Mel Ward - Real Estate

Mel Ward - Real Estate YYC REALTOR ® Calgary & Surrounding Areas (Residential)
"Heart Centred Real Estate; Driven by Passion for People"

Calgary Real Estate Market Update – February 2026The market is balanced overall — but conditions vary by property type.🏡...
03/03/2026

Calgary Real Estate Market Update – February 2026

The market is balanced overall — but conditions vary by property type.

🏡 Detached & Semi-Detached:�Still the tightest segments with under 3 months of supply.�Homes under $700K remain limited.�Small price gains month-over-month.

🏘 Row Homes:�More balanced with just over 3 months of supply.�Prices up slightly from January, but still down year-over-year.

🏢 Apartment Condos:�Buyer-friendly market.�Over 4 months of supply and prices continuing to soften.�Benchmark price is down nearly 9% from last year.

Citywide:
* 1,526 sales (down 11% year-over-year)
* 4,822 homes on the market
* Benchmark price: $560,500

The takeaway?
�Strategy matters. Pricing matters. And the type of home matters more than ever. If you’re thinking about making a move this spring, let’s talk about what this means for you.

Everyone asks: 'Mel, should I wait until April?' While everyone else is waiting for the flowers to bloom, smart buyers a...
03/03/2026

Everyone asks: 'Mel, should I wait until April?'

While everyone else is waiting for the flowers to bloom, smart buyers and sellers are making moves now. Inventory is starting to wake up, and we're seeing some serious heat in certain Calgary micro-markets.

Here’s the tea:

Inventory is Waking Up 🏡
The Tea: The 'Winter Chill' is officially thawing! We’ve seen a 7.3% jump in new listings this month as sellers start prepping for Spring early. For you? This means more options and less of that 'there's nothing to buy' frustration we saw in December.
Mel’s Pro-Tip: Don't wait for the 'Spring Explosion' in April when everyone else lists. Shopping now means you see the fresh inventory before the crowds arrive.

Buyers are Out of Hibernation 👟
The Tea: Foot traffic is up! Showings are getting busier, and that 'pent-up demand' is starting to leak out. While we aren't quite in the 2021 bidding-war era, the 'Serious Buyers' are out in full force right now.
Mel’s Pro-Tip: If you’re a buyer, get that pre-approval updated now. In this market, the 'prepared' buyer wins the house while the 'undecided' buyer is still checking their emails.

The "Affordability Sweet Spot" 📉
The Tea: Here’s the real tea: Mortgage rates have stabilized significantly compared to last year (hovering around the 4.5% - 5% mark for many). Combined with home prices that are finally moderating, February 2026 is looking like the most 'balanced' month we've had in years.
Mel’s Pro-Tip: Waiting for rates to hit 2% again is like waiting for a unicorn. The 'sweet spot' is when you find a house you love at a payment you can afford today.

Refuelling for a big week ahead!Real estate moves fast, but Sundays are for slowing down. Some things I did today that m...
03/02/2026

Refuelling for a big week ahead!

Real estate moves fast, but Sundays are for slowing down.

Some things I did today that make me happy, and top off the weekend and prepare for a great week ahead:
· Got the patio dusted off, lights up in preparation for the sun and Spring
· A little night time fire
· Made a great meal, like this Korean BBQ pork belly (a fave in our house!)

How are you spending your Sunday? Drop a 'Me Time' emoji below! 👇

The $0 hack to make your home look like a million bucks! ✨In late February, we are all craving that Vitamin D! If you’re...
02/26/2026

The $0 hack to make your home look like a million bucks! ✨

In late February, we are all craving that Vitamin D!

If you’re thinking about selling—or even if you just want to love your space more today—stop what you’re doing and open those drapes.

The Mel Tip: Shadows make a room feel smaller and 'heavy.' By maximizing natural light and layering in warm lamps, you’re literally making the square footage feel bigger and the vibe much happier. It’s the easiest prep you’ll ever do!

Who else is ready for the 8:00 PM sunsets? 🙋‍♀️👇

Is your house starting to feel a little... tight? Maybe that 'cozy' spare room is now a chaotic home office/gym/laundry ...
02/26/2026

Is your house starting to feel a little... tight?

Maybe that 'cozy' spare room is now a chaotic home office/gym/laundry pile.

