Every winter, without fail, I get the same questions from Edmonton home buyers:

“Isn’t the real estate market dead in winter?”
“Do people even go to showings when it’s this cold?”
“Should I wait until spring to buy a home in Edmonton?”

As a REALTOR® in Edmonton, I hear this constantly. And it’s a fair question. When temperatures drop and daylight shortens, it feels like the housing market should slow to a standstill.

But here’s the reality: buying a property in Edmonton during winter can be one of the most strategic moves a buyer can make, if they understand the market and plan accordingly.

Is the Edmonton Real Estate Market Slow in Winter?

Let me give you a real example.

Today, it’s -26°C in Edmonton. While many people assume no one is buying homes in this weather, I have a client who specifically wants to go view a property.

Why?

Because he’s a motivated buyer and based on our conversations, he understands how winter real estate works in Edmonton.

Fewer Buyers Means Less Competition

Winter naturally removes casual buyers from the Edmonton real estate market. The people who remain active are typically:

• Serious about purchasing a home

• Financially prepared and pre-approved

• Clear on timelines and goals

This creates a major advantage.

With fewer buyers competing, winter home buyers in Edmonton often benefit from:

• Less pressure and fewer bidding wars

• More time to properly evaluate properties

• Stronger negotiating leverage on price and terms

Instead of competing against spring buyers, you’re negotiating strategically.

Winter Home Sellers in Edmonton Are Often Very Motivated

Another overlooked factor: most winter sellers aren’t “testing” the market.

If someone lists their home in Edmonton during winter, there’s usually a clear reason:

• Job relocation

• Family or lifestyle changes

• Financial or timing needs that can’t wait until spring

Motivated sellers tend to price more realistically and negotiate more openly, creating potential opportunity for prepared buyers.

Winter Showings Reveal a Home’s True Condition

Buying a home in winter can actually be an advantage when it comes to inspections and evaluations.

Winter showings allow buyers to see:

• How efficiently the home is heated

• Whether drafts or insulation issues exist

• Snow removal and property maintenance standards

• How windows, doors, and roofing perform in real conditions

If a home is warm, efficient, and comfortable in January, it’s likely going to perform exceptionally well year-round.

Smart Buyers Use Edmonton’s Winter Market to Their Advantage

The buyer I mentioned earlier understands this well. He planned ahead, stayed informed, and used professional market insight from yours truly to position himself favorably.

Winter is not a disadvantage, it is an opportunity.

Buyers who approach Edmonton’s winter real estate market with intention, preparation, and the right guidance can achieve excellent results.

Final Thoughts: Should You Buy a Home in Edmonton This Winter?

Buying real estate in Edmonton during winter isn’t about braving the cold, it’s about recognizing opportunity when others hesitate.

If you’re informed, prepared, and working with me, winter can be one of the best times to buy a home in Edmonton.

Sometimes, the smartest real estate moves are made while everyone else is waiting for spring.

Every buyer’s situation is different, and winter opportunities depend on preparation and timing.
If you’d like a clear, no-pressure conversation about buying in Edmonton’s winter market, reach out anytime.

Ludovic Aubertin
RE/MAX Real Estate | Iconic YEG
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 https://ludovic.iconicyeg.com/

Edmonton Real Estate Affordability: Why First-Time Home Buyers Still Have Opportunities

I was recently interviewed by Radio-Canada about affordability in the Edmonton real estate market, specifically for first-time home buyers. During that interview, I shared something I genuinely believe: I feel a moral obligation to help first-time home buyers in Edmonton.

Since then, I’ve had several people reach out asking what I meant and whether buying a home in Edmonton is still realistic today.

It is, and I stand by that statement more than ever.

Buying Your First Home in Edmonton Is Still Possible

Edmonton remains one of the most affordable real estate markets in Canada, especially when compared to cities like Vancouver, Toronto, or even Calgary. But beyond national comparisons, Edmonton is affordable within its own market.

We currently have:

• Strong housing inventory

• A wide range of property types

• Entry-level options that suit first-time buyers

From condos and townhomes to duplexes and starter single-family homes, there are still real opportunities for people looking to buy their first home in Edmonton.

