A Valentine’s Day Reflection on Home

There is something quietly powerful about home.

It is not simply a structure of walls and windows. It is the backdrop to our lives. The place where mornings begin slowly, where conversations stretch long past dinner, and where seasons change just outside the glass.

Home is where milestones unfold.
Where children grow taller against marked door frames.
Where laughter lingers in hallways.
Where silence can feel comforting rather than empty.

In real estate, it is easy to speak about numbers. Sales volumes. Inventory levels. Market shifts. But beneath every statistic is something deeply human. A transition. A memory. A new chapter beginning.

Valentine’s Day offers a moment to pause and reflect on what home truly represents.

It is where comfort lives.
Where relationships deepen.
Where life feels most authentic.

In Edmonton and Sherwood Park, I have the privilege of seeing how differently “home” is defined for each person. For some, it is a first condominium overlooking the skyline. For others, it is a family home near familiar schools and quiet parks. For many, it is simply a place that feels steady in an ever-changing world.

No matter its size or style, home carries meaning.

This season is a gentle reminder to appreciate the spaces that hold our stories and the people who make them meaningful.

Wishing you warmth, connection, and a place that always feels like your own.

With appreciation,
Benita Pashko
REALTOR® | Edmonton & Sherwood Park

The Greater Edmonton Area real estate market opened 2026 with a notable shift in momentum. January brought a sharp increase in new listings, signaling a transition toward a more competitive and balanced market.

According to data from the REALTORS Association of Edmonton, January recorded 2,518 new listings, an increase of over 84 percent compared to December. Inventory levels are now more than 30 percent higher than this time last year, giving buyers greater selection and less pressure to act quickly.

Sales activity slowed, which is typical for January, with 1,151 properties sold across the region. While this represents a decrease from both last month and last year, pricing has remained relatively stable. The average residential sale price sits just under $449,000, up year over year, while the MLS Home Price Index benchmark price edged slightly lower to $415,000.

This combination of higher inventory and steady pricing creates opportunity on both sides of the market. Buyers benefit from increased choice and improved negotiating conditions, with homes averaging close to 59 days on market. Sellers, however, are entering a more competitive environment where proper pricing, preparation, and marketing strategy are essential.

As we move toward the spring market, these early-year conditions provide valuable insight for anyone considering a move in 2026. Understanding how broader market trends apply to your specific property or goals can make a meaningful difference in your outcome.

If you’d like a personalized assessment or guidance on navigating the current Edmonton or Sherwood Park market, I’m happy to help.

Helping buyers and sellers navigate the Edmonton real estate market is never about rushing decisions. It is about finding the right fit, at the right time, with clarity and confidence.

This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom half duplex in Clareview Town Centre has officially sold, and it is a great example of how homes that offer practical value continue to attract strong interest.

One of the key features that resonated with buyers was the absence of condo fees. Full ownership without monthly fees allows homeowners to better manage long-term costs while building equity. Combined with a quiet cul-de-sac location and one of the most private west-facing backyards in the complex, this home offered both comfort and flexibility.

Inside, the open concept main floor, three spacious bedrooms, and basement with future development potential provided buyers with a layout that could adapt over time. Walking distance to the LRT, schools, and shopping further strengthened the appeal, especially for those looking for convenience without sacrificing livability.

Every successful sale reflects careful planning, clear communication, and an understanding of what matters most to both buyers and sellers. I am grateful to have been trusted throughout this process and proud to help guide another successful outcome.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, or simply want to understand what homes like yours are selling for in today’s market, I am always happy to have that conversation.

Creating relationships that last a lifetime.

The Bank of Canada has chosen to hold its policy rate at 2.25%, maintaining a steady course as inflation continues to settle near the 2% target.

At first glance, a rate hold may seem uneventful. For sellers, however, this decision quietly shapes buyer behaviour—and the results can be meaningful.

Buyers Are Adjusting, Not Waiting

One of the biggest misconceptions in today’s market is that buyers are “on pause.” In reality, most have already adjusted to current rates. Qualification standards are clearer, expectations are reset, and serious buyers are moving forward with intention.

When rates stop climbing, buyers stop hesitating. That shift benefits sellers far more than sudden rate cuts ever do.

Fewer Buyers, Higher Quality

A rate-stable environment naturally filters out speculation. What remains is a pool of buyers who are:

• Pre-approved and financially prepared

• Focused on long-term ownership, not short-term bets

• More decisive once they find the right home

For sellers, this often translates to cleaner negotiations, stronger deposits, and fewer conditional surprises.

Inventory Still Matters

Despite modest economic growth projections, housing supply has not meaningfully rebounded in many Canadian markets. When supply remains tight and financing conditions are stable, sellers who position their homes correctly maintain leverage.

This doesn’t mean every home will spark bidding wars—but it does mean well-priced, well-presented properties continue to command attention.

The New Advantage Is Precision

This is not a market that rewards aggressive pricing or casual preparation. It rewards precision.

Successful sellers today are:

• Using current, hyper-local data—not last year’s benchmarks

• Understanding how buyers are thinking, not just what they can afford

• Treating pricing and presentation as strategic tools, not afterthoughts

In a steady-rate environment, small mistakes are more visible—and so is strong execution.

What Sellers Should Take From This

The Bank of Canada’s decision to hold rates removes one major variable from the equation. That clarity allows sellers to focus on what actually drives results: pricing, positioning, timing, and negotiation.

