A Note From Ilona

January always brings a noticeable shift.

After the holidays, life settles but the real estate conversations don’t stop. I felt that recently at the NYE Skate & Donate event, where friends and neighbours gathered simply to connect and give back. It was a reminder that community matters most when things are moving thoughtfully, not frantically.

Right now, I’m having many conversations with Calgary homeowners who are thinking a step ahead. They know the market traditionally gains momentum by late February and into spring, and they’re asking smart questions early, before competition ramps up.

This time of year offers something valuable: options. The ability to prepare, make adjustments, and choose timing rather than react to it.

This month’s newsletter is designed to help you think clearly about what matters most if a move is on your horizon. Whether that’s weeks, months, or simply a possibility you want to understand better.

Feature Insight

The Spring Market Myth: Why Waiting Isn’t Always the Advantage People Think

Many homeowners assume spring is the time to sell. More buyers, more activity, better outcomes.

Sometimes that’s true. But it’s not always the full story.

As we move toward late February and March, the market does gain momentum. And with that momentum comes more listings, more competition, and more noise.

Right now, in January, sellers have something different: space.

With fewer homes on the market, buyer attention tends to be more focused. There’s less comparison fatigue, fewer distractions, and often a calmer showing environment. For well-prepared homes, that quieter window can be a real advantage.

Waiting until peak spring isn’t wrong, but it isn’t automatic either.

The sellers who tend to feel the most confident later on are the ones who start planning before the market gets busy. Early clarity allows for better timing decisions, more thoughtful pricing, and fewer rushed choices once activity ramps up.

This isn’t about rushing a sale. It’s about choosing your moment instead of inheriting it.

If selling this year is a possibility, an early conversation can help clarify options and timing, without pressure.

Market Pulse

After several years of strong price growth, 2025 marked a shift toward more balanced market conditions across Calgary, according to the latest update from the Calgary Real Estate Board.

Here’s what matters most:

More listings, more choice
Inventory increased meaningfully in 2025, driven by a rise in new listings and strong construction starts. This gave buyers more options and reduced the intense competition seen in previous years.

Sales normalized
Total sales declined year over year, but remained in line with long-term averages — a sign of a market stabilizing rather than stalling.

Different segments, different stories

• Detached and semi-detached homes continued to see modest annual price gains

• Apartments and row homes experienced price softening as supply grew more quickly

Location and price range matter more than ever
Conditions varied widely across the city. Some areas still favoured sellers, while others leaned more buyer-friendly. Broad headlines don’t tell the full story right now — strategy and positioning matter.

What this means heading into 2026
For the first time in several years, Calgary is entering the new year with healthier inventory levels. As we move toward spring, activity is expected to increase — but not evenly across all property types.

For sellers, this makes early planning especially valuable. Understanding how your specific home fits into today’s market before spring competition increases can create more control around timing, pricing, and outcomes.

Featured Homes

This beautifully maintained, fully finished walkout home sits on a large pie lot backing directly onto green space, pathways, a pond, and a playground — with nearly 4,000 sq ft of light-filled living space and thoughtful design throughout. Just steps to schools, transit, and year-round lake access, this is the kind of home that combines everyday ease with something truly special.

This 2-bed, 2-bath condo offers a smart layout, a large private deck, and the comfort of in-floor heating. It’s a foreclosure and does need renovation, but the potential is undeniable for anyone looking to create their own space.

Community & Micro-Events

Here’s what’s coming up for my privately hosted events:

Coffee & Home Maintenance (Winter / Spring) A relaxed drop-in morning with coffee, conversation, and seasonal home-maintenance tips.

Plant Share / Seed Exchange (Spring) A simple, joyful way to swap greenery, meet neighbours, and welcome the growing season.

If you’d like to join or be notified about any of these, reply anytime — I’d love to include you.

Things to Do in Calgary This Month

January is a great time to enjoy Calgary at a slightly slower pace with plenty of winter activities, live events, and indoor escapes to choose from.

Winter Walks, Skating & Outdoor Fun

Calgary’s winter pathways and parks offer an easy way to get outside without the summer crowds. River pathways, Fish Creek, and neighbourhood trails are especially peaceful this time of year.

For skating and winter play, spots like Bowness Park and Carburn Park are popular for outdoor skating and tubing when conditions allow. A classic Calgary winter experience for all ages.

Theatre, Arts & Live Performances

January is a strong month for indoor arts and culture. Theatre productions, ballet, comedy, and live music performances run throughout the city, making winter an ideal time for a relaxed night out with fewer crowds and easier access to seats.

Museums, Galleries & Concerts

Cold days are perfect for exploring Calgary’s museums, galleries, and rotating indoor exhibits. Concerts and touring shows also feature prominently on the winter calendar, offering plenty of options for music lovers and culture seekers alike.

Sports in the City

Winter sports are a big part of Calgary life. January brings a full slate of professional and junior hockey games, along with basketball and lacrosse matchups throughout the city. Whether you’re catching a major league game or supporting local teams, live sports are a great way to spend a winter evening.

Food, Drink & Winter Festivals

Calgary’s food scene stays busy in winter, with seasonal food events, tasting experiences, and culinary festivals popping up throughout January. It’s also a great time to explore the city’s restaurants, cocktail bars, and cafés — especially during the quieter post-holiday stretch when reservations are easier to come by.

For regularly updated listings of events, performances, sports schedules, and seasonal festivals happening across Calgary, you can explore:

Visit Calgary – Events Calendar

Avenue Calgary – Monthly Event Guide

Thank you for Reading

Whether you’re planning a move soon or simply want to stay one step ahead, I’m here when you need me — with clarity, honesty, and a calm approach to the market.

Ilona Drost
Calgary & Area REALTOR®