April Update: A Tale of Two Markets (and a Waiting Game)

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 Alright team, here’s the latest from the trenches.

The Spring market is officially here—but it’s not your typical sprint to the finish line. This one’s more of a cautious shuffle. We’ve got serious buyer demand still simmering, but it’s being held back by uncertainty, a pending election, and—yep—those ever-present tariff war jitters.Add in an inventory imbalance, and you’ve got a market that’s split right down the middle.Let’s break it down.

 Showings: Rebounding, But Not Raging

• Alberta showings are trending 43% lower than normal for this time of year—that’s a big stat that shouldn’t be ignored.
• In Calgary, showings surged 28% after Spring Break, but they’ve since plateaued.
• Buyers are out there, but they’re pausing. Watching. Waiting. (Probably stress-scrolling election headlines like the rest of us.)

  Sales: Holding Strong—For the Right Price Point

Here’s where things get interesting: Overall April sales are on track to match, or slightly beat, March numbers
 Sales over $600,000 are up 48% from the 10-year average
 Sales under $600,000? Down 47% from the norm Why? Because inventory under $600K is still lacking, and all the fresh listings are in the higher price ranges.

 Inventory & Listings: Getting Closer to Balanced—But Not Evenly

• Total inventory is now at 90% of normal levels—the closest we’ve been in a long time, four years in fact!
• But new listings are still skewed—primarily in the $600K+ markets.
• This is creating a “looks balanced on paper” market that still feels tight to the average buyer.

 If the under-$600K inventory doesn’t show up soon, buyers in that range will keep sitting on the sidelines—and we’ll continue to see skewed sales volume.

 The X-Factor: Sentiment

Let’s call it like it is—people are nervous. The upcoming election,
 Economic tension from the tariff war,
 And a general “should I wait?” energy…It’s all playing into slower decision-making.But don’t be fooled—demand hasn’t disappeared. It’s just in the waiting room.When confidence returns (even a little), we could see a fast surge in activity—especially if interest rates hold or drop again.

 Opportunities You Should Be Jumping On

 Sellers in the $600K+ range – With inventory AND sales strong here, they’ve got leverage, especially if they’re trading up or downsizing.
 First-time buyer listings – If you know anyone thinking of listing under $600K, encourage them to get on NOW. There’s demand and very little competition.
 Move-up buyers – Perfect storm. They can sell fast (if they’re priced right) and shop with more inventory at higher price points.
 Investors & developers – The under $600K market is still wide open. Build it and they will come.

 Final Takeaway: Balanced Market? Kinda. Split Market? Absolutely.

 Showings are steady, but softer than usual
 Sales are solid, but only above $600K
 Inventory is back—but it’s not evenly spread
 And uncertainty is still the biggest competitor we’re up againstThis isn’t a market to wait in—it’s one to move strategically in. Know your pricing, prep your listings, and keep guiding your clients through the fog. Also keep in mind that it wasn't long ago that buyers couldn't get a first showing let alone a thrid so buyers should take advantage of this current lull as it likely won't last. Happy Selling!