Throughout 2023, many people have been moving to the Wild Rose Province looking for a more affordable lifestyle. Here are a few key things you need to know before making the leap.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” custom_margin=”||11px|||” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]
By Brett Surbey<\/a> | 4 minute read<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_post_title title=”off” author=”off” date_format=”M j” categories=”off” comments=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||17px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_post_title][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||3px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_padding=”0px||9px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” width__hover_enabled=”off|desktop” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” align=”center” force_fullwidth=”on” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”1px||29px|||” border_radii=”on|32px|32px|32px|32px” border_radii_tablet=”on|32px|32px|32px|32px” border_radii_phone=”on|0px|0px|0px|0px” border_radii_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”1.13rem” text_line_height=”1.75rem” custom_margin=”-18px||2px|||” custom_padding=”||7px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”||7px||false|false” custom_padding_phone=”|15px||15px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ text_font_size_tablet=”1.13rem” text_font_size_phone=”0.9rem” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″] With sprawling prairies, undulating foothills and lower housing costs compared to other provinces, Alberta is an attractive option for those seeking a change.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px||39px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”16px||16px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Apparently, Alberta is <\/span>the place<\/span><\/i> to be this year.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Statistics from the Calgary Real Estate Association<\/span><\/a> show that there was a net increase of 45,297 individuals to the Wild Rose province\u2019s population in the second quarter of 2023 \u2014 an increase of 77.9% from Q2 of last year. Many of these interprovincial migrants are from provinces with much higher average home prices, like\u00a0 B.C. and Ontario.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Though everyone\u2019s reasons to move to Alberta are different, some have been citing cost of living and a different lifestyle as major motivators. If you are considering making a move to Alberta this year, or early 2024, there are a few things you need to keep in mind according to one real estate<\/a> agent and relocation expert. <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#edf7f3″ custom_padding=”32px||32px||true|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||25px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#38505b” header_2_font_size=”2.63rem” header_2_line_height=”3.75rem” max_width=”800px” module_alignment=”center” header_2_font_size_tablet=”32px” header_2_font_size_phone=”27px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_line_height_tablet=”3.75rem” header_2_line_height_phone=”32px” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Karen MacPherson, a REALTOR\u00ae with Greater Calgary<\/a> Real Estate and an independent relocation consultant, says that people need to be prepared for a different housing market when they come to Alberta: one that\u2019s ideal for sellers.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cWell, I think one of the things that they need to be aware of there’s been lots of talk across the country about \u2018go to Alberta, [it] is a great place to go, houses are reasonable, [but] first of all they need to know we have very low inventory. So actually buying a house here is not as easy as one might expect,\u201d she tells Wahi.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MacPherson noted that at one point Alberta\u2019s inventory levels were the lowest they had been in 30 years, making it harder for newcomers to find the ideal property that checks all their boxes. Sure, home prices are reasonable compared to places like Toronto and Vancouver, but, \u201cpeople need to be aware that particularly if you\u2019re looking [for homes] under $500,000 \u2026 people are just lining up,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The lack of supply and increasing demand has resulted in some major bidding wars, specifically in Calgary and Edmonton<\/a>. But, that doesn\u2019t mean those new to the province can\u2019t find their dream home \u2014 they might just need a bit of <\/span>help navigating a seller\u2019s market.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Though she currently resides in Calgary, MacPherson has lived across the country for various reasons. When it comes to Alberta, people need to remember, \u201cWe’re not the cowboy hinterland that people tend to think we are,\u201d she jests.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n MacPherson\u2019s approach with her Alberta-bound clients is to remind them that the major city centres are very multicultural and family friendly, with great restaurants and entertainment opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Sure, Alberta is known for its famous Calgary Stampede and a honky-tonk attitude, but there\u2019s a lot more under that hard-working surface. In MacPherson\u2019s time as a REALTOR\u00ae, the friendliness of Albertans has always continued to surprise her and her clients, helping them feel really at home. \u201cI moved out here 20 years ago and on my very first day I went through a Tim Hortons drive-thru and somebody actually bought my coffee,\u201d MacPherson happily recounts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The result of Albertan\u2019s kindness and the diversity within the province? Many of MacPherson\u2019s clients have done short stints to work in Alberta, only to end up moving there long-term. \u201cBut if they\u2019re given the opportunity to stay \u2014 they stay,\u201d MacPherson adds.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n For those moving to Albertan cities like Calgary or Edmonton from major metropolitan areas like Vancouver or Toronto, the size difference can be a bit of an adjustment. MacPherson recounts a couple that she was assisting with an Albertan move that had a few requirements not easily attained. They had wanted to be about an hour out of the city and have access to the best schools in the area \u2014 a request that makes sense in cities like Vancouver or Toronto MacPherson notes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#f0faf4″ min_height=”334.8px” custom_padding=”3px||0px|||” global_module=”849″ saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”|auto|3px|auto||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”60px||43px||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”||65px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#38505b” header_2_font_size=”2.63rem” header_2_line_height=”3.2rem” custom_margin=”||25px|||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||||false|true” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” header_2_font_size_tablet=”2.63rem” header_2_font_size_phone=”2rem” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_line_height_tablet=”3.75rem” header_2_line_height_phone=”2.5rem” header_2_line_height_last_edited=”on|desktop” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”] Join Wahi today and find out how easy it is to get real estate in Canada.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=”\/ca\/en\/real-estate\/sign-up” button_text=”Get Started” button_alignment=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_button=”on” button_text_size=”17px” button_border_radius=”7px” button_letter_spacing=”1px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”|40px||40px|false|true” button_text_size_tablet=”” button_text_size_phone=”13px” button_text_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” height=”1px” custom_padding=”0px||0px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ admin_label=”Column” _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_button button_text=”post popup button” button_alignment=”right” module_id=”dipi_popup_id_295151″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”absolute” horizontal_offset=”-10000000px” z_index=”-1000000″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_button button_text=”page popup button” button_alignment=”right” module_id=”dipi_popup_id_295299″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” positioning=”absolute” horizontal_offset=”-10000000px” z_index=”-100000″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_code _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]“We’re not the cowboy hinterland that people tend to think we are.”<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”32px||47px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”11px||14px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.18.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font_size=”21px” text_line_height=”1.6em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_font_size=”36px” header_2_line_height=”1.3em” header_3_font_size=”1.25rem” header_3_line_height=”1.88rem” header_4_font=”|700|||||||” header_4_font_size=”1.25rem” header_4_line_height=”1.88rem” custom_padding=”||0px|||” text_font_size_tablet=”21px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”36px” header_2_font_size_phone=”25px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]
1. A Completely Different Housing Market\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
2. Don\u2019t Judge a Book by its Cover\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n
3. Wide Open Spaces<\/b><\/h2>\n
We put the real<\/em> back in real estate.<\/span><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#e8db3a” text_font_size=”20px” text_orientation=”center” max_width_tablet=”” max_width_phone=”90%” max_width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” min_height=”35.8px” custom_margin=”5px||35px||false|false” custom_padding=”||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”” custom_padding_phone=”|26px||26px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” text_font_size_tablet=”” text_font_size_phone=”0.85rem” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment_tablet=”” module_alignment_phone=”center” module_alignment_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]