Affordability isn’t about finding the cheapest home, it’s about knowing where to look, how to buy, and what makes financial sense long-term.

The Biggest Mistake First-Time Buyers Make

One of the most common misconceptions I see among first-time home buyers in Edmonton is the idea that your first purchase will be your “dream home.”

In reality, that rarely happens.

Trying to buy the perfect home right away can place buyers under unnecessary financial pressure and limit flexibility later in life. Your first home should support your future, not strain it.

The Edmonton housing market offers a unique advantage: you can enter at a manageable price point and build equity, rather than waiting on the sidelines for the “perfect” moment.

Understanding Your Financial Situation Comes First

Successful first-time buyers take the time to understand their finances before making a move. This includes:

• Knowing what monthly payments are truly comfortable

• Planning for future lifestyle changes

• Aligning a home purchase with long-term goals

When you build a clear plan, buying real estate in Edmonton becomes far less overwhelming and far more strategic.

Why I’m Doubling Down on My Advice

I was proud to take part in the Radio-Canada interview, and I stand firmly by the advice I shared. First-time home buyers in Edmonton still have options, but having the right guidance makes all the difference.

If you’re considering buying your first home in Edmonton and feel unsure where to start, I’d be happy to help. My goal is to guide first-time buyers through the Edmonton real estate market, help them make informed decisions, and save them time, money, and unnecessary stress.

With the right approach, homeownership in Edmonton is still within reach.

If you’re a first-time home buyer looking for guidance in the Edmonton real estate market, I’d be happy to help.

Ludovic Aubertin
RE/MAX Real Estate | Iconic YEG
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 https://ludovic.iconicyeg.com/

For most people, buying a home isn’t just a transaction.
It’s a leap.

For first-time home buyers in Edmonton, it’s often the biggest financial decision they’ve ever made, layered with excitement, fear, uncertainty, and a flood of unfamiliar real estate terms. Yet, the real estate industry still tends to focus on listings, prices, and speed.

But here’s the truth I’ve learned working in Edmonton real estate:

Real estate isn’t about properties. It’s about trust.

First-Time Home Buyers Don’t Need Pressure - They Need Confidence

Buying your first home in Edmonton isn’t just about finding the right neighborhood or price point. It’s about understanding what you’re walking into.

‘Is this home priced fairly for the Edmonton market?
What does this home inspection really mean?
Should I be worried about future resale value?
Am I making the right decision, or just feeling rushed?’

These questions are completely normal for first-time buyers, and they deserve honest and patient answers.

This is why I love working with first-time home buyers in Edmonton. My role isn’t to sell a house. It’s to help buyers build confidence so they can make informed decisions that protect their future.

Trust Is Built in the Small Moments

Trust isn’t built on closing day.
It’s built long before the offer is even written.

It’s built when:

• I advise a buyer not to pursue a property that isn’t right for them

• Buyers feel comfortable asking questions without feeling inexperienced

• Market realities are explained clearly, not sugar-coated

• Clients know their Edmonton real estate agent is focused on their best interest, not just closing a deal

For first-time buyers especially, these moments matter more than any listing description or marketing slogan.

Representation Means Advocacy

A real estate agent does more than unlock doors.

True real estate representation in Edmonton means:

• Explaining risks clearly and transparently

• Negotiating with long-term value in mind

• Helping buyers understand why a decision makes sense and not just what to do

My job isn’t to push clients forward.
It’s to stand beside them, ensuring every step is taken with clarity and confidence.

The Goal Isn’t a Purchase - It’s Peace of Mind

When first-time buyers look back on their experience, what matters most isn’t just the address they purchased.

It’s knowing that:

• They were never pressured

• They were guided honestly through the Edmonton housing market

• They had a trusted real estate professional advocating for them at every turn

That’s the part of the job that matters most to me.

Because when trust comes first, the right home always follows.

If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Edmonton and want guidance without pressure, I’d be happy to start with a conversation.

