As a REALTOR® in Calgary, I work with home sellers every day who are navigating a market that’s shifting from a seller’s market to a more balanced environment. Many sellers hold onto outdated assumptions that can cost time, money, or even a sale. Here are the top 10 misconceptions I hear most often — and my insights on how to approach them.
1. “Buyers will still pay top dollar if they really love my home.”
In a buyer’s market, buyers have options. Even if they love your home, they won’t ignore the comparable sales or other inventory. Overconfidence can lead sellers to overprice and get fewer showings. A realistic price paired with good marketing is far more likely to attract serious offers.
2. “I should price high so I have room to negotiate.”
Overpricing is one of the most common mistakes I see. Buyers are quick to bypass homes that don’t offer clear value. Starting too high often means missing your window of interest from motivated buyers. Competitive pricing, informed by current market data, is key to generating multiple offers and achieving a strong sale.
3. “If someone wants it, they’ll make an offer.”
When supply is high, buyers feel no urgency. Even highly desirable homes can sit if they’re slightly overpriced or need work. Silence on your listing doesn’t mean there’s no demand — it often means buyers have moved on to other options. Active marketing and presentation make a big difference in attracting attention.
4. “My neighbour sold for X, so I should too.”
Every property is unique, and the timing and conditions of your neighbour’s sale may not reflect today’s market. Benchmark prices, supply, and buyer behavior vary by sector — detached, semi-detached, row, and condo markets are all performing differently in 2025. Sellers who rely on outdated comps often find themselves needing to reduce price later.
5. “I can wait it out — the right buyer will come.”
Time on market works against you in a buyer’s market. Homes that linger begin to feel “stale,” and buyers assume something is wrong. Waiting may also mean your home competes with more listings, as supply continues to build. Proactive adjustments — whether pricing, repairs, or staging — tend to produce better outcomes.
6. “I don’t need to fix anything — buyers can make their own improvements.”
Buyers now expect homes to be in good condition because they have more choices. Deferred maintenance or visible issues tend to result in lower offers or fewer showings. Even small cosmetic improvements like fresh paint, decluttering, or minor landscaping can make a significant difference in attracting buyers and increasing perceived value.
7. “Upgrades always equal a higher selling price.”
Some updates, like modern kitchens or bathrooms, may boost your appeal, but not all upgrades guarantee a higher offer. Luxury or highly personalized renovations often don’t appeal to the broader buyer pool. In a buyer’s market, thoughtful, cost-effective improvements that enhance presentation are usually a smarter investment than large, high-cost remodels.
8. “Staging doesn’t matter.”
Staging is even more critical when buyers have options. Homes that are thoughtfully staged tend to show better online, attract more showings, and leave a stronger impression during visits. For condos and row homes, staging can make the difference between blending in with the competition and standing out as a top choice.
9. “Any offer is insulting if it’s a lowball.”
Low offers in a buyer’s market aren’t personal — they’re often just starting points. Counteroffers can quickly move negotiations toward fair value. Ignoring or rejecting early offers can sometimes mean losing the only interested buyer in a competitive week, so it’s important to respond strategically rather than emotionally.
10. “The market will bounce back soon — I don’t need to adjust.”
Calgary’s market is transitioning gradually. Certain sectors, particularly condos and row homes, are experiencing increased supply and pressure on prices. Sellers who act proactively — adjusting pricing, improving presentation, and marketing effectively — are much more likely to achieve strong results than those who wait for “last year’s market” to return.
Final Thoughts: What CREB’s September 2025 Data Is Telling Us About Different Housing Sectors
From my perspective as a Calgary REALTOR®, the September 2025 CREB data confirms that the market is shifting unevenly. How your property performs depends heavily on the type of home you’re selling.
Apartment / Condominium
Months of supply: 5.0 months (calgarylistinghub.ca)
Benchmark price: $322,900, down 6.4% YoY (creb.com)
Implication: Expect more negotiation room. Pricing strategically, offering incentives, and highlighting your unit’s best features are critical to standing out in a crowded market.
Row Homes / Townhouses
Months of supply: 3.6 months
Benchmark price: $437,100, down 4.8% YoY
Implication: Row-home sellers are in a more balanced, possibly buyer-favourable market. Staging, clear differentiation, and realistic pricing are key.
Detached Homes
Months of supply: 3.7 months
Benchmark price: $749,900, down ~1% YoY
Implication: Detached-home sellers have more leverage than those in denser housing types. You still need competitive pricing and effective marketing but don’t usually need to deeply discount.
Semi‑Detached Homes
Months of supply: ~4.0 months
Benchmark price: $684,800, up 0.9% YoY
Implication: Semi-detached sellers have moderate leverage. Strong marketing and highlighting the home’s advantages remain important, while negotiation may still be necessary.
Bottom Line: October 2025 CREB Data
According to October 2025 CREB® data, Calgary’s market continues to balance:
Total inventory: 6,471 units
Months of supply: 3.4 months (creb.com)
Benchmark price (all residential types): $568,000, down ~1% from September and 4% YoY (creb.com)
What this means for sellers:
Multi-offer bidding wars are no longer the norm; buyers have choice and can take their time.
Successful sales now depend on realistic pricing, strategic marketing, property presentation, and a willingness to negotiate.
While the advantage has shifted, sellers with well-prepared homes and a smart strategy can still achieve strong results in Calgary’s current market.