When temperatures drop in Edmonton, most of us settle into cozy routines—hot drinks, warm socks, and avoiding the roads whenever possible. But winter is also an ideal time to give your finances a quick tune-up, especially if you’re thinking about a mortgage renewal, refinance, or purchase later this year.

Here are a few simple ways to use the winter months to strengthen your financial picture and set yourself up for success when the busy spring real estate market arrives.

1. Review Your Current Mortgage (You Might Be Paying Too Much!)

Winter is a slower season, which means it’s the perfect time to sit down with a broker and take a fresh look at your mortgage:

• Is your rate still competitive?

• Is your term ending in 2025?

• Are you in a fixed rate that’s much higher than what’s currently offered?

• Could restructuring help lower your monthly payments?

Many homeowners don’t realize how much a small change in rate—or switching products—can save them over a year.

2. Take Advantage of Winter Bills to Build a Budget

Winter utility bills spike, groceries cost more, and holiday spending can leave things a little tight.
BUT this actually makes winter the most accurate time to review your budget.

If your finances work during the most expensive months, you’re in great shape for the rest of the year. We help clients analyze:

• Income vs. expenses

• High-interest debt

• How much room they actually have for a mortgage or refinance

• Where small changes could increase their borrowing power

3. Use Downtime to Boost Your Credit

Winter gives you built-in “home time”—a perfect opportunity for a credit refresh.
A few quick wins that make a big difference before spring:

• Pay down balances on revolving credit

• Set up auto payments to avoid late fees

• Check your credit report for errors

• Avoid new credit applications unless necessary

A small credit boost can mean a lower mortgage rate later.

4. Explore Refinancing Before the Spring Rush

The spring market often brings more competition, busier lenders, and stricter turnaround times.
Winter, on the other hand, is calmer—making it a great window to:

• Lower your interest rate

• Consolidate high-interest debt

• Free up cash flow

• Access equity for renovations or investments

You don't need to wait for warmer weather to make a smart financial move.

5. Prepare for Renewal Early (Don’t Wait for the Letter!)

Most renewals sneak up on homeowners. But starting early—months early—gives you:

• More lender options

• More rate options

• More negotiation power

• More time to switch lenders if it gets you a better deal

Renewing in a rush almost always costs more.

Final Thoughts

Winter might be chilly, but it’s one of the warmest seasons for financial planning. With fewer market pressures and more time to think, it’s a smart moment to revisit your mortgage, reset your budget, and get your credit in great shape before the spring rush.

If you want help reviewing your mortgage or planning your next financial steps, the MetroYEG Mortgage Team is always here to guide you—winter, spring, summer, or fall.

As the snow starts to settle and Edmonton transforms into a winter wonderland, many people shift their focus toward family gatherings, festive traditions, and cozy nights at home. But the holiday season is also one of the most underrated — and advantageous — times to think about your next real estate or mortgage move.

At MetroYEG, our Edmonton-based real estate and mortgage broker team is here to help you navigate the market with clarity and confidence as the year comes to an end. Whether you're planning a purchase in the new year, preparing to list your home, or reassessing your mortgage, the holidays can be the perfect moment to get ahead.

🎁 Why the Holiday Season Can Be a Smart Time to Buy a Home

While many people assume real estate slows down in December, fewer active buyers actually work in your favour:

Less Competition

With fewer people shopping for homes during the holidays, qualified buyers often face less competition — which can mean more negotiating power and a more relaxed pace during the process.

Motivated Sellers

Homeowners who list during the winter months often have a strong reason to sell, meaning buyers may have more opportunities to secure favourable terms.

A Clearer Picture of Monthly Costs

Edmonton winters give you a realistic look at utility usage, insulation quality, and neighbourhood accessibility — valuable insights you won’t get from a summer showing.

🎄 Considering Selling? Winter Listings Have Their Benefits Too

While spring and summer tend to be the busiest seasons, winter sellers shouldn’t underestimate the power of the cozy-factor.

Homes Feel More Inviting

Warm lighting, tasteful décor, and the naturally cozy atmosphere of the season can help buyers emotionally connect with your home.

Serious Buyers Only

People shopping for homes during the holidays are typically highly motivated, cutting down on casual showings.

Less Market Competition

When fewer listings hit the market, your home stands out more — especially in Edmonton’s popular neighbourhoods.

If you’re thinking about listing in early 2025, the holidays are the perfect time to start planning, staging, and preparing.

