommodates a king-sized bed, features a walk-in closet and a spa-inspired 5-piece ensuite with dual vanities, freestanding soaker tub, glass-enclosed shower, and private water closet. Two additional well-sized bedrooms, a 4-pc main bathroom & laundry with custom cabinetry complete the upper level. The unspoiled basement boasts impressive 8’9” ceilings and rough-in plumbing, offering endless potential for future development. Step outside to a professionally landscaped and fully fenced yard, complete with a 6-zone irrigation system (including tree lines), ambient night lighting, & an additional gas line for a fire table. Exterior rough-in conduits are in place for future hot tub and patio lighting. The garage is roughed in for a heater (gas & electrical), 240V plug for EV charging. Notable upgrades include: Central A/C, Hunter Douglas automatic blinds, Kinetico water softener, Tankless water heater, Gas line for BBQ, in-ceiling speakers, wired-in for exterior cameras, HRV fresh air ventilation. Built as a customized version of the “Clairmont” model by Cedarglen, this gorgeous home reflects meticulous attention to detail and undeniable pride of ownership. Located just minutes from parks, pathways, & protected natural areas, offering unparalleled access to Seton’s premier amenities—including South Health Campus, YMCA, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more. Quick connections to Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail, commuting is effortless. This is more than a home - it’s a complete lifestyle in one of Calgary’s most dynamic and connected communities.

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New Listing in D’Arcy

I have listed a new property at 18 Willow CRESCENT in Okotoks. See details here

One of the largest semi-detached homes in the community, offering over 1,600 sq ft above grade, an unfinished basement, and room to build the garage you actually want. Why pay a premium for someone else's upgrades when you can create a space that suits your own lifestyle and budget? Step inside to a bright and welcoming main floor where the sunny south-facing living room is filled with natural light. Just off the front entry is a versatile flex room that works beautifully as a home office, playroom, reading room, or homework space. At the heart of the home, the spacious kitchen features a large island with seating for four, plenty of cabinetry, and a stainless steel appliance package including a double oven, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator with water dispenser. The adjoining dining area creates a functional layout for both everyday living and entertaining. The rear mudroom offers additional storage with a bench and closet and provides direct access to the deck and backyard. With ample space available, you'll have the freedom to design and build a future double garage sized for your vehicles, toys, or workshop needs. Upstairs, the generous primary suite features a walk-in closet and private 3-piece ensuite. A central loft/bonus room separates the primary bedroom from the secondary bedrooms, creating a flexible family-friendly layout ideal for a media room, play area, or home office. Two additional bedrooms and a full 4-piece bathroom complete the upper level. The unfinished basement offers excellent future potential with rough-in plumbing already in place for a bathroom. Whether you're dreaming of additional bedrooms, a recreation room, home gym, or all three, the space is ready for your ideas. Additional features include central air conditioning, a sunny south-facing front exposure, and exceptional value for buyers looking for space, flexibility, and the opportunity to personalize a home over time. If you've been searching for square footage, functionality, and room to add your own improvements without paying for someone else's choices, this home deserves a look. Prelisting inspection has been completed. Carpets professionally cleaned, walls freshly painted. This home is movein ready!

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Possession Day: When do sellers receive their money after possession day?

If you're selling a home in Okotoks, Calgary, or Foothills County, one of the most common questions is: "When will I receive my money after Possession Day?" While every transaction is different, most Alberta sellers receive their net sale proceeds later on Possession Day or within one to two business days.

1. Possession Day

Possession Day is the day the buyer receives the keys and takes ownership of the property. Before keys can be released, the buyer's lawyer must transfer the purchase funds to the seller's lawyer and all closing conditions must be satisfied. 

Although possession occurs on a specific day, sellers should not expect to receive their sale proceeds first thing that morning. Lawyers must first receive, verify, and process the funds before they can be distributed.

2. Mortgage Payout and Closing Adjustments

Before any sale proceeds can be released to you, your lawyer must pay out any existing mortgage registered against the property.

A common cause of delays is waiting for the lender to provide a final mortgage payout statement. Until the exact payout amount is confirmed, your lawyer cannot finalize the transaction.

Your lawyer will also account for:

  • Real estate commissions and GST (if applicable)

  • Legal fees and disbursements

  • Property tax adjustments

  • Condo fee adjustments (if applicable)

  • Any agreed-upon holdbacks or credits

Once these amounts have been paid, the remaining balance becomes your net sale proceeds.

3. How Will I Receive My Funds?

Most Alberta lawyers will either:

  • Deposit the funds directly into your bank account, or

  • Provide a trust cheque for pickup or delivery

Even when funds are transferred electronically, banks may place a hold on all or part of the deposit. Depending on your financial institution, it may take one or more business days before the funds are fully accessible. If you are depositing a cheque, it may take 5-7 business days before you can access the full amount. 

4. Potential Delays

Most transactions close smoothly, but delays can occur for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Late mortgage payout information from the lender

  • Delays in receiving purchase funds from the buyer's lawyer

  • Issues with the Real Property Report (RPR) or municipal compliance

  • Title registration issues

  • Last-minute legal or financing concerns

Your REALTOR® and lawyer will work together to address any issues and keep the transaction moving forward.

5. What Is Typical in Alberta?

In most Alberta transactions, sellers receive their net sale proceeds either later on Possession Day or within one to two business days afterward.

If you need the funds for another purchase or a significant expense, speak with your lawyer well in advance so they can explain the expected timing for your specific transaction.

The Bottom Line

Possession Day does not always mean immediate access to your money. Your lawyer must first receive the purchase funds, pay out any mortgage and closing expenses, and complete all required legal steps before releasing your proceeds.

If you have questions about the timing of your sale proceeds, your lawyer is the best source of information for your particular transaction.

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New Listing

I have listed a new property at 917 High Park WAY NW in High River. See details here

Welcome home to this lovely, well thought out and well cared for home in Highwood Village. This home is in the perfect location if you are looking to be close to schools and pathways, or if you need quick access to the highway. The main floor boasts a large living room and well thought out kitchen and dining room. The kitchen is well lit with natural light, and provides lots of counterspace for all of your cooking or baking needs. You’ll want to be outside enjoying the warm weather (when it gets here) on the massive back deck, or enjoying yard games on the large lawn. On the main floor, you’ll also find the 2 piece bathroom and laundry room, providing plenty of space for tackling laundry. Upstairs, you’ll find 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. The primary bedroom is massive, and allows for a lot of privacy with it’s own 4 piece ensuite and walk in closet. The 2 additional bedrooms are well sized, with their own closets, and large windows. With large windows upstairs and down, you’ll be able to welcome all the natural light you could wish for. Downstairs, the basement has been finished with brand new Vinyl Plank Flooring, and has enough space for a weight rack and an air hockey table. There are 2 extra bedrooms in the basement, providing a total of 5 bedrooms to the home; perfect for a large family, for visiting family, or use the extra bedrooms as an office space. This home provides plenty of opportunity, and is turn-key ready to move in. The flooring on the main floor and basement are brand-new, the hot water tank was replaced in 2025, and the furnace was recently checked and given a clean bill of health. Want to spend some time in the garage? Or need space for a trailer? The 24x22 garage provides enough space to park vehicles, or function as a shop, without taking up all the parking! There is additional RV parking to the side of the garage, and you own the back lane, so if you need to park an additional vehicle, you won’t have an issue. Call your favourite realtor to book a viewing!

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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.