In today’s fast-paced world, most of our communication happens through screens. Emails, text messages, and social media make it easy to stay in touch, but they’ve also made meaningful connections feel increasingly rare. That’s why a handwritten note stands out more than ever.

A handwritten note isn’t about perfect wording or beautiful penmanship. It’s about intention. It shows that you paused, thought about someone, and took the time to personally acknowledge them. That small act can have a lasting impact.

Unlike digital messages that are quickly read and forgotten, handwritten notes are often kept. They’re placed on desks, tucked into drawers, or pinned to bulletin boards as reminders of appreciation, encouragement, or shared memories. The sentiment lingers far longer than the message itself.

There are many reasons to send a handwritten note. It might be to express gratitude, acknowledge an important milestone, celebrate an achievement, offer encouragement, or simply let someone know you’re thinking of them. The reason doesn’t need to be big — often, the most meaningful notes are sent “just because.”

Handwritten notes also help strengthen relationships. Whether personal or professional, relationships grow when people feel seen and valued. A short, sincere message can deepen trust, reinforce connection, and create goodwill that carries forward over time.

If writing notes feels unfamiliar, start small. Keep cards and stamps somewhere visible and set a simple goal — even one note a week can make a difference. Over time, it becomes a habit, and you may be surprised how often that thoughtfulness is returned.

In a world that moves quickly, slowing down to connect on a personal level is powerful. A handwritten note is a simple reminder that a genuine connection will always matter.

If you’re searching for a well-priced home in a convenient, family-friendly south Edmonton neighbourhood, this upcoming open house is one you won’t want to miss.

This three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom townhome offers the perfect balance of space, comfort, and lifestyle. Designed with modern living in mind, the home features a bright open-concept main floor finished with hardwood flooring, quartz kitchen countertops, full-height cabinetry, and stainless steel appliances. A large front window brings in an abundance of natural light, while the rear patio off the kitchen provides a great space for outdoor enjoyment.

Functional Layout for Everyday Living

Upstairs, you’ll find three well-sized bedrooms, including a spacious primary suite complete with a walk-in closet and private ensuite. The basement offers additional storage space and convenient access to the double attached garage—a major bonus during Edmonton’s winter months.

The home also features a gated front exterior, visitor parking close to the unit, and a well-maintained complex with green space at its centre.

Enjoy The Orchards Lifestyle

One of the standout features of this property is access to The Orchards community amenities. Residents enjoy a private clubhouse, splash park, playgrounds, sports courts, skating rink, and beautifully maintained green spaces. With parks, schools, shopping, restaurants, transit, and major roadways all nearby, this location offers everyday convenience and a strong sense of community.

Why This Home Stands Out

• Excellent value in south Edmonton
• Low condo fees
• Double attached garage
• Family-friendly layout
• Access to premium community amenities
• Quick possession available

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, growing family, or someone looking for a low-maintenance lifestyle in a vibrant neighbourhood, this home checks all the right boxes.

Join Me at the Open House

📍 Open House: This Sunday
Come take a tour, explore the neighbourhood, and see if this home is the right fit for you.

Listing courtesy of Alan H. Gee, RE/MAX Elite.

If you have questions before the open house or would like more details, feel free to reach out.
And remember—I’m never too busy for your referrals.

As winter settles in across Edmonton and Sherwood Park, the real estate market is doing exactly what we expect for this time of year — slowing in pace, but staying strong in value. While sales have cooled, homeowners continue to see their equity hold steady, and buyers are finally experiencing a more balanced market.

Sales Activity Down — But This Is Normal

Sales dropped nearly 20% compared to October, totaling just over 1,600 transactions. This decline happens every winter as families settle in for the holidays and fewer homes hit the market.

Home Prices Remain Strong

The average price across the Edmonton area is $447,000, which represents a 2.7% increase from last November. Even with the seasonal slowdown, home values are proving remarkably resilient.

Buyers Have More Inventory

Inventory is up 33% year-over-year, giving buyers access to more than 6,000 homes today. This means more choice, less competition, and a more manageable buying experience heading into 2026.

Sellers Need Patience — And Strategy

Homes are currently selling in 45 days on average. This is a season where pricing, presentation, and patience truly matter. The good news? Your equity is still growing, and well-priced homes continue to attract motivated buyers.

