Okotoks & High River Real Estate Market Update — Fall 2026
I've had a lot of people ask me lately whether now's a good time to buy or sell around Okotoks and High River — and honestly, the answer depends on which side of the transaction you're on. The latest numbers from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®) tell a pretty clear story: prices have eased […]
First-Time Buyer? Here’s What You Actually Need for a Down Payment in Alberta
In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% on homes under $500,000, and 5% on the first $500,000 plus 10% on any amount above that, up to the $1.5 million insured mortgage cap. Buyers putting down less than 20% must get mortgage default insurance, typically through CMHC. First-time buyers and new construction buyers can also […]
Okotoks vs. High River: Which Foothills Community Fits Your Family?
Okotoks (pop. ~33,500) is larger, closer to Calgary (~42-min drive), and offers more amenities. High River (pop. ~15,500) is smaller, about a 50-minute drive from Calgary, and known for its walkable downtown and tight-knit community feel. I get this question a lot, usually from Calgary families who've decided to move south but haven't picked […]
Moving From Calgary to Okotoks: What to Expect
I grew up in Strathmore, lived in Calgary for a stretch, and have called this stretch of Southern Alberta home ever since — so when Calgary buyers ask me what it's really like to move south to Okotoks, I've usually lived some version of the answer myself. Here's what I tell them. The Short Drive […]
Are Mortgage Originations Still Falling?
Mortgage originations declined across conventional, correspondent, and retail lending channels during early 2026. High borrowing costs continue limiting refinance and purchase mortgage activity. Lenders are focusing on operational efficiency as loan volumes remain below recent peaks. Industry analysts expect only gradual improvement during the remainder of the year.
Well Water 101: What Every Foothills Acreage Buyer Should Know
If you're looking at an acreage anywhere from Okotoks to Nanton, Vulcan to Claresholm, you've probably already had this thought: what happens when there's no city water line running to the property? It's one of the first questions I get from acreage buyers, and honestly, it should be. Water is the thing that makes a […]
Equestrian Properties in Southern Alberta
Whether you’re looking for a quiet hobby farm with room for two horses or a property set up for boarding and training, equestrian real estate comes with its own set of questions — how much land you actually need, what your zoning allows, and what infrastructure is already in place versus what you’ll need to […]
Housing Vibe Shift Buyers Shouldn’t Ignore This Summer
Summer's vibe changed: buyers negotiate more while panic bidding keeps fading across many Canadian markets. Prices aren’t crashing, but they’re flattening after falling from 2022 peak levels. Waiting isn't always safer; CREA still forecasts Canada's average home price to rise 1.5% this year. This summer's real vibe? Preparation beats prediction when markets quietly shift before […]
CUSMA Annual Reviews Add Mortgage Uncertainty
The trade pact has shielded ~90% of Canadian exports from US tariffs, making its future an affordability and rate-timing issue for lenders, builders, and brokers. After the central bank held its policy rate near 2% on June 10, economists said trade uncertainty made a year-end rate move unlikely. Tariff-free cross-border flows in lumber, steel, and […]
Foothills County Acreage Living Guide
Foothills County stretches across roughly 3,600 square kilometres of rural land just south of Calgary, taking in everything from the open ranchland around High River to the forested ridges near Millarville and Priddis. It’s one of the most sought-after acreage markets in southern Alberta — close enough to the city for an easy commute, but […]