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Bank of Canada Lowers Interest Rates: What This Means for Your Real Estate Decisions in Canada

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.

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Why Every Homeowner Needs a Will

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.

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The July Numbers Tell a Clear Story

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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What June 2025’s Market Stats Mean for Edmonton & Sherwood Park Homeowners

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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What’s Your Dream Home Style? A Look at Popular Designs Over the Past Century

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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GST Rebate 2025: How First-Time Buyers in Alberta Can Save Up to $50,000 on a New Home

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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What’s Your Home Personality? Take the Quiz and Find Out!

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.

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Edmonton Real Estate Market Update: Inventory Surge Signals New Opportunities

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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Win a Trip to the 2025 NBA Draft – Courtesy of RE/MAX!

Calling all basketball fans and contest lovers across Canada (except Quebec)! RE/MAX is bringing you the ultimate basketball experience with The #1 Contest presented by RE/MAX—and you won’t want to miss this one.

🏀 What’s Up for Grabs?
This is your chance to win an unforgettable trip for two to the 2025 NBA Draft! Whether you're a die-hard hoops fan or just love the thrill of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, this contest delivers.

Grand Prize:
A VIP-style trip for two to the 2025 NBA Draft!

Includes:
✔️ Flights
✔️ Accommodation
✔️ Tickets to the Draft
✔️ And more unforgettable experiences!

Secondary Prizes:
3 lucky winners will each receive a $250 CAD NBAStore.ca gift card to stock up on your favorite team’s gear.

Key Contest Dates
Entry Start: June 2, 2025 at 9:00 AM ET
Entry End: June 12, 2025 at 11:59 PM ET

Don't miss the window—entries are only open for 10 days!

Who Can Enter?
The contest is open to Canadian residents (excluding Quebec) who are 18 years of age or older.
No purchase necessary. Every RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated

🔗 Enter Now Before Time Runs Out!

The #1 Contest presented by RE/MAX – where dreams (and draft picks) come true.

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Why Taking a Summer Break Might Be the Best Real Estate Strategy

Summer is a season of warmth, fun, and often—overwhelm. Whether you're a homeowner, a buyer, or just someone trying to keep up with the daily grind, taking time to slow down can make a real difference.

I’m Benita Pashko, a REALTOR® with RE/MAX Elite in Edmonton & Sherwood Park. In this season’s video message, I’m encouraging everyone to take a break, soak in the sun, and reflect on life’s next chapter. Real estate decisions don’t always need to be rushed—and sometimes clarity comes when you simply allow yourself to breathe.

Need inspiration? My recent mailer is filled with summer travel ideas and relaxing staycation tips. If you didn’t get one, message me and I’ll send a copy your way.

This summer, let’s balance ambition with rest—because both are important for living well and making smart real estate decisions.

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Summer Travel Plans? Here’s Where to Go—and How I Can Help if You Fall in Love With the Destination

There’s something special about summer travel. Whether you're chasing sunshine, nature, culture, or just peace and quiet, this season gives us the space to recharge and dream a little bigger.

In this month’s email, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite travel ideas to help inspire your summer adventures—near or far.

And if one of those destinations speaks to you in a deeper way, I can help you explore it further. I’m part of a trusted real estate network across North America. So whether you’re planning a second home, a relocation, or just curious about what’s possible, I can connect you with a knowledgeable local agent who’s ready to help.

Enjoy your summer—wherever it takes you. And if it leads to a new chapter, I’m here to guide the way.

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Simplify Your Space: Decluttering Tips That Actually Work

Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning — it’s about creating space for the life you want. Whether you’re preparing to sell your home or just craving calm, simplifying your surroundings can have a huge impact.

As a Realtor serving Edmonton and Sherwood Park, I see firsthand how clutter can affect both the marketability of a home and your peace of mind.

Here are a few quick tips to get started:

  • Start small: Choose one drawer, closet, or corner.

  • Ask yourself what adds value: If it doesn’t serve a purpose or bring joy, it might be time to let it go.

  • Schedule a short daily session: 15–20 minutes can create momentum

Need more help? I can recommend reliable local professionals—cleaners, organizers, even junk removal services—who can make the process easy and stress-free

Ready to make space for what matters most? Let’s chat.

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Data last updated on August 27, 2026 at 07:30 AM (UTC).
Copyright 2026 by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. All Rights Reserved.
Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.