Planning for 2026 Starts Now

The winter market offers a window of opportunity for both buyers and sellers to prepare for the upcoming spring surge. Whether you're thinking about selling, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, having a plan in place now will position you for success in the new year.

If you’d like a personalized market evaluation or buying strategy session, I’m here to help.

I’m Benita Pashko with RE/MAX Elite — proudly serving Edmonton & Sherwood Park, and never too busy for your referrals.

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The Bank of Canada has held the overnight rate at 2.25%, and this stability is creating a strategic window for homeowners thinking about selling. With inflation easing and motivated buyers still active, properly priced homes are attracting strong attention. If you’re considering listing in the next few months, now is the time to get prepared.

Want clarity on how this affects YOUR home value? Send me a message — I’m here to help guide your next move.

And remember, I'm never too busy for your referrals.

The Bank of Canada announced a 25-basis-point rate cut, bringing the policy rate down to 2.25%. As the economy works through slower growth and global uncertainty, this move provides welcome support for homebuyers, sellers, and investors across Canada — including right here in Edmonton, AB.

Inflation is now trending closer to the Bank’s goal of 2%, making this a strategic time to encourage confidence and affordability in the housing market.

🏡 What This Rate Cut Means for Home Buyers

If you’ve been feeling priced out or waiting for the right moment, this may be your opportunity.

✔ Lower interest rates improve borrowing power
✔ Mortgage affordability becomes more manageable
✔ More home options may now be within reach

Even a small rate reduction can meaningfully impact your monthly payment and qualification amount. Refreshing your pre-approval is a smart next step.

🏠 What This Means for Home Sellers

Lower interest rates often spark a rise in buyer activity — especially among families waiting for affordability to improve.

✔ More qualified buyers re-enter the market
✔ Offers strengthen as affordability improves
✔ Fall & Winter remain very active seasons for serious movers

If you’re thinking of listing soon, a well-priced and well-prepared home can take advantage of renewed confidence returning to the market.

📈 What This Means for Real Estate Investors

Rental demand continues to be strong nationwide, and lower borrowing costs can boost long-term returns.

✔ Better cashflow potential
✔ Improved financing availability
✔ Strategic entry points before prices trend upward

Investors who analyze opportunities early in a transitional market are often rewarded later.

🔍 Why This Rate Cut Matters

This isn’t just a small number change.
It could be a turning point.

📌 Buyers who stepped back may come back
📌 Sellers gain a stronger pool of motivated purchasers
📌 Market momentum is shifting in a positive direction

While the economy adjusts, real estate continues to show resilience — especially in desirable Canadian markets like Edmonton & Sherwood Park, AB.

✅ Let’s Review Your Best Strategy

Whether you're buying your first home, upgrading for more space, or investing in a growing market, today’s rate cut could be the advantage you’ve been waiting for.

If you’re curious about how this change affects your affordability or equity position…

📲 Let’s connect for a quick and personalized breakdown — no pressure, just clarity.

Your home is likely your largest asset — and one of the biggest reasons you need a will. A will makes sure your property is handled exactly how you want, whether it’s passed to family, a partner, or even designated for charitable giving.

Beyond property, a will also:

• Helps prevent family disputes

• Provides for pets

• Leaves instructions for digital assets

• Ensures your final wishes are carried out

As a Realtor, I often remind clients that buying or selling is just one part of the picture. Protecting that investment for the future is just as important.

✨ Don’t leave it up to chance — make sure your will reflects your current wishes.

The Edmonton and Sherwood Park housing markets saw a 22% increase in inventory year-over-year across all home types, including detached homes. While home prices remained steady, this surge in listings is creating a more competitive environment for sellers.

Why This Matters for Sellers
More competition means your home needs to stand out from day one. A strong pricing strategy, high-quality marketing, and the guidance of an experienced Realtor are crucial to ensuring your property attracts serious buyers quickly.

What Buyers Need to Know
With more homes on the market, buyers have increased selection and negotiation power. However, desirable properties still move fast — especially those priced correctly and marketed professionally.

Your Next Move
If you’re thinking of selling, now is the time to prepare your home to make the strongest first impression. Let’s work together to position your home as the one buyers want to see first.

Contact me today to discuss your selling strategy.

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June’s real estate numbers are in—and if you’re a homeowner in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, these trends could have a major impact on your next move.

We saw 4,200 new listings, a 16% increase year-over-year. This tells us sellers are feeling confident. But here’s what really stands out:

·       Detached home prices are up 6% compared to last year.