February is the perfect time to evaluate if your home still loves you back. If you’re dreaming of more counter space or a yard that isn't just a patch of ice, it might be time to see other houses. Let’s find you a 'Match Made in Real Estate' before the Spring rush hits!

If you're ready to see other houses, DM me 'MATCHMAKER' 🧡

This January, the Calgary housing market is telling a different story than we’ve heard in years. As we look at the lates...
02/03/2026

This January, the Calgary housing market is telling a different story than we’ve heard in years.

As we look at the latest CREB stats, it's important to keep one thing in mind: Context is everything.

Comparing today to the same time last year isn’t apples-to-apples. Why? Because we have transitioned from a high-pressure Sellers Market into a much more Balanced Market.

Here is what you need to know about the January numbers:

📈 The Big Picture
Inventory is up: We hit 4,391 units this month—the highest January level since 2020.

Urgency is down: More choice means buyers are taking their time to weigh options rather than rushing into bidding wars.

Sales are steady: While sales are down 15% year-over-year, they are actually right in line with typical January activity.

🏠 Market Breakdown
Detached & Semi-Detached: These remain the most stable. With about 3 months of supply, they are sitting in a healthy, balanced zone.

Apartments & Row Homes: This is where the shift is most visible. High supply has pushed inventory to 4–5 months, meaning buyers have significant leverage here.

Pricing: Benchmark prices have dipped about 5% year-over-year, largely driven by the surge of inventory in the high-density (condo/row) sectors.

The Bottom Line: If you’re a Buyer, you finally have the "breathing room" to do your due diligence. If you’re a Seller, your strategy now shifts to precision—pricing and presentation are the keys to standing out in a balanced market.

Questions about how your specific neighbourhood is performing? Let’s chat! ☕️

📬 Calgary Property Assessments have landed!Did you get your "blue envelope" from the City? Before you stress about the n...
01/15/2026

📬 Calgary Property Assessments have landed!

Did you get your "blue envelope" from the City? Before you stress about the numbers, here are 3 things every Calgary homeowner needs to know:

1️⃣ It’s a Time Capsule: Your 2026 assessment is based on your home’s value on July 1, 2025. It doesn't account for the market shifts we’ve seen over the last few months!

2️⃣ Assessment ≠ Resale Value: The City uses "mass appraisal" to make sure everyone pays their fair share of taxes. It doesn't see your high-end renovations or that amazing curb appeal. If you want to know what your house would sell for today, that’s where I come in! 🙋‍♂️/🙋‍♀️

3️⃣ The 2026 Numbers:

Typical home value increase: ~1%

Median house price: $706,000

Estimated tax impact: +$4.50/month (for the average home)

⚠️ DON’T AGREE? You have a window to fight it! You have until March 23 to review and dispute your assessment. Check your details at calgary.ca/mytax or call 311 to chat with an assessor.

Have questions about your specific neighbourhood? Drop a comment below or send me a DM! 💬

I’m currently in the middle of my own move, and wow, talk about a reality check. It’s easy to give advice from the sidel...
01/15/2026

I’m currently in the middle of my own move, and wow, talk about a reality check. It’s easy to give advice from the sidelines, but being back in the thick of it has been a truly humbling reminder of the stress my clients feel. It’s a whirlwind of emotions and logistics, and honestly? It’s a good perspective shift for me.

To keep myself from losing it, I’ve been following a few "sanity rules" that are actually making this (dare I say?) smooth. If you’re eyeing a move soon, here’s the strategy I’m using:

The "Day One" Clear Bin: This is my holy grail. I packed one clear plastic bin with everything I’ll need the second I walk in: toilet paper, paper towels, coffee maker, chargers, and the router/modem for the internet install. Since it’s clear, I don’t have to hunt for it in a sea of boxes.

The Bin Life > Box Life: I’m using rented plastic moving bins. They stack like a dream, you don’t need a gallon of packing tape, and—best of all—no cardboard mountain to get rid of at the end. ♻️

Purge Like a Pro: If I don’t love it or use it, it’s not getting a ride to the new place. It feels so good to donate items to a new home rather than just moving "clutter" from point A to point B.

The "Slow & Steady" Schedule: I’m refusing to do the 2:00 AM packing marathon. I set a realistic schedule to tackle one area at a time so I don’t get overwhelmed.

