If you’re thinking about moving, one of the toughest questions you’ll face is whether to buy before you sell or sell before you buy. Most of us don’t have the luxury of holding two properties at once, so making the right call is crucial. Here’s why selling first, then buying, might be the smarter and more stress-free choice.

1. Clear Financial Picture

When you sell your home first, you get to see exactly how much money you’ll have for your next property. Once you have a firm offer on your current home, you’ll know what your budget is for the next one. This makes securing your new mortgage easier and more predictable—no guessing how much you can afford.

2. Avoid Financial Stress

Carrying two mortgages at once can be a financial nightmare. By selling first, you won’t have to worry about paying for two homes simultaneously. This gives you the peace of mind to focus on finding the perfect new place, without worrying about double the bills.

3. Stronger Negotiating Power

Selling your home before you buy puts you in a better position to negotiate. Sellers love buyers who already have a firm offer—they know you’re serious and financially ready to move forward. This can give you an edge, especially in competitive markets where you don’t want to miss out on your dream home. Plus, it’s much more attractive to sellers than putting a “sale of buyer’s home” condition on your offer. That condition can make you seem uncertain, which can weaken your position in negotiations.

4. More Time, Less Rush

Selling first means you have more time to find your next home. No need to rush into decisions or settle for something that doesn’t feel right. You can take your time, especially in markets where things are starting to balance out, giving you the opportunity to negotiate and get the best deal.

Conclusion

For most people, selling before buying is the more practical route. It helps you avoid the stress of carrying two homes, gives you more control over your financial situation, and provides you with stronger negotiating power. Plus, it's much more attractive to sellers when you don’t need to rely on the sale of your current home. While it may take a little longer, in the end, it’s usually the best path to a smooth transition to your next home.

Navigating Calgary’s 2025 Housing Market: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

As a Calgary Realtor, I’ve been keeping a close eye on our housing market’s latest trends. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or invest, understanding these shifts can help you make the best real estate decisions. Let’s dive into what’s happening in Calgary’s market and what it means for you!

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Attention: Calgary’s Market Is Changing

Calgary’s real estate landscape is transitioning as we move into 2025. Market activity has slowed compared to last year, but home values remain steady.

📉 Sales Decline – Home sales dropped 19% year-over-year, totaling 1,721 units in February.

📈 Home Prices Hold Steady – Despite the slowdown in sales, Calgary’s average home price increased by 5.1%, reaching $612,838 in February.

🏡 Inventory Growth – More homes are hitting the market, offering buyers increased choices.

These shifts suggest that we are moving toward a more balanced market—where neither buyers nor sellers have a distinct advantage.

(Source: WOWA)

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Interest: What’s Driving These Market Trends?

Several key factors are shaping Calgary’s real estate market this year:

1. Economic Uncertainty

Ongoing economic fluctuations, including tariff threats and inflation concerns, have impacted consumer confidence. This has led to a slowdown in buyer activity, despite relatively stable home values.

(Source: CREB)

2. Inventory & Supply Levels Are Increasing

Compared to last year, Calgary’s housing inventory has grown significantly. As of March 2025:

• Total inventory: 5,154 homes (+30% year-over-year)

• Months of supply: 2.4 months (up from under 2 months last year)

More supply means buyers have more options, and sellers may need to adjust expectations around pricing and market timing.

3. Price Trends Vary by Property Type

• Detached homes – Prices are up 5% year-over-year, with a benchmark price of $769,800.

• Semi-detached homes – Prices remain 5% higher than last year, averaging $691,900.

• Row homes – Prices increased by 2%, but remain below peak levels from last June.

• Condominiums – Prices are 3% higher than last March, but have softened compared to their peak in August 2024.

(Source: CREB)

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Desire: What This Means for Buyers & Sellers

For Buyers: More Choices, Less Pressure

✅ More inventory means more selection – Unlike last year’s intense bidding wars, buyers now have time to explore their options.

✅ Interest rates may soften – If borrowing rates drop in the coming months, it could make homeownership more affordable.

✅ Certain property types are still competitive – Homes under $700,000 continue to see tight supply, making them prime targets for buyers looking to move quickly.

For Sellers: Pricing & Strategy Matter More Than Ever

✅ Price your home competitively – Overpricing could cause your listing to sit on the market longer.

✅ Marketing is key – Professional photos, virtual tours, and staging can help attract serious buyers.

✅ Higher-priced homes may take longer to sell – Homes above $800,000 are seeing higher inventory levels, shifting conditions toward buyers.

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Action: How to Navigate This Market

The best way to succeed in Calgary’s 2025 housing market is to stay informed and work with a knowledgeable Realtor (like us!). Here’s what you can do next:

📌 Thinking of buying? Let’s set up a home search tailored to your needs. I’ll help you find the right home at the right price.

📌 Selling your home? We’ll provide a custom market analysis and strategy to get you the best possible price.

📌 Just curious about market trends? I’m happy to chat and provide insights specific to your community.

The Calgary market is always evolving, and whether you’re buying or selling, I’m here to help you make the most informed decision.

📞 Get in touch today!