·       Row homes and condos continue to offer solid value—ideal for first-time homebuyers or investors looking to grow their portfolio.

Despite more inventory, demand remains strong, meaning this could be the perfect window to sell while the market is still highly active.

If you’ve been thinking about listing your home or simply want to understand your home’s current value, let’s connect and build a plan that works for you.

📩 Contact Benita Pashko at RE/MAX Elite to schedule a personalized consultation today.

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Whether you’ve just started thinking about a move or are actively searching for your next home, choosing the right style can make all the difference.

Do you picture yourself in a cozy bungalow? A historic Victorian rich in character? A sleek smart home filled with modern tech? Or perhaps a seaside retreat with space to entertain?

In this month’s update, I’m taking you through a timeline of some of the most beloved home styles from the last 100 years—plus offering a short list of questions to help you reflect on where (and how) you want to live next.

These aren’t just aesthetic choices. The layout, features, and flow of your home should complement your lifestyle, future plans, and personal taste.

Whether you’re dreaming or ready to make a move, I’m here to help you explore your options and find the home that truly fits.

Serving Edmonton and Sherwood Park with care and expertise—because your dream home matters.

Reach out if you’d like a personalized home search or to share this resource with a friend.

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If you're a first-time homebuyer in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or anywhere in Alberta, the federal government just made homeownership significantly more attainable.

As of 2025, GST has been eliminated on brand new homes priced under $1 million, and reduced for homes up to $1.5 million. That’s up to $50,000 in savings—a major advantage if you're entering the housing market.

To qualify, you must be:

• Purchasing a brand new home from a builder

• Building a home on land you already own

• Buying into a housing co-operative

This change is designed to ease affordability issues for first-time buyers and support more Canadians in achieving their dream of homeownership.

Not sure if you’re eligible or want to explore your options? I’d love to help. I’m Benita Pashko with RE/MAX Elite, and I specialize in working with first-time buyers across the Edmonton & Sherwood Park area.

📞 Reach out for a no-pressure consultation.

And oh—by the way... I’m never too busy for your referrals.

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Discover your home personality with this fun 4-question quiz! Whether you're drawn to charm, modern minimalism, or family-friendly features, your results could guide your next move.

Have you ever wondered what your ideal home style truly is?

Whether you’re already living in your dream home or you’re just beginning to explore your options, discovering your home personality can help clarify what really matters to you in a living space.

This month, I’m sharing a fun and insightful quiz that only takes a minute — but the results might surprise you!

 Why Take the Quiz?

Your home should reflect more than your budget or square footage needs. It should support your lifestyle, align with your design preferences, and feel like a true sanctuary.

This 4-question quiz dives into:

• What you want most from your home now and in the future

• How you like to spend weekends at home

• Your ideal neighborhood vibe

• Your favorite interior design aesthetic

By the end, you’ll discover which of four unique home personalities best suits you:

• Vintage Vibes – For those who love charm, character, and history

• Modern and Open – Clean lines, smart tech, and low maintenance

• Family, Friends and Fun – Space for connection and community

• Now and the Future – Simple, functional, and ready for what’s next

What Your Results Might Mean

If your quiz result lines up with your current home, you’re likely in a great place. But if your lifestyle and your home are out of sync, it might be time to think about what comes next.

Maybe you’ve outgrown your space.
Maybe your priorities have shifted.
Or maybe you're just curious about what’s out there.

Either way, this quiz is a great place to start.

Thinking of a Move? Let’s Talk.

If your home personality has changed, your next move should reflect that. Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing for a growing family, or looking for low-maintenance living, I’d love to help you find the perfect fit.

💬 Reach out anytime — I’m here to help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

The Greater Edmonton Area real estate market just saw its largest inventory increase of 2025 — with nearly 5,000 new listings hitting the market in May. That’s a 28% jump from April and a 16% increase year-over-year.

For sellers, this means more competition, which makes strategic pricing and standout marketing more important than ever. If your home isn’t positioned well, it may sit longer as buyers take their pick of fresh listings.

For buyers, it’s an ideal window of opportunity. More inventory means greater selection, and with prices dipping slightly and average days on market holding at just 29, it’s a smart time to shop.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or investing in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, I’m here to help you navigate with confidence. Let’s connect and create your winning strategy.

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