When searching for a condo in Calgary, you may come across properties built with post-tension cable (PTC) construction. This building method was commonly used in high-rise, concrete-construction condos during the 1970s and 1980s. While it offers some structural advantages, there are also important considerations to keep in mind when buying a condo in a PTC building.

What Are Post-Tension Cables?

Post-tension cables are steel cables encased in plastic tubing that are stretched under high tension within concrete slabs. This construction technique allows for more open floor plans without the need for support pillars, making for spacious and modern layouts. While primarily found in concrete high-rises, PTC construction can also be present in some wood-frame buildings with concrete slabs above the parkade level.

Potential Risks of Post-Tension Cable Buildings

While PTC buildings offer design benefits, they also come with potential drawbacks, particularly concerning long-term maintenance and financing. Over time, the steel cables inside the concrete can corrode, leading to costly repairs and ongoing monitoring requirements.

Most condo corporations in Calgary that manage PTC buildings have implemented routine inspections to monitor cable conditions. Depending on the building, these inspections may take place every year or every few years, with necessary maintenance costs factored into the condo's operating budget.

Challenges with Financing and Resale

One of the most significant challenges with post-tension cable buildings is obtaining mortgage approval. Many lenders hesitate to approve financing for condos in PTC buildings, and mortgage insurance is typically required regardless of the down payment amount. Among Canada’s three major mortgage insurers, one does not insure PTC buildings at all, while the other two consider them on a case-by-case basis.

Due to the financing restrictions, selling a condo in a PTC building can be more challenging. A smaller pool of eligible buyers often results in lower resale values, which is why many 1970s and 1980s condos in Calgary appear to be great deals at first glance.

Should You Consider a Post-Tension Cable Condo?

Every buyer's situation is unique, and there are advantages to purchasing a condo in a PTC building. If resale value isn’t your primary concern, these condos can offer a lot of space in desirable locations for a lower price. Additionally, many PTC buildings in Calgary are well-managed, with regular monitoring and maintenance plans in place.

Before making a decision, it's essential to weigh the benefits against the potential financing and resale challenges. If you’re unsure whether a PTC building is the right fit for you, consulting with a knowledgeable real estate professional can help you make an informed choice.

Need Expert Guidance in Your Condo Search?

Whether you’re looking for a post-tension cable condo or want to avoid them entirely, having the right real estate expert on your side makes all the difference. Contact me today to discuss your priorities, and let’s find the perfect Calgary condo for your needs!

When buying or selling a home, one crucial metric to consider is the sale-to-list price ratio. This ratio represents the percentage of a home’s final sale price compared to its original listing price. A higher ratio indicates a stronger seller’s market, while a lower ratio suggests more room for negotiation for buyers.

Calgary’s Sale-to-List Price Ratio: A Market Overview

Over the past several months, Calgary’s real estate market has seen fluctuations in the sale-to-list price ratio, reflecting seasonal changes and shifting market conditions. Below is a breakdown of recent trends:

Visualizing the Market Trend

What This Means for You

For Buyers:

• With the sale-to-list price ratio trending downward, buyers may have more room to negotiate.

• Sellers are increasingly open to offers below the asking price, making it an excellent time to explore your options.

For Sellers:

• Competitive pricing is essential to attract serious buyers in this shifting market.

• Offering added incentives, such as flexible closing dates or home upgrades, can make your property stand out and secure a strong offer.

Have Questions?

If you’re curious about how this trend might impact your buying or selling decisions, Nika and I’d be happy to provide personalized insights. Please reach out, and we can discuss your unique situation.

Looking forward to helping you navigate Calgary’s evolving real estate market!

Buying a new build home is an exciting experience! The thought of owning a brand-new, never-lived-in property, customized to your style and preferences, is incredibly appealing. However, while the process can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming. This is where a knowledgeable realtor can be an invaluable asset. Here’s how a realtor can help you navigate the new build process and why it’s important to have one by your side.

1. Realtors Are Your Advocate

One of the most important roles a realtor plays is acting as your advocate. The sales agents at showhomes work for the builder, and while they are helpful, they represent the builder’s interests. A realtor, however, works for YOU. They’re there to ensure that your best interests are at the forefront of the transaction, helping you make informed decisions every step of the way.

2. Expert Guidance on New Build Options/Upgrades

New homes come with a variety of choices—floor plans, finishes, upgrades, and customization options. It can be tough to navigate all of these decisions on your own. A realtor brings expertise to the table, helping you understand which features add value, which upgrades are worth the investment, and which may not be as important. This guidance can save you time, money, and frustration in the long run.