Hiring Help Early: I found a mover who did a deep-dive analysis of my stuff for the quote. No "hidden fee" surprises on moving day! 🚛

Admin Prep: I’ve already knocked out the mail forwarding and utility transfers. Future Me is going to be so happy when the lights (and the Wi-Fi) actually work on night one. 💡

Fuel the Crew: Pro-tip—keep a small cooler with water and some easy snacks handy for yourself and the movers. A hydrated team is a happy (and fast!) team.

Being back in the "client chair" has definitely given me a fresh perspective. It’s a lot to handle, but having a plan makes all the difference.

What’s the one thing you ALWAYS forget when you move? Tell me in the comments so I can make sure it’s on my list! 👇

[email protected]
(403) 829-1254
www.movewithmelanie.ca
eXp Realty
“𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒞𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝓁 𝐸𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓉𝑒; 𝒟𝓇𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒷𝓎 𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒫𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒”

New Year, New Home? ✨Imagine starting 2026 in the heart of Oakridge! This beautifully updated 4-level split isn’t just a...
01/02/2026

New Year, New Home? ✨

Imagine starting 2026 in the heart of Oakridge! This beautifully updated 4-level split isn’t just a house; it’s the fresh start you’ve been looking for. With over 2,400 sq. ft. of total living space, there’s room for every resolution.

Why you’ll love it: 🔥 Cozy Mornings: THREE fireplaces (including one in the primary suite!) to keep those winter chills away. 🍳 Chef’s Kitchen: Updated with espresso cabinetry, a 5-burner gas stove, and brand-new stainless steel appliances. 🌿 Private Retreat: A massive deck and mature trees in the backyard—perfect for summer BBQs. 🚗 Heated Perks: An oversized double heated garage to keep your cars happy all winter.

The Community: Located just steps from Glenmore Park, top-rated schools, and the Oakridge Rec Centre. Enjoy quick access to Southland Drive and Stoney Trail for an easy commute!

📍 9308 26 Street SW, Calgary 💰 $899,000 🛏️ 4 Bedrooms | 🛁 3 Bathrooms

DM me for a private tour or check the link in the comments! 🗝️

🏠 Calgary Market Update: A New Balance for 2026After years of rapid growth, the Calgary housing market has shifted. We a...
01/02/2026

🏠 Calgary Market Update: A New Balance for 2026

After years of rapid growth, the Calgary housing market has shifted. We are officially entering 2026 in balanced conditions, giving both buyers and sellers a more stable environment.

The Bottom Line:
Inventory is up: We have the best supply levels seen in three years.

Prices are stabilizing: The overall benchmark price sits at $577,492 (down 2% from last year).

What to Expect:
For Sellers: Detached and semi-detached homes are still holding their value (up 1–3%). However, with more competition on the market, pricing your home accurately is now more important than ever to stand out.

For Buyers: You finally have more breathing room. Supply is up, particularly in the apartment and row home sectors, where prices have eased by 2–3%. This is a great window to find a home without the "bidding war" frenzy of previous years.

The Takeaway: The market is no longer "one size fits all." Trends vary wildly by neighbourhood—from the resilient City Centre to the high-supply North East.

Ready to navigate this new market? DM me to find out what these changes mean for your specific neighbourhood!



[email protected]
(403) 829-1254
www.movewithmelanie.ca
eXp Realty
“𝐻𝑒𝒶𝓇𝓉 𝒞𝑒𝓃𝓉𝓇𝑒𝒹 𝑅𝑒𝒶𝓁 𝐸𝓈𝓉𝒶𝓉𝑒; 𝒟𝓇𝒾𝓋𝑒𝓃 𝒷𝓎 𝒫𝒶𝓈𝓈𝒾𝑜𝓃 𝒻𝑜𝓇 𝒫𝑒𝑜𝓅𝓁𝑒”

Cheers to a brand new year 🥂A year of fresh starts, meaningful moments, and spaces that truly feel like home.May the mon...
01/01/2026

Cheers to a brand new year 🥂

A year of fresh starts, meaningful moments, and spaces that truly feel like home.

May the months ahead be filled with growth, gratitude, laughter, and memories worth keeping.

As I reflect on the year behind us, I’m incredibly thankful for the trust, support, and connections that made it so special. Every conversation, challenge, and milestone helped shape growth I’m truly grateful for.

Here’s to carrying that gratitude forward, embracing what’s next, and continuing to grow together.

Happy New Year ✨






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