Author: Jon Valencia

  • Country Christmas Marketplace

    Country Christmas Marketplace

    The Country Christmas Marketplace is coming to Edmonton EXPO Centre, Hall E, from 2026-11-06 to 2026-11-08. Admission is free, making it a convenient local event to add to your seasonal calendar.

    Visitors can browse holiday shopping options from local vendors, artisans and retailers. The marketplace features handmade goods, gifts, décor, fashion, food and specialty products, offering plenty of seasonal inspiration in one Edmonton venue.

    For Edmonton residents considering a move, local events like this can be a helpful way to stay connected with the city and explore the places, amenities and activities that shape everyday neighbourhood life. Save the dates and plan your visit to Edmonton EXPO Centre, Hall E.

    If you are thinking about buying or selling in Edmonton, Alberta, message me to talk about your move and your real estate plans.

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  • Oxford Economics Names Edmonton a ‘City to Watch’ in 2026 Global Cities Index

    Oxford Economics Names Edmonton a ‘City to Watch’ in 2026 Global Cities Index

    Calgary ranks 69th and Edmonton 125th in a global city index, but Edmonton is named a North American "City to Watch" for its strong economic and demographic growth. Edmonton's population grew 3% recently, driven by interprovincial migration and rising incomes. The region is an industrial hub with a strong governance score but faces challenges like rising housing costs and environmental concerns. Its future growth depends on managing these pressures effectively.

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  • Lumber Tariffs Could Support 4,000 More Homes

    A housing agency said US tariffs could keep more Canadian lumber at home, potentially supporting ~4K extra homes each year through domestic homebuilding.
    Its analysis estimated more consistent use of Canadian wood products could lift annual ground-oriented housing starts by ~4%, adding supply where wood-based building is common.
    Building costs for those homes could fall by as much as ~17% in some Canadian markets, with savings varying by location and housing type.
    Detached homes and townhouses stood to benefit most because they use more wood products than high-rise apartment buildings, improving project economics for builders.
    The opportunity could help housing supply and forestry, but lumber prices address only part of builders' challenges, alongside elevated financing, labour, and other barriers.

  • Edmonton October Market: More Choice for Buyers

    Edmonton October Market: More Choice for Buyers

    Edmonton’s October market was relatively balanced, with a modest tilt toward buyers. About 4.0 months of supply, 81 days on market and a 98.6% sale-to-list ratio point to steady conditions for both buyers and sellers.

    Inventory was up 15.2% year over year, giving buyers more choice as they compare listings in Edmonton, Alberta. Additional selection can make it useful to review each home’s condition, location and fit before deciding how to proceed.

    Sales were down 8.3% year over year, and buyers may have more negotiating room in the current conditions. Sellers can respond by focusing on accurate positioning and understanding how their listing compares with available options.

    Whether you are considering buying or selling in Edmonton, Alberta, current market figures can help shape a thoughtful plan. Message me to talk about your move.

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  • Acadia Real Estate Statistics Update

    In Late-Q3 2026, Acadia's median ask was $315K and median sold price was $310.5K, offering a current snapshot of local pricing trends.
    Across the past 12 mo, Acadia's median ask reached $576.2K while median sold price came in at $568.6K, highlighting broader annual pricing levels.
    Late-Q3 inventory totaled 15 listings, up from 14 in the prior mo. Acadia recorded 186 homes listed across the past 12 mo.
    Acadia posted 7 sales in Late-Q3 2026, versus 12 a mo earlier. The prior-year comparison showed 0 sales and 0 listings locally.
    The highest Acadia sale over the past 12 mo reached $845.1K, while the local sales dataset was noted as incomplete and not fully reliable.

  • November Home Maintenance Checklist

    November Home Maintenance Checklist

    Prepare your Edmonton, Alberta home for November with practical maintenance reminders, from furnace servicing to window sealing and outdoor plumbing checks.

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  • Edmonton Down Payment Saving Time

    In Edmonton, a median-earning couple would have needed ~7 yr to save a ~20% down payment, assuming annual savings equal to ~10% of gross income.
    The benchmark Edmonton home price was ~$420K, putting a ~20% down payment near $84K in the affordability snapshot used for this comparison.
    Median couple income in Edmonton was $124.8K, and saving ~10% of gross income each yr meant setting aside ~$12.5K per yr toward a down payment.
    The estimate assumed disciplined saving and did not factor in home-price changes, income growth, or other financial obligations that could alter Edmonton timelines.
    This placed Edmonton among the faster-saving markets in the table, showing a shorter path to a down payment than many higher-priced cities.

  • Edmonton Buyers Gain More Options

    Edmonton's aggregate home price reached $479.5K in Late-Q3 2026, ↑<1% yearly, while slipping ↓<1% from the prior quarter as market conditions cooled.
    Detached homes reached a median $529.6K with yearly gains of <1%, while condos climbed to $207.7K after a similarly modest yearly increase.
    A local broker said Edmonton carried solid momentum into Early-Q3, then softened as slower in-migration, regional flooding and less buyer urgency tempered activity.
    Inventory grew yearly, giving buyers more time to compare available homes, reducing pressure to act quickly and nudging Edmonton toward more balanced conditions.
    Looking ahead, a brokerage forecast called for Edmonton prices to ↑~2% yearly in Early-Q4 2026, while first-half 2027 could bring steadier sales.

  • First-Time Buyer in Edmonton? The 2026 Programs That Stack in Your Favour

    First-Time Buyer in Edmonton? The 2026 Programs That Stack in Your Favour

    Buying your first home in Edmonton doesn't have to feel overwhelming. In 2026, first-time buyers can combine several federal programs: the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) lets you contribute up to $8,000 a year, to a $40,000 lifetime limit, with tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals for your purchase. The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan lets you withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP, and you can often use it alongside your FHSA. First-time buyers can also access a 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage, which can lower the monthly payment (though it means more total interest), and the insured-mortgage price cap is now $1.5 million. Buying a brand-new build? The federal first-time buyers' GST rebate can cover the full GST on eligible new homes up to $1 million — up to $50,000 in savings. And here's an Alberta bonus: there's no land transfer tax, just modest title and mortgage registration fees. Eligibility rules apply to every program, so confirm with your lender and tax professional. Jon Valencia with Rite Realty walks first-time buyers through each step, the paperwork, and the timeline so you can buy with confidence. This is general information, not financial or tax advice.

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  • Myth: Downsizing Means Giving Up the Life You Love

    Myth: Downsizing Means Giving Up the Life You Love

    Myth: "Downsizing means giving up the life you love." Truth: For a lot of Edmonton homeowners, downsizing is about gaining, not losing. It can free up equity, cut down on maintenance, snow shovelling, and utility bills, and give you back time for family, travel, and the things you actually enjoy. The key is planning it on your terms: knowing what your home is worth, what you want in your next place, and a timeline that doesn't feel rushed. Thinking about your next chapter? Message me and let's talk it through, no pressure. Jon Valencia | Rite Realty #yeg #EdmontonRealEstate #Downsizing

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