Looking back, house shopping was a uniquely emotional experience. It invited us to dream, but also demanded that we stay grounded. It asked us to imagine a future, while constantly reminding us of our limitations at the time. It was a journey filled with anticipation, hard lessons, and, at moments, genuine heartbreak, especially in a competitive Edmonton real estate market.

My wife and I were right in the thick of it. When I think back to that period, I remember how deeply we felt the disappointment of losing out on a home we genuinely loved. We submitted an offer. We gave it our best shot. And still, we were outbid, three times, by about $30,000. Someone else simply had more money, and that was that.

It stung.
And in some ways, it stayed with us longer than we expected.

Knowing Our Budget Wasn’t Always Enough

At the time, our budget topped out at $430,000. Knowing how competitive the Edmonton housing market was, we intentionally targeted homes listed closer to $400,000. The goal was to leave room for negotiations in a multiple-offer situation.

It was a smart strategy.
But it also required constant discipline.

Looking back, one of the hardest lessons was learning not to get emotionally attached to the listing price—because in Edmonton real estate, it was rarely the final number.

We would walk into a $400,000 home, fall in love with the light in the kitchen or the way the layout suited our lifestyle, and immediately start picturing our life there. When those homes sold for $430,000 or $440,000, it forced us to question whether the dream had been unrealistic, or whether the market simply wasn’t fair.

And in hindsight, the answer was often both.

Accepting What We Wouldn’t Get (At Least Not Right Away)

One of the most difficult adjustments we had to make was accepting what we wouldn’t have, at least in our first home.

For me, that was the kitchen.

I had a clear vision: wide countertops, a gas range, custom cabinetry, a true chef’s space. But reality required me to trade that vision for something simpler, with the understanding that future renovations would come later.

That adjustment didn’t happen overnight.
I had to grieve the dream a little before moving forward.

Looking back, that shift in mindset was pivotal. Once I accepted that buying a home in Edmonton was a journey, not a one-time win, the process became far more manageable. I stopped searching for the perfect home and started focusing on the right one.

A home with good bones.
With potential.
With possibilities we could build on over time.

Why We Learned Not to Get Excited Too Early

If I were offering advice now, especially to first-time home buyers in Edmonton, this would be it:

Don’t get excited too early.

Not when you find the listing.
Not during the showing.
Not even after submitting the offer.

Hope and optimism are important, but looking back, keeping excitement measured protects us emotionally.

When we submitted offers, we learned to choose numbers we were genuinely comfortable with, offers where, if someone outbid us, we could walk away with our heads high and our hearts intact (a lesson I credit to my brilliant mentor).

It wasn’t just about financial limits.
It was about emotional ones, too.

The Edmonton Real Estate Market, in Hindsight

Looking back, the Edmonton real estate market felt vast and unpredictable.

We made multiple offers.
We faced rejection.
We felt frustration more than once.

But with time and perspective, it became clear that unpredictability also meant opportunity. There was never just one home we were meant to have.

There were many homes where we could build a life.

And often, the ones that didn’t work out quietly made space for the one that eventually did.

What Staying Grounded Ultimately Taught Us

Looking back, staying grounded, while not always easy, was what allowed us to keep going.

Home buying wasn’t just a transaction. It was a test of patience, preparation, and emotional balance. We didn’t need to settle; we needed to stay strategic, steady, and realistic.

And in hindsight, that made all the difference.

The right house was out there.
And when we found it, we were ready.

Thinking About Your Own Home Buying Journey? Let’s Talk.

One of the biggest lessons from this stage of the process was how valuable it was to have honest conversations, about budget, expectations, emotions, and strategy. House shopping in a competitive market like Edmonton can feel overwhelming, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

If you’re a first-time buyer (or even just considering the idea), I’m here to help you make sense of the process—from setting realistic expectations to writing offers you can feel confident about. My approach is straightforward, pressure-free, and grounded in real experience, both personal and professional.

If you’re ready to talk through your next steps, or even just want to ask a few questions, I’d love to connect.

Call, text or email me anytime:
 Ludovic Aubertin                                                                                                                                                                     Iconic YEG | RE/MAX Real Estate
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 ludovic.iconicyeg.com