October 2025

People love living in Calgary, and more are moving here every day. For current and prospective residents, building a custom dream home is the pinnacle of homeownership and something they work towards for decades.

But the experience (and your future home) depend heavily on who you choose to work with. Start by exploring some of Calgary's best home builders. While they all have experience and track records of customer satisfaction, they each have unique offerings, specialties, and styles.

Here's a deep dive into the top home builders in Calgary. The best Calgary builder for you may not be on this list, but getting a baseline of what to look for, what to expect, and how to approach your search will be priceless.

The Justin Havre Real Estate Team

Your mortgage rate is 6.5%, but your neighbour just got 4.8% on their new home. Should you apply for refinancing to get a better deal, or will the costs eat up any savings?

This question keeps many Canadian homeowners up at night. With interest rates bouncing around like a pinball machine, figuring out when to refinance your mortgage can feel overwhelming.

Here's the truth: refinancing can save you thousands of dollars over time or put money in your pocket right now. But it can also cost you big if you don't understand the rules. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about mortgage refinancing in Canada, with real examples and current market insights.

By the end, you'll know exactly when refinancing makes sense and how to do it

The Calgary real estate market is constantly changing. Fortunately, we're here to keep you up-to-date on everything that's going on. This seasonal update gives you the actual numbers that matter to buyers and sellers.

Calgary Real Estate Market Update: October 2025

As we move deeper into fall, Calgary's housing market continues the trends established in recent months. With inventory reaching levels not seen since 2020 and sales activity remaining subdued, the market has shifted to conditions that provide buyers with more selection and time for decision-making.

Let's examine the October statistics and what they indicate for both buyers and sellers navigating today's market environment.

October 2025 Market Snapshot - By the Numbers

Looking at Calgary's booming commercial real estate market, smart investors are asking one key question: Is now the right time to jump in?

The numbers tell a compelling story. Calgary's commercial real estate market hit $5.2 billion in investment volume by the fourth quarter of 2024, a massive 17% jump from the year before. That's investors voting with their wallets.

But here's what really matters for your investment decision. Calgary isn't just riding an oil boom anymore. The city has quietly become Canada's second-largest corporate headquarters hub. Tech companies are moving in. The population grew by 6% last year. And commercial property prices still cost 25–50% less than Toronto or Vancouver.

So, is Calgary commercial real estate a good

Considering moving to Calgary? Understandably, you’ll want to know what awaits you in this sun-soaked city nestled against the glorious Rockies. From the reality of housing costs and job market prospects to the pulse of daily life in Calgary’s best neighbourhoods, prospective residents can check all their boxes before moving. Calgary isn’t merely a new address—it’s a place where you can thrive.

Why Live in Calgary?

• Lower Cost of Living: Calgary is significantly more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver, offering a high quality of life without excessive costs.
• Strong Job Market: A wide range of opportunities in energy, tech, healthcare, agriculture, and finance.
• Rich Cultural Scene: Home to Studio Bell, art galleries, museums, and music

Picture this: You're ready to buy your first home (or refinance), but two different mortgage professionals are telling you opposite things about the best loan for your situation. One works for TD Bank, the other works independently with 40+ lenders. Who's actually looking out for your best interests?

This confusion hits thousands of Canadian homebuyers every year.

The choice between a mortgage broker vs. a loan officer can literally save or cost you thousands of dollars over your mortgage term. But too many people don't understand the real difference until it's too late.

The truth is, both can help you get a mortgage. But they work very differently, get paid differently, and offer completely different advantages. By the end of this article,

Every November, you can honour those lost in the First World War at the many Remembrance Day events across Calgary. At these special ceremonies, you will have a chance to learn about those who sacrificed their lives and honour their memories. To help you best plan your time on this important day, use this guide to learn about Remembrance Day events you can attend in Calgary.

Calgary Remembrance Day 2025 Events

• Field of Crosses: 200 Memorial Dr. NW (Sunnyside Bank Park)
• Daily ceremonies November 1–10: arrive 15 minutes prior to sunrise and sunset times.
• Night of Lights: November 10, sunset to sunrise.
• Remembrance Day Ceremony: November 11, 10:10 a.m.; televised
• Remembrance Day Ceremony at the Military Museums: 4520 Crowchild

You walk into your kitchen and cringe. Those honey oak cabinets from 1995 stare back at you. The laminate countertops have seen better days. And you just know buyers will notice.

Should you spend $30,000 updating everything before listing? Or is it better to price your home lower and let buyers deal with it?

While kitchen updates can bring a return on investment of up to 75–100%, that doesn't mean every update is worth it. Smart sellers know which changes pay off and which ones are money pits.

The trick to knowing whether to remodel your kitchen before selling your home? Knowing what potential buyers in your area actually want versus what looks good on home renovation shows.

Quick Kitchen Update Guidelines for Sellers

Before we dive

Can you buy a house in Calgary with a 620 credit score, or do you need 760+ to get the best rates? If you're house hunting in Calgary, you've probably heard conflicting advice about credit scores. Some people say 680 is enough. Others insist you need perfect credit to get anywhere.

Here's why the difference matters: Calgary's median detached home price hit the low $700s in the second quarter of 2025. A 100-point difference in your credit score could change your monthly payment by over $125. That's $1,500 more per year—or $45,000 over the life of your mortgage.

The difference between a minimum credit score that gets you approved and an optimal score that saves you money is huge. This guide breaks down exactly what credit score you need for