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Karen’s Korner – The One Event Every Senior (and Their Kids) Should Have on Their Calendar This September

If you’re a senior in our community, or you’re the son, daughter or caregiver of one, I want to personally invite you to something I think could genuinely change how your family handles one of life’s biggest transitions!

On September 22nd at 6:00 pm, I am hosting a FREE education session that brings together a realtor, a home inspector, a real estate lawyer, a mortgage broker and a Certified Executor Advisor – ALL in one room – ALL focused on one thing:

Helping Seniors and their families navigate the decisions around home, money and legacy with clarity and confidence!

Here’s why I think this is worth you spending 2 hrs of your evening with us!

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Karen’s Korner – How Do Realtors Get Paid When Helping Buyers in Calgary?

(A question almost EVERY FIRST TIME HOME BUYER wants to ask… but sometimes feels awkward asking!) And to be fair – we as agents FORGET to tell people – because we assume they already know!

One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate – is that buyers have to directly pay their Realtor out of “pocket” for their help to find a home, townhouse, apartment, land, acreage….

In MOST Calgary real estate transactions, that’s actually not how it works.

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Karen’s Korner – What Development Could Happen on your Street?

If you are looking for homes (or apartments) with me right now in Calgary – you know that I ALWAYS look around and point out what development “could” happen on the street – in the area – in the sightlines!

I am constantly speculating and predicting the future – at EVERY single showing! 

This of course won’t change my behaviours now that Calgary hit the “reset” button on blanket rezoning….but it definitely changes some of the conversations when viewing a home beside/across/behind a 5000 sq ft lot!  

Let’s talk about what just happened in Calgary … because it’s a big deal!

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Karen’s Korner – How’s The Market?

People ask me all the time…

“How’s the market?”

And honestly — it’s one of the hardest questions to answer simply. Because which market?  Entry-level? Condos? Acreages? Luxury?

One of the most interesting (and telling) shifts we’ve seen in Calgary – over the past 10 years – is what’s happened in the $1M+ price range — and the numbers tell a pretty incredible story!!!!! Over the past decade, Calgary’s real estate market has undergone a significant shift — particularly in the number of homes selling above the $1 million mark. FUN FACT – we track these weekly/monthly/annually!

Looking at the data, the change is clear.

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Karen’s Korner – So You Want to Become a Realtor…

So You Want to Become a Realtor…

I get asked about this all the time!!!! 

At events.

In my DMs.

From people at coffee shops.

From friends of friends who “love houses” and think this looks fun…..

Fun Fact– THREE of my clients have become Realtors – AFTER we worked together (I must make it look SOOOOO fun!!!!!!!)  PLUS of course Miss Bailey followed in my footsteps.

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Karen’s Korner – Educational Real Estate Seminars

Coming in 2026: ClientFirst – Educational Real Estate Seminars – Built for Real Life!

Buying, renovating or downsizing a home comes with a lot of questions — and too often, the answers are scattered, confusing or tied to a sales pitch.

In 2026, our team is launching a series of small, practical educational seminars designed to give people clear, honest information they can actually use. These sessions are meant to educate first, reduce stress and help attendees feel confident — whether they’re buying their first home, planning renovations or thinking about their next chapter.

Each session will be hosted by one of our ClientFirst team members and supported by trusted professionals (mortgage, legal, inspection) so attendees hear multiple expert perspectives in one place.

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Karen’s Korner – Happy New Year!

I went to Home Depot yesterday to pick up a garage door opener for a possession next week – and as often happens when people find out what I do – the conversation shifted to the MARKET! This man was very concerned about selling his home in 2026. He said to me: “the news is so depressing“.  

I asked him some basic questions. Turns out his home is a great product – located in a very desirable community – that I have just been showing homes in. I was able to assure him that he will be able to sell his home – when he wants – and even gave him a range of sale prices that he could count on! I also asked what his next steps were – and turns out he is downsizing to an apartment or townhouse. So again a positive story for his future (lots of good opportunities there!) I left and he thanked me over and over for giving him reassurance, regarding his greatest asset!  

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Karen’s Korner – Time to Try New Things!

I went to a wine tasting years and years ago in Kelowna. And the Sommelier was very clear…

If YOU like it, that’s all that matters.   

But she said very clearly – that you have to give it 3 try’s!!!!  

I had gone in feeling nervous and a little uncomfortable. At the time I was a bit of a new wine drinker, and I felt out of my element.

I thought she would not appreciate my naïveté and talk in terms that I didn’t understand and recommend Wines that were way more expensive than I can afford. I was worried about feeling embarrassed in front of the other guests on the tour.

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