Ludovic Aubertin
Iconic YEG | RE/MAX Real Estate
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 https://ludovic.iconicyeg.com/

Pre-Approval Is Not the Same as Being Fully Prepared

Buying your first home in Edmonton is exciting and can be overwhelming. For many first-time home buyers in Edmonton, getting pre-approved feels like the finish line. In reality, it’s the starting point.

One of the most important lessons I share with buyers navigating the Edmonton real estate market is that pre-approval and full preparation are not the same thing. Understanding the difference early can save you stress, delays, and missed opportunities when buying a home in Edmonton.

Why Pre-Approval Alone Isn’t Enough

A pre-approval confirms that a lender has reviewed your basic financial picture and provided a price range. What it doesn’t always reflect is how smoothly a purchase will move once an offer is accepted on an Edmonton home for sale.

First-time buyers in the Edmonton real estate market often discover that additional documentation, timelines, and conditions come into play after the deal is in motion. None of this is unusual, but without proper preparation, it can feel overwhelming.

What “Fully Prepared” Really Means

Being fully prepared goes beyond having a letter in hand. It means having clarity, organization, and realistic expectations before you write an offer on a home in Edmonton.

For first-time home buyers, that preparation includes:

• Knowing a comfortable purchase price, not just the maximum approval

• Having funds organized and accessible

• Understanding what your lender may still require

• Aligning on realistic timelines for conditions and possession

• Being emotionally ready to make decisions with confidence in a competitive Edmonton real estate market

This level of preparation strengthens your position when competing for Edmonton homes for sale and reduces unnecessary stress.

A Common Buyer Experience

I’ve seen many first-time buyers in Edmonton secure a home they love, only to feel anxious when the next steps move quickly. Additional lender requests, tighter timelines, and important decisions can all surface at once, especially in popular Edmonton neighborhoods.

When buyers are prepared, the process of buying a home in Edmonton feels manageable. When they’re not, excitement can turn into uncertainty, even when everything is progressing normally.

Why This Matters in the Edmonton Real Estate Market

Sellers don’t just look at price. They look for certainty.

In Edmonton real estate, a well-prepared buyer is more confident, more flexible, and more attractive in negotiations. Preparation can make the difference between winning a home and watching it go to someone else.

One Key Takeaway for First-Time Home Buyers

Pre-approval opens the door, but preparation gets you across the threshold.

Buying your first home in Edmonton should feel empowering, not intimidating. With the right guidance from an experienced Edmonton real estate agent, you can move forward with clarity, confidence, and peace of mind—knowing you’re ready for every step of the journey.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re a first-time home buyer in Edmonton and want clarity before you start, or before you make your next move, I’d be happy to help you prepare with confidence.

Ludovic Aubertin
Iconic YEG | RE/MAX Real Estate
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 https://ludovic.iconicyeg.com/

Whether you’re just starting to explore Edmonton homes for sale or preparing to write an offer, a conversation now can make all the difference later.

The Final Step in the Edmonton Home Buying Journey

So here it is.
The day that felt like it would never arrive: possession day.

Also known as the real estate equivalent of Christmas morning.

Everything had been boxed, taped, and jammed into a medium-sized rental truck, which, let’s be honest, somehow felt both too small and way too big at the same time.

I was on standby, watching my phone like a hawk for that glorious “key release” notification.

If you’re unfamiliar with that term, here’s the scoop: it’s the legal green light from both lawyers confirming all documents are in, funds have done their little digital dance, and everyone is officially on the same page. Once that happens, voila, you get the keys. 🎉

Keys in Hand, Chaos in Motion.

When the message finally came through, I was giddy.
Like dance-in-the-driveway giddy.

I grabbed those keys like they were made of gold and dashed to the new place.

My wife was in Portugal at the time (her timing was both impeccable and brutal), so this became a one-man mission to move many years of our lives into a new home. It took longer than expected and was definitely a workout, but it was absolutely worth it.

Why Possession Day Is Quietly Perfect

Honestly, this is probably the shortest blog post I’ll ever write.

