One of the very first questions I hear from buyers,  especially first-time home buyers, is:

“What can I actually afford?”

It’s a great question, and an important one. But the answer isn’t just a number a bank gives you. It’s about clarity, comfort, and confidence.

Let’s break it down in a simple, realistic way.

Start With a Mortgage Pre-Approval (But Don’t Stop There)

The best first step in figuring out your budget is speaking with a mortgage broker. A broker will look at your income, debts, credit, and down payment to help determine what you could be approved for.

I work with a few trusted mortgage brokers and I’m always happy to share their contact information if you need it. That said, I strongly believe you should shop around. Different lenders can offer different rates, terms, and conditions…and it’s essential that you feel comfortable with what you’re signing up for.

A pre-approval is a tool, not a rule.

Approved Amount vs. Comfortable Budget

Here’s something many buyers don’t realize:

Your maximum approval amount is not the same as what you should spend.

As REALTORS®, we’re not permitted to give mortgage advice - and we also don’t need to know your absolute maximum approval.

What really matters is:

• What payment feels manageable month-to-month

• How much flexibility you want to keep in your lifestyle

• Whether you still feel comfortable after accounting for savings, kids, travel, and everyday life

Your budget should support your life, not limit it.

Why I Don’t Need to Know Your Financial “Top Limit”

This part is important.

Knowing a buyer’s absolute financial limit can actually create a potential conflict of interest. Think about it:

If your REALTOR® knows the very top number you could spend, there’s a risk,  even unintentionally, of pushing you closer to that limit.

Your financial peace of mind should always come first.

My role is not to push you to the highest price point. My role is to:

• Respect the budget you choose

• Protect your comfort level

• Help you find the best home within that range

You’re in control of the number. I’m here to guide the strategy.

What Else Should You Factor Into Your Budget?

Beyond the mortgage payment, it’s important to think about:

• Property taxes

• Utilities

• Condo fees (if applicable)

• Maintenance and repairs

• Insurance

• Lifestyle expenses and savings goals

A home should feel exciting,  not stressful.

My Advice, in Simple Terms

✔ Get pre-approved 

✔ Talk to more than one lender

 ✔ Decide what you feel comfortable paying 

✔ Keep a buffer for life

 ✔ Share the budget you’re confident in, not  necessarily the maximum you’re approved for

When buyers take this approach, the process feels clearer, calmer, and far more empowering.

If you’re thinking about buying and want help navigating the process , from budgeting to finding the right home,  I’m always happy to talk.

BOOK A FREE CALL NOW

Your goals, your comfort, and your peace of mind will always come first.

What Calgary’s Fall 2025 Housing Trends Mean for You

By 2GreenDoors Real Estate Team | Updated July 28, 2025

🎯  Not sure whether to wait or buy a home in Calgary this fall? This article breaks down what’s happening in the market to help you make the right move for your goals, whether you’re buying your first home, moving up, or investing.

🔍 What You’ll Learn

📊 What Calgary’s real estate market is doing this fall
🏘️ Market trends in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks
💰 The real cost of waiting
🧠 Smart questions to ask yourself
💬 Expert insight from Lana Secchi

🏙️ Calgary Housing Market Forecast – Fall 2025

The Calgary real estate market is shifting: more balanced, less rushed.
If you're watching the Calgary housing market forecast for July 2025, here's what you need to know:

📊 Market Snapshot (CREB – June 2025)

✅ What this means: More listings. More time. More power in your hands.

🌍 What’s Driving the Market Right Now?

1️⃣ Migration & Population Growth

While interprovincial migration to Alberta has slowed compared to the peak levels seen in recent years, the province remains an appealing destination for many individuals and families—particularly from Ontario and B.C.—seeking more affordable housing options.

Today’s newcomers are often motivated less by urgency and more by long-term lifestyle goals and financial planning.

Communities like Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks remain family favorites

2️⃣ Inventory Is Back:

After a long stretch of limited inventory, buyers now have far more options to explore. Inner-city neighbourhoods like Mount Pleasant, Killarney/Glengarry, Renfrew, and Tuxedo Park continue to attract strong interest, thanks to their mix of charming character homes and modern infills, often with healthy competition.

Meanwhile, newer communities like Mahogany, Legacy, Copperfield, Seton, and Cranston offer growing inventory and a wide range of builders, giving buyers more flexibility and time to find the perfect match.

With more homes on the market, balanced conditions, and prices holding steady in key areas, buyers now have more time, more choice, and less pressure.

3️⃣  Interest Rate Stability Creates Confidence

▪️ Bank of Canada rate: 2.75% (down from a peak of 5.0% in 2023)

🔍 Most banks set their prime rate about 1.5 to 3 points higher than the overnight rate.

▪️ Fixed mortgages: 3.9–4.4%
✔️ Borrowers now have more predictability and buying power

💸 NEXT Interest Rate Update – July 30th, 2025 » Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed!

