Do I need a REALTOR® to buy a home in Calgary?

You are not legally required to use a REALTOR®. Buyer representation can help with the search, property analysis, showings, offer terms, negotiations and transaction deadlines. Services, duties and compensation should be explained in a written representation agreement before you commit.

How much do I need for a down payment in Calgary?

As of August 2026, federal rules set the minimum at 5% for a home priced at $500,000 or less; 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion above that for a home below $1.5 million; and 20% at $1.5 million or more. Mortgage-insurance and lender eligibility rules also apply, so confirm your amount with a mortgage professional.

What are closing costs in Alberta, and how much should I budget?

Closing costs vary with the property and financing. Plan separately for legal and land-title costs, inspection or specialist reviews, title insurance if applicable, property-tax and condominium adjustments, home insurance, moving and initial repairs. Ask your lender and real estate lawyer for a property-specific estimate before you remove financing conditions.

How long does it take to buy a home in Calgary?

The search can take days or months depending on your criteria, inventory and timing. After an offer is accepted, the condition and possession dates are negotiated as part of the contract. Nick maps those dates before you sign so you understand the full timeline for that property.

How much does it cost to sell a home in Calgary?

Your total depends on the services and compensation in your listing agreement, legal costs, mortgage discharge or prepayment charges, agreed preparation expenses, moving costs and closing adjustments. Tax may also matter for a rental, secondary residence or other non-standard situation.

When is the best time to sell in Calgary?

The best timing depends on your next move, the property's readiness and the amount and quality of competing inventory in its specific segment. Seasonal activity is only one factor. Compare the likely market opportunity with the practical and financial cost of waiting before choosing a launch date.

How do I know what my home is worth in Calgary?

A comparative market analysis reviews recent sales, current competition and the features, condition and location of your property. It produces a supportable market range rather than a guaranteed sale price. Municipal assessments and automated estimates can provide context, but they are not substitutes for current property-specific evidence.

Should I buy first or sell first in Calgary?

It depends on your financing, risk tolerance, timing and the market for both properties. Selling first clarifies your net proceeds and reduces the risk of carrying two homes; buying first secures the next property but may create financing and timing pressure. Compare both sequences with your lender and real estate professionals before committing.

What is the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is usually an early estimate based on information you provide. Pre-approval involves a more detailed lender review and may include a rate hold, but it is still conditional and is not final mortgage approval for a specific property. Ask the lender what was verified, what conditions remain and how long the pre-approval is valid.

How competitive is the Calgary real estate market?

Conditions can differ by property type, price range and community, so a citywide headline is not enough to shape an offer. Review recent comparable sales, active competition, inventory and the response to similar listings for the specific segment you are considering.

Nick Trawinski, B.A. Economics · Calgary REALTOR®

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About Nick

Calgary real estate has always been close to home.

Nick was born and raised in Calgary and holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Calgary. Both of his parents were REALTORS®, making real estate part of his life long before it became his career. Today he works independently with buyers and sellers throughout Calgary and the surrounding communities.

He evaluates each property using comparable sales, current competition and his clients’ goals. His economics degree shapes how he assesses value, interprets market conditions and builds a negotiation strategy.

2nd Generation

Calgary REALTOR®

Years Experience

B.A.

Economics

More About Nick

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Buying a Home

Nick helps buyers compare the right properties, understand value at the neighbourhood level and prepare offers that reflect both the home and the competition around it.

Property search built around your priorities
Comparable sales reviewed before an offer
Offer terms and negotiation strategy
Coordination from accepted offer to possession

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Nick recommends a strategy based on the home, its competition and likely buyer. His proven Marketing Plan guides pricing, presentation and negotiation. On average, his listings sell 6.4% higher than comparable properties in the same area.

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Calgary, Alberta

Calgary Market Update · July 2026

Calgary's market is shifting. Know where it stands.

Detached homes, townhomes and condominiums are moving under different conditions. These figures provide a citywide snapshot; the strategy for a specific purchase or sale depends on its property type, price range and community.

$569,200

Benchmark Price

1,904

July Sales

$743,900

Detached Benchmark

$691,000

Semi-Detached

$418,500

Row / Townhome

$297,600

Condo / Apt

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Browse active Calgary listings and filter by neighbourhood, price, bedrooms and property type. When a home stands out, Nick can arrange a private showing and help you assess its pricing, condition and fit before you move forward.

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★★★★★Nick was absolutely amazing throughout the whole process. It went a lot smoother than with previous agents, and his guidance made all the difference. I highly recommend Nick to anyone buying or selling.Connor Reed · Hidden Valley

★★★★★Nick guided us through the buying process with patience and expertise. His negotiation skills ultimately saved us money on our purchase, and we felt confident at every step. Would highly recommend!A Z · Silver Springs

★★★★★Nick is an excellent realtor who truly advocates for his clients. I always felt like I had an advantage working with him. His knowledge of the Calgary market is impressive and he always puts clients first.A T · Parkdale

★★★★★Working with Nick was a fantastic experience from start to finish. He negotiated a deal that genuinely exceeded my expectations. His market knowledge and professionalism made all the difference.Rahul Gupta · Beddington Heights

★★★★★Nick made the home-buying experience stress-free and enjoyable. We never felt rushed or pressured — just guided in the right direction. His expertise and dedication to his clients is unmatched.Kory R · Sage Hill

★★★★★Our home sold quickly, and it was clear from day one we were in great hands. Nick's marketing strategy and market insight were exceptional. We couldn't be happier with the result.Aleksandr J · Nolan Hill

★★★★★Nick really knows his stuff when it comes to Calgary real estate. He priced it properly and brought in serious buyers. The transaction was smooth from listing to close — couldn't ask for more.John Murray · Tuxedo Park

★★★★★Nick was professional, knowledgeable, and truly had my best interests at heart. It felt like he had my back the whole time. I wouldn't hesitate to work with him again and will absolutely refer family and friends.Abdul Shakur · Altadore

★★★★★Nick provided expert guidance throughout our entire home-buying journey. Everything he advised us on played out exactly as expected. His market knowledge is second to none in Calgary.Serhii Tkachenko · Rocky Ridge

★★★★★We had the pleasure of working with Nick on both the sale of our home and our new purchase. He made sure everything went smoothly, negotiated great deals on both ends, and truly had our best interests in mind.Al & Maya O. · Kincora

★★★★★Nick came prepared with a clear strategy tailored to my property — no cookie-cutter advice. We sold at the price I wanted with possession terms that worked perfectly. If you need someone who knows the Calgary market, Nick is your guy.Isa Nasser · Nolan Hill

★★★★★We had a wonderful experience with Nick from start to finish. He priced our home right, got it sold quickly, and then helped us find a fantastic condo. Truly a full-service agent who genuinely cares about his clients.Ethan & Marge H · Sage Hill

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Market Update

August 5, 2026 · 3 min read

Calgary Real Estate Market Update — July 2026

July sales and new listings eased while conditions continued to diverge by property type.

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Buyer Resources

August 8, 2026 · 10 min read

Can Rent-to-Own Help You Buy a Home? A Canadian Buyer's Guide

How option deposits, purchase credits and future financing actually work — and the contract terms worth reviewing before you sign anything.

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nick@iqrealestate.ca • Calgary • Airdrie • Cochrane • Okotoks • Chestermere