And that’s kind of the magic of possession day.

If everything goes according to plan, it’s blissfully uneventful.
No drama.
No surprises.

Just good vibes, sweat equity, and the quiet joy of stepping into a brand-new chapter as a homeowner in Edmonton.

Final Thoughts (a.k.a. The Philosophical Part)

Buying a home is no small feat.

It takes guts.
It takes foresight.
It takes more than a little faith.

But when you’ve done your homework, built a strong team, and stayed the course, it’s one of the most rewarding moves you can make.

Every IKEA build.
Every minor repair.
Every “we’ll fix that later” moment.

They all become badges of pride.

You’re not just moving into a house, you’re building a life, memory by memory.

So here’s to bold steps, fresh starts, and whatever comes next.
Because this is where the good stuff happens.

Thanks for following along on my first-time home buying journey in Edmonton. It’s been a privilege sharing it with you.

Ready to Start Your Own Chapter? Let’s Make It Happen.

If you’re thinking about buying a home in Edmonton, whether it’s your first one or your next one, I’d love to help guide you through the process. From preparation and offers to conditions and possession day, having the right support makes all the difference.

When you’re ready to make your move, connect with me or our team, and let’s turn your vision into reality.

Ludovic Aubertin
Iconic YEG | RE/MAX Real Estate
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 ludovic.iconicyeg.com

Financing, Inspections, and Clearing Conditions in Edmonton Real Estate

Ah, condition removal, the moment in the home buying process when things get real.
Like… really real.

Is it stressful? Sometimes.
Is it smooth sailing? Hopefully yes.

Let’s break it down, first-time buyer style, especially for anyone navigating the Edmonton real estate market.

The Two Big Conditions: Financing & Home Inspection

For my purchase, I had two main conditions:

• Financing

• Home Inspection

Pretty standard, and honestly, essential when buying a home in Edmonton.

Financing: Like Butter 

If you’ve been following along, you’ll know I came prepared. I was already pre-approved and had my commitment letter from my stellar mortgage broker, aka the unsung hero of this story.

She was responsive, detail-oriented, and handled things the day of.
No crickets.
No radio silence.
Just action.

Because of that preparation (and her hustle), my financing condition was cleared in five days flat. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Done.

Pro Tip:
Get yourself a mortgage broker who knows your financial picture inside and out, stays updated on lender requirements, and can pivot when needed. It makes a huge difference when you’re buying a home in Edmonton.

Property Inspection: Here’s Where It Gets Real 🔍

Let me be very clear:

You will never find a perfect house.
Not now. Not ever.

I don’t care how shiny it looks, there’s always something. The real question is whether that “something” is a deal-breaker.

In my case?
The inspection report was 163 pages long.

Yes. One hundred and sixty-three.

Most of it was cosmetic, loose fixtures, missing caulking, minor wear and tear. About 95% of it wasn’t scary at all.

The other 5%?
That’s where we had a little plot twist.

Why Specialists Matter

The inspector suspected a past sewer back flow issue. He flagged it but didn’t diagnose it, because here’s the key thing many buyers don’t realize:

Your home inspector is a generalist, not a specialist.

They’re not plumbers, electricians, or HVAC experts. Their job is to give you a wide-angle overview and recommend when to bring in someone with specialized tools.

So that’s exactly what I did.
I called in a licensed plumber to scope the sewer line.

Cue dramatic basement moment.

He finishes up, calls me down, and I’m sweating bullets.

His verdict?

“Ludovic, your sewer line is fine, bud.”

Cue internal confetti cannon 🎉

He confirmed everything was normal for the age of the home, gave us a few helpful tips for the future, and off he went.

Conditions Cleared = Stress Evaporated

With both conditions officially removed, I could finally say we were in the home stretch.

At that point, all that was left was to let the lawyers, mortgage broker, and insurance folks do their thing.

The big takeaway?

Your team matters.

Having the right people in place makes the entire Edmonton home buying process far less chaotic. And if you don’t have a full dream team yet, don’t worry, at Iconic YEG, we’re happy to share a vetted list of trusted professionals.