🤔 What does this mean for home buyers?

• Mortgage rates have come down too. Many buyers can now get a 5-year fixed mortgage between 3.9% and 4.4%, which is more affordable than earlier this year.

• Monthly payments are easier to manage. Lower rates mean you might pay less each month, or afford a slightly bigger home without stretching your budget.

• More buyers are entering the market. As borrowing becomes a bit easier, more people feel confident to buy.

While rates aren’t as low as the historic lows seen a few years ago, the recent stabilization and gradual decrease provide a good opportunity to plan your purchase with more certainty.

🧮 Want to know what you can afford? Use our Mortgage Calculator

4️⃣ Rentals Still Encourage Buyers

Rental prices in Calgary, Airdrie, and Okotoks have eased from recent highs, providing some relief to renters.

Still, for many, the cost of renting remains close to what it would take to buy an affordable home, such as a condo or smaller house in some communities. With interest rates now stable, more renters are choosing to buy homes, seeing homeownership as a way to build equity and gain long-term financial security instead of facing continued rent increases and uncertainty.

💰 Is It a Good Time to Buy in Calgary?

Short answer: Yes, if you're ready.
Long answer: It depends on your timeline and goals.

🧍‍♀️ First-Time Buyers

✅ Buy Now If:

• You’ve saved at least 5–10% for a down payment

• You’re pre-approved and financially prepared

• You plan to stay in Calgary for 3–5 years

• You're currently paying high rent with no equity return

⏳ Consider Waiting If:

• You need time to build credit or savings

• You’re uncertain about your job or long-term location

• You want to explore different areas first

👨‍👩‍👧 Families & Upsizers

✅ Buy Now If:

• Your current home feels too small

• You want more space and better layout

• You’re ready to use equity from your current home

⏳ Consider Waiting If:

• You’re still weighing options between renovating vs. relocating

• You’re uncertain about school or work changes

• You’re anticipating a large life change in the next 6–12 months

  ✅ Ready to plan your next move?

  Schedule your free Strategy call

🧠 Expert Insight from the 2GreenDoors Team with Lana Secchi:

🧍‍♀️ First-Time Buyers:

Stick within your current rent budget and look at growing communities. 

This approach helps you transition from renting to owning while building equity without compromising your lifestyle. Affordable condos or smaller homes in growing communities often provide a realistic and sustainable entry point into homeownership.

💰Investors:

Consider cash-flowing properties with legal suites near C-Train or universities. Inner-city locations with strong rental demand can offer steady income and easier tenant placement.

👨‍👩‍👧 Upsizers:

Focus on lifestyle: schools, green spaces, lakes and make a move that lasts. Are there particular schools you want your children to attend? Would you prefer a community with access to lakes, parks, or other amenities?

⏳ The Real Cost of Waiting

You can’t control interest rates. You can control your readiness. Waiting could mean:

• Missing out on stable rates

• Losing equity-building time

While rates and prices may shift, making affordability fluctuate, now can be a good time to explore options thoughtfully and find the right home at your own pace. Don't you think?

❓Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding:

Start gathering information, exploring communities, and when you’re ready, reach out to the 2GreenDoors team. We’re here to support you every step of the way, at your pace.

Schedule a free call to explore your options.

📍 Area Highlights: Fall 2025 Buying Opportunities

Based on the current data and market behaviour, here are some of our favourite pockets of opportunity:

🌊Lake Communities 

Mahogany & Harmony Lake: Lots of builder activity = opportunities for upgrades and incentives.
Arbour Lake, Midnapore, Chaparral: Used to be harder to buy into—now there's more inventory and room to negotiate.

Whether you’re looking for new construction deals or established homes, we can guide you through both options to find the best fit and negotiate the best terms. Calgary’s lake communities offer excellent choices for active, family-friendly living

🏞️Cochrane

Cochrane’s real estate market continues to thrive in 2025. Neighborhoods like the well-established Sunset Ridge and Fireside, which offers easy access west of Calgary, provide growing amenities, beautiful views, and strong long-term investment potential. Plus, with the Rocky Mountains nearby, these communities offer an affordable alternative to living in Canmore.

🚼 Airdrie

The Airdrie real estate summer 2025 update highlights its ongoing appeal to families and first-time buyers. With reasonable pricing and plenty of new construction, now is a great time to negotiate with builders—whether for better prices or valuable upgrades

🏡Okotoks

The Okotoks market update for July 2025 shows this area continues to offer strong community charm and lifestyle appeal for families. With a small-town feel, easy access to amenities in South Calgary, and attractions like golf courses and vibrant local spots, Okotoks remains a sought-after place to call home

Ready to search all available listings in your favourite area?

🧭 Final Thought: Trust the Timing That Aligns With You

There’s no perfect market. There’s only a prepared buyer with the right support.

If you’re ready to explore, or just want to stop guessing, let’s talk.

Let’s Discover Your Best Move Together