Waiting for perfect conditions often means missing good ones. Right now, sellers who act with intention—not emotion—are the ones getting results.

Final Thought

Rate stability isn’t a pause button on the market. It’s a signal that the ground beneath it is firmer.

For sellers who are prepared, informed, and realistic, this environment continues to offer opportunity—without the chaos of constant rate movement.

At some point, almost every homeowner asks the same question:

“What’s my home worth?”

Sometimes the question comes from a real plan, like selling this spring or moving closer to family. Other times it’s simple curiosity, especially after you see a neighbour’s home sell fast or you notice more “For Sale” signs popping up in your area.

Either way, knowing your home’s value isn’t just interesting. It’s useful.

One of the best ways to get a realistic, accurate answer is through something called a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA).

What Is a CMA?

A Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) is a report created by a real estate professional that estimates your home’s current value by comparing it to other similar properties nearby.

This isn’t a guess, and it’s not based on a general online algorithm.

A CMA uses real market data to answer one important question:

What would a buyer likely pay for your home today?

It’s a powerful tool whether you’re buying, selling, or staying put.

Why Home Value Isn’t Just a Number

Your home’s value impacts more than just a potential sale price. It can help you make better decisions in areas like:

• Planning future moves

• Understanding your equity position

• Deciding on upgrades or renovations

• Timing the market strategically

• Evaluating buying power for your next home

Even if you don’t plan to sell for years, having a clear baseline can help you make smarter choices.

A CMA Helps Buyers Make Confident Offers

If you’re shopping for a home, a CMA can provide clarity when you’re trying to decide:

• Is this home priced fairly?

• Are comparable homes selling for more or less?

• How aggressive should my offer be?

• What does “market value” look like right now?

A CMA supports buyers by helping them make an informed offer, guiding them on price, and providing a clearer understanding of the market.

A CMA Helps Sellers Price Strategically

For sellers, pricing is one of the most important parts of the entire process.

A CMA helps determine a home is likely selling price by considering the same factors buyers and appraisers consider.

A well-prepared CMA can help sellers:

• Ensure their home is competitively priced

• Reduce the chance of overpricing (and sitting on the market too long)

• Strengthen negotiation power when offers come in

The goal isn’t just to pick a number. It’s to develop a pricing strategy based on current market realities.

A CMA Helps Homeowners Who Aren’t Selling Yet

A CMA isn’t only for people listing their home. It’s also useful for homeowners who simply want clarity.

For example, a CMA can:

• Track how your home value has changed over time

• Provide a baseline for future decisions (stay, sell, refinance, rent)

• Help plan renovations and improvements

• Support long-term financial planning

Sometimes the best time to learn your home’s value is before you actually need to.

What Information Is Included in a CMA?

A quality CMA pulls together several pieces that create an overall value picture. Typically, it includes:

Property Data

This includes the details of your home, such as size, number of rooms, age, condition, and features.

Comparable Sales (Comps)

Usually 3 to 5 similar homes that have sold recently in your area. These show what buyers are actually paying.

Current Listings

Homes currently for sale that are similar to yours. This helps show what your competition looks like.

Pending Sales

Homes that are under contract. These can indicate where pricing is heading, even though the final sale price isn’t public yet.

Market Analysis

This may include trends like days on market and neighbourhood activity, which can affect your pricing strategy.

Adjustments

No two homes are exactly the same. Adjustments account for differences such as garage size, renovations, finished basements, views, lot size, and more.

Valuation Range

Instead of a single exact number, a CMA typically provides a suggested price range based on current market conditions.

Why Online Estimates Can Be Misleading

Online home value tools can be fun to check, but they often miss important details that impact value such as:

• Renovation quality

• Layout and functionality

• Interior condition

• Natural light and street appeal

• Location factors within the neighborhood

A CMA is more personalized, local, and grounded in market reality.

Want a Free, No-Obligation CMA?

If you’ve been wondering what your home is worth, I can prepare a free, no-obligation Comparative Market Analysis for you.

It’s a simple way to get clarity, understand your options, and feel more confident about your next step, whether you’re selling soon or just planning ahead.

Send me a message anytime, and I’ll be happy to run one for you.

And by the way, I’m never too busy for any of your referrals.

As we move into 2026, many Edmonton homeowners are asking the same question. Is now a good time to sell?

The latest Greater Edmonton Area real estate data shows that while overall market activity slowed at the end of 2025, single-family homes continued to perform well. This is an important distinction for sellers to understand.

December typically brings a seasonal slowdown in sales, and 2025 was no exception. However, detached home prices finished the year more than 5 percent higher than December 2024. At the same time, the number of new single-family listings dropped sharply.

This matters because real estate markets are driven by supply and demand. When fewer homes come to market, competition decreases. Buyers remain active, but they become more selective. Homes that are priced correctly and presented well continue to attract attention, while overpriced homes tend to sit.

For single-family homeowners in Edmonton, this is not a market to rush into or avoid out of fear. It is a market that rewards preparation and strategy.

Sellers who take the time to understand their home’s true market value, choose the right timing, and launch with a clear marketing plan are putting themselves in a stronger position. Getting ahead of the spring market can also help reduce competition and increase exposure when buyer activity begins to rise again.

If you are considering selling your single-family home in Edmonton in 2026, the best first step is a conversation. Understanding your options now allows you to make confident, informed decisions when the timing is right.

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.