Blog

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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Karen’s Korner – A big “change” for ClientFirst Real Estate!

Well the leaves are finally falling off the trees – after a lovely October!  Perfect timing to announce a big “change” for ClientFirst Real Estate! 

Bailey and I are so excited to share – that our real estate team is growing! With the addition of a new team member, we’re officially a team of THREE — each bringing our own strengths, experiences and perspectives to the table.

In this industry, it’s easy to focus on numbers or competition, but that’s never been what drives us!

For us, it’s about collaboration over comparison and support over profit. We believe that when you work with people — not just beside them — everyone wins. 

Especially our clients.

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Karen’s Korner – Why You Still Want to engage a REALTOR® – When Buying a New Build in Calgary & area!

So you’re thinking about buying a brand-new home? Shiny appliances, untouched floors, toilets that no one has ever used 😉

That “new house smell” – I get the appeal! With new home construction booming in Alberta (did you know housing starts were up almost 30% in 2025 compared to last year?!) – more buyers are looking at Showhomes and new communities…than ever before.

I helped FIRST TIME buyers this year, secure an awesome deal on a new home in Okotoks – after exhausting the search (we saw a lot of product!) for resale in their price point – with EVERYTHING they wanted!

Just this weekend, I attended a meeting with a client set to invest in a future building (Possession Dec 2026!) – after again, showing my client every available resale apartment/villa on the market. SOMETIMES new is just a BETTER fit for some clients! If willing to wait!!!!

But here’s the part many people don’t realize: when you walk into a Showhome, the friendly salesperson works for the builder – not for you.

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Karen’s Korner – Rain, Rain, Go Away!!!

If you’ve been in Calgary this July – you’ve probably noticed one very consistent forecast: 

rain.

A lot of it.

Whether it’s morning drizzle, afternoon downpours or sudden evening storms…. it feels like the sun’s been playing hard to get. And while this moisture might be great for our lawns and gardens (and farmers!), it’s definitely making waves in the real estate world – literally and figuratively.

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