3. Realtors Help You Avoid Pitfalls

With new builds, there are often unexpected details or potential pitfalls that aren’t immediately obvious. For example, builders might have specific timelines for completion, or there could be hidden costs in upgrades that don’t always get discussed upfront. An experienced realtor can help you avoid these traps by reviewing the fine print, negotiating with the builder on your behalf, and ensuring that everything is clear from the beginning. Informed Decisions: Your realtor can provide you with information on the builder’s reputation, the quality of their work, and the neighborhood, ensuring that you’re making a well-informed choice.

5. A Realtor Can Negotiate Better Terms for You

New home builders often have fixed pricing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t negotiate. Realtors are skilled negotiators and can help you secure additional perks or incentives, such as upgrades, price reductions, or other bonuses that may not be advertised. These benefits are often not available to buyers who don’t have a realtor representing them, so having one can make a significant difference in your deal.

6. The First Visit to a Showhome: Why It’s So Important to Bring a Realtor

The first visit to a showhome is a major step in the buying process. This is where you get a real sense of the builder’s work, see floor plans in action, and start to envision what your future home could look like. If you go to a showhome alone, the builder’s sales agent will assume that you’re not working with a realtor. While that’s fine, it means your realtor won't be able to represent you in the process from the outset. This could lead to missed opportunities or misunderstandings down the line.

So, whether you're considering your first new build or your next one, make sure you have a trusted realtor with you from the beginning. It’s the smartest move you can make in the new construction home-buying process!

The Calgary real estate market is showing some positive shifts in 2025. After three years of limited inventory, January saw a 70% year-over-year increase in available homes, with a total of 3,639 units listed. While that’s a big improvement, we’re still below the typical 4,000+ units we usually see at this time of year.

What’s Changing?

Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®, expects supply levels to improve this year, leading to more balanced conditions and slower price growth. However, not all property types are seeing the same changes. While detached and semi-detached homes are still in high demand, apartment-style condos are starting to show excess supply, particularly in the higher price ranges.

Market Conditions

In January, the months of supply rose to 2.5 months, up from last year's 1 month, but still on the lower side. The months of supply varied: semi-detached homes had under 2 months, while apartment condos reached 3.5 months.

Pricing Trends

The benchmark price for residential homes remained steady at $583,000, up about 3% from last year. Prices are stabilizing, though some areas and property types are still seeing higher growth.

What Does This Mean for You?

For buyers, there are more options—especially in the condo market—but competition remains high for detached homes. Sellers will see more inventory competition, so pricing your property correctly is key.

Feel free to reach out if you have questions about navigating these changes in the market. Let’s make sure you’re in the best position, whether you’re buying or selling!

If you're thinking about selling your home, there’s a secret that many seasoned real estate agents already know: Spring is the ideal time to list your property. While it’s tempting to wait for that perfect moment when your home looks its absolute best, the truth is that early Spring often provides a much better opportunity for sellers than later in the season.

Here’s why

1. Buyer Activity is at Its Peak

Spring sees a dramatic increase in buyer activity. After a quiet winter, buyers are ready to jump into the market. Early Spring buyers are motivated, often looking to settle in before summer. They’re usually well-prepared—pre-approved for mortgages, familiar with the market, and serious about making a move. And here’s the kicker: they’re more likely to act fast because they want to get ahead of the competition that will show up later.

2. Less Competition, More Exposure

Listing in early spring gives you an edge. There are fewer homes on the market, so your property has a better chance of standing out. As we get into late spring and summer, the inventory increases, and so does the competition. More homes means more choices for buyers, which could slow down your sale or even lead to price cuts. By listing early, you're giving your home maximum exposure with fewer options for buyers to compare it to.

3. Motivated Buyers = Faster Offers

People out house-hunting in early Spring aren’t just window shopping—they’re looking to buy. They're often already familiar with the market and have been waiting for the right home to come up. That sense of urgency is powerful. Many buyers want to make a move before the summer rush, which means they're ready to make quick offers. If they love your home, they may act fast to avoid missing out.

4. Timing is Everything: Early Spring is Key

Don’t wait for late Spring or summer to list. Here’s why: if you wait until later in the season, you’re competing with a larger number of homes, and many potential buyers have already made their decisions. Based on market trends, homes listed in March and April see more serious buyers. By June, many buyers have already found homes, leaving you with fewer options—and potentially slower offers.

5. Pricing and Strategy Matter

Pricing your home right from the start is crucial. In early Spring, there’s a good chance you’ll attract serious offers at your asking price (or higher). But as we move into the summer months, you'll find more competing sellers—and possibly lower offers. Listing early means you’re part of the Spring rush before the market cools down, and you have the chance to get a solid price without facing as much price pressure from the competition.

Bottom Line: List Early for the Best Results

If you're thinking about selling, Spring is the time to do it. With more motivated buyers, less competition, and your home looking its best, listing early in the season gives you the best chance to sell fast and for a great price. So, why wait? Let's get your home on the market and take advantage of this prime time to sell. If you're ready, we are here to guide you through every step of the process!