Now? I wait.

Possession day was just nine days away.

The final chapter of this six-part first-time buyer journey is coming soon, and spoiler alert, it ends with keys in hand and champagne in the fridge 🥂🔑

Clearing Conditions Doesn’t Have to Feel Overwhelming - Let’s Talk.

Condition removal is often where buyers feel the most pressure. Timelines are tight, emotions are high, and every decision suddenly feels critical. Having the right guidance and the right team in place can make all the difference between stress and confidence.

If you’re buying a home in Edmonton and want support through every stage of the process, from writing the offer to clearing conditions and beyond, I’d be happy to help. My approach is straightforward, responsive, and focused on making sure you feel informed and supported the entire way.

Whether you’re actively house hunting or just starting to plan your next move, feel free to reach out anytime.

Ludovic Aubertin
Iconic YEG | RE/MAX Real Estate
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 ludovic.iconicyeg.com

Let’s make sure your home buying journey stays calm, clear, and on track, right through to possession day.

So, we did it.

On April 21st, we got the words every home buyer dreams of:
“Your offer has been accepted.”

And let me tell you, it felt amazing. The excitement was real. The adrenaline was still pumping… and the reality check hit just as fast.

For context, this wasn’t our first rodeo. Once again, we had found ourselves in the middle of a bidding war. As my wife firmly declared, “We’re not losing this one!” Same script, new property.

We bid.
The competition countered.
We went higher and sent a heartfelt letter.

They outbid us, by a lot, but ultimately lost the house.

Why?

Because of that letter.

The Power of an Emotional Sale

I witnessed firsthand the power of an emotional sale in the Edmonton real estate market. Some sellers aren’t just looking for the highest offer, they’re looking for the right people to take over their home.

That human connection?
It matters.

So when my mentor called to say, “You got the house!” it wasn’t just good news, it was validation.

But if you think that’s the finish line… buckle up.
The real work begins now.

The Conditions Countdown

With our offer accepted, we set a one-week deadline to clear two critical conditions:

• Financing

• Property Inspection

This is where things shift from champagne clinks to spreadsheets, emails, and phone calls.

I was in non-stop contact with our mortgage specialist. The paperwork floodgates are officially open, and I cannot stress this enough:

When they ask for documents — RESPOND. IMMEDIATELY.

Look, I get it. Life is busy. You might be a nurse in surgery, a lawyer in court, a driver on shift, or buried in back-to-back calls all day.

But this is not the time to ghost your broker.

Every hour counts when you’re trying to secure financing and lock in a great mortgage rate in Edmonton. The faster you respond, the smoother this process goes.

At the time of writing, we were expecting the mortgage paperwork to come through the next day, with final confirmation (fingers crossed!) on Friday, a few days later. The home inspection was scheduled for Saturday, another major hurdle before we could breathe easy.

🧠 The Takeaway

An accepted offer is a milestone, not the finale.

If you’re about to dive into the Edmonton home-buying process, remember this:

• Celebrate the win 🎉

• Stay sharp for what comes next

• And for the love of all things real estate… do not buy a car just after approval

Because in real estate, nothing is over until the ink is dry and the keys are in your hand.

Once the conditions are satisfied, you’ll know everything is officially moving ahead, and that’s when you grab yourself a cold beer and celebrate properly.

Ready for the Next Step? Let’s Navigate It Together.

Getting an offer accepted feels incredible, but as you’ve just read, it’s only part of the journey. The period between acceptance and possession is where details matter, timelines tighten, and having the right support can make all the difference.

If you’re buying a home in Edmonton and want clear guidance through every stage, from writing offers to conditions, inspections, and beyond, I’d be happy to help. My approach is honest, proactive, and always focused on protecting your best interests.

If you’re ready to talk about your next move, or just want to ask a few questions, reach out anytime.

Ludovic Aubertin
Iconic YEG | RE/MAX Real Estate
📞 587-982-8304
📧 ludovic@iconicyeg.com
🌐 ludovic.iconicyeg.com