SHOULD YOU SELL YOUR HOME IN CALGARY IN THE WINTER?
Listing and selling your home in Calgary in the winter comes with unique challenges and opportunities, leaving many homeowners wondering: will buyers brave the cold to view my property, will the market slow down or heat up in the near future, and would I get a better price by waiting until spring? Questions about how your home will show in darker evenings, without lush landscaping, and whether the timing will make the process turn into a long and difficult process. This post will walk you through the pros and cons of selling your home in the winter in Calgary to help you decide if winter is the right season for your move.
HOW DOES THE WINTER AFFECT THE CALGARY REAL ESTATE MARKET?
The winter season in Calgary brings a unique dynamic to Calgary’s real estate market, with seasonal changes impacting everything from buyer activity to how homes are presented. Winter typically brings a slower pace to the real estate market, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad time to sell. Here are some things to consider when deciding to list your home in the winter.
- Sales – It is true there are less sales in the winter, particularly in December and January, but there’s always less competition during this time as well.
- Inventory Levels – The number of active listings often decreases in the winter as many sellers opt to wait until spring to list their homes. This lower inventory can reduce competition for sellers.
- Days On The Market – Properties listed during the winter may take longer to sell as the pool of active buyers is smaller compared to the busier spring and summer months.
- Pricing – I believe it’s partly a myth that prices drop in the winter. I think they stay stable and pricing is best looked at in terms of your specific situation, how much inventory there is in your price bracket and neighbourhood, recently sold comparable homes in your area, and what is happening with the economy and the real estate statistical trends.
IS CALGARY CURRENTLY IN A BUYER’S OR SELLER’S MARKET AND SHOULD YOU SELL NOW OR WAIT?
Since 2021, Calgary has been in a strong seller’s market, with more buyers than available homes, leading to rising prices, reduced inventory, and frequent bidding wars. While the market remains favorable for sellers, a growing number of new listings is gradually shifting conditions toward a more balanced market. Listing your home now allows you to capitalize on the current demand without the risk of increased competition in the spring, when more listings typically hit the market. Additionally, economic factors like changes in energy prices, poor Canadian GDP numbers, a sluggish Canadian economy, and shifts in buyer sentiment could affect demand by then.
WHY WINTER CAN BE A GOOD TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME
- Motivated Buyers – Winter buyers are often more motivated, which can lead to quicker sales. Many have pressing needs like job relocations, transfers, or tight timelines. After all, why else would they be braving the cold and dark to search for a home?
- Less Competition – Fewer homes are listed during the winter, giving your property a better chance to stand out. With less competition, selling becomes simpler—real estate sales is all about supply and demand!
- Cozy Atmosphere – Homes can feel especially cozy and inviting in the winter, particularly around Christmas with beautiful decorations and warm lighting. A lit fireplace, soft lighting, and tasteful holiday decor can create a welcoming atmosphere that makes a lasting impression on buyers.
- Highlighting Winter Features – Winter is a great time to highlight your home’s cold-weather features, such as a heated garage, energy-efficient windows, excellent insulation, a reliable heating system, heated floors, or a cozy fireplace. These upgrades can stand out and appeal to buyers looking for comfort during the colder months.
- The Conditional Sale Process– Fewer transactions overall during the winter can mean faster processing with financing, home inspections, and the legal process.
- Sell Now and Move Later – Real estate in Calgary is typically on a 3 month cycle(1 month to sell, 2 months for the buyer to move in). If you are selling in the winter it usually means you are moving in the spring time. If you can work out the possession to fit your schedule you can sell now and start looking for a new home when many more homes hit the market in the spring.
WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES TO SELLING YOUR HOME IN THE WINTER IN CALGARY?
- Weather Issues – Harsh and unpredictable Calgary winters can make scheduling showings and open houses more challenging. The cold weather often deters casual buyers who are just starting their search, which may limit foot traffic.
- Shorter Days – Limited daylight hours in the winter can make scheduling viewings difficult, especially for buyers with tight schedules. Homes may not show their best in low light, and with daylight stretching from only around 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Curb Appeal – Snow-covered yards, bare trees, and inaccessible outdoor features like patios or balconies can diminish your home’s curb appeal in winter.
- Holiday Season Distractions – The holiday season can be distracting time for people, as many are focused on travel, family commitments, holiday plans, or financial pressures. This may reduce the pool of active buyers.
- Market Perception – Some buyers might view a winter listing as a sign of a motivated or eager seller, which could lead them to make lower offers. However, this perception isn’t always accurate and depends on the individual buyer and market conditions.
TIPS FOR SELLING YOUR HOME IN THE WINTER IN CALGARY
- Clear Away Snow & Ice – When selling your home in winter, ensure all snow and ice are cleared from driveways, walkways, and roofs to create a safe, welcoming path for potential buyers—nothing should distract them from your home’s best features or leave a bad impression. This also helps prevent any accidents and the last thing you want is to get into a lawsuit while trying to sell your home!
- Lighting – In Calgary’s winter, brighten your home by opening blinds, turning on all lights, and using warm, inviting lighting to create a cozy atmosphere for buyers.
- Temperature – Keep your home warm and inviting during the winter by setting the thermostat to a comfortable 19-21°C. If you have a fireplace, lighting it before a showing adds both warmth and a cozy winter ambiance—but avoid overheating to keep the space comfortable.
- Flooring – Winter weather can be tough on floors, but keeping them clean during showings is simple with a few adjustments. Lay mats inside and outside all entrances to catch salt, slush, and snow. These small touches not only keep your home spotless but also create a welcoming, well-maintained impression for potential buyers. As a realtor, there’s nothing worse than taking your shoes off at the entrance and stepping on a pool of water and having wet socks all day, ensure there’s a mat!
- Strong Smells – This one goes for all seasons and it’s best to keep smells subtle it when selling your home. Strong smells can overwhelm buyers, especially those with allergies. Instead, use a diffuser with light, natural fragrances for a fresh, welcoming atmosphere that won’t distract. Neutral is best!
- Winterize Your Home – To winterize your home, start by sealing any drafts around windows and doors, drain outdoor faucets to prevent the pipes freezing, and checking that your heating system is in good working order. Clean gutters to avoid ice dams, ensure your roof is ready for snow, and stock up on essentials like snow-melting salt. A programmable thermostat can help maintain efficient heating.
- Photography – In the darker months ensure your realtor uses a professional photographer to help ensure the photos are good quality and well lit so it shows better. It can be a good idea to get some photos in the warmer months that showcases the landscaping and foliage so buyers don’t have to wonder about it.
- Price Strategically – If you nail the price at a time of year with reduced competition, you can really come out on top with potential bidding wars in our current market.
CHECK OUT MY YOUTUBE VIDEO – PROS AND CONS OF SELLING IN THE WINTER IN CALGARY
IN SUMMARY: SHOULD YOU SELL NOW OR WAIT UNTIL SPRING TO SELL YOUR HOME IN CALGARY?
Selling your home in Calgary in the winter comes with its own set of pros and cons. While the season brings challenges like harsh weather, shorter daylight hours, and holiday distractions, it also offers unique advantages such as reduced competition and motivated buyers. With Calgary’s market still favouring sellers, listing in the winter allows you to stand out and potentially secure a great deal before the busier spring market brings more competition.
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