✨ Mortgage Renewal or Refinance? The New Year Is the Perfect Time to Review

The end of the year is also an ideal moment to revisit your mortgage. With shifting interest rates and changing market conditions in Edmonton, exploring your options early can save you money in the year ahead.

We can help you:

• Review your current mortgage terms

• Explore better rates or flexible products

• Consolidate debt for a smoother financial start to 2025

• Prepare for a renewal with a personalized plan — not a one-size-fits-all approach

Unlike banks, MetroYEG's mortgage team works for you, not the lender.

🎁 A Holiday Message From MetroYEG

As we wrap up another year, our team at MetroYEG is grateful for the trust our clients place in us — from helping families find their forever homes to guiding homeowners through smart mortgage decisions.

Whether you're celebrating with family, friends, or simply enjoying the quiet of the season, we wish you warmth, joy, and peace throughout the holidays.

If you need guidance with a mortgage, are thinking about buying your next home, or want to list early in the new year, we're here and ready to help.

Ready to start your next chapter in the new year?

Reach out to MetroYEG, your trusted mortgage and real estate team in Edmonton.

As we move into the final month of 2025, Edmonton’s real estate market continues to show a blend of seasonal cooling and strong pricing trends. Here’s a breakdown of how the market performed for the week ending December 3, 2025.

Unit Sales

Edmonton recorded 358 unit sales this week — a 16% decrease compared to last week. While a drop in sales is typical as winter approaches, activity remains steady overall, indicating buyers are still engaged despite the seasonal slowdown.

New Listings

There were 457 new listings brought to market, which is 6% lower than last week. This tightening in new inventory may contribute to reduced selection for buyers over the coming weeks, particularly in popular price brackets.

Average Price

The average sale price climbed to $471,000, marking an 8% increase week-over-week. This reflects continued strength in Edmonton’s mid- to upper-market segments, as well as demand for well-updated homes across the city.

Median Price

The median price rose to $434,000, up 4% from last week. This upward movement signals consistent demand in the mid-range market and may also suggest more balanced activity across property types.

Edmonton’s market is showing classic December trends: fewer listings, fewer sales, but surprisingly resilient prices. Whether you're planning to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, these weekly insights help paint a clear picture of where the market is heading as we close out the year.

Statistics sourced from the REALTORS® Association of Alberta.

By Dr. Sherry Cooper, Chief Economist, Dominion Lending Centres

Canada’s economy delivered an unexpected upside surprise in the third quarter, with GDP expanding at an annualized 2.6%. This marks a sharp rebound from the revised 1.8% decline in the previous quarter and far surpasses the 0.5% growth forecasted by both the Bank of Canada and a Bloomberg survey of economists. It is also the strongest GDP increase Canada has seen so far this year.

A closer look at the data shows several key drivers behind the jump. Imports fell 8.6%, the largest drop since 2022, while exports rose 0.7%, providing a lift to the overall GDP picture. Investment activity also strengthened, rising 2.3%, largely due to a 6.7% increase in residential resales.

Government spending played a surprising role as well. Federal purchases of River-class destroyers drove a 12.2% rise in government capital expenditures, helping offset weaker household spending, which declined 0.4%—its first drop since 2021.

Trade Challenges Continue

Despite the headline GDP growth, Canada’s trade environment remains fragile. Goods and services exports grew only 0.7% in Q3 following a steep 25% decline in Q2 as U.S. tariffs weighed heavily on Canadian trade. Even with higher crude oil and bitumen exports, the country has yet to see meaningful recovery.

Imports also posted a substantial decline, reflecting reduced shipments of unwrought gold, silver, and platinum. Meanwhile, ongoing tariff uncertainty continues to weaken consumer and business confidence.

Domestic Demand Softens

Early signs of broader economic strain are becoming more evident.

• Final domestic demand slipped 0.1%.

• Household consumption fell 0.4%.

• The household saving rate edged up to 4.7%.

Business activity also remains subdued. Private investment in non-residential structures, machinery, and equipment dropped 4.5%, marking the second consecutive quarterly decline. Unlike the U.S., Canada has not yet seen a surge in AI- or data center–related investment. Companies also reduced inventory levels significantly, drawing down $3.95 billion worth of stock.

Bottom Line

While Q3 delivered a better-than-expected performance, the momentum is unlikely to carry into the fourth quarter. Statistics Canada’s early estimate for October shows industrial GDP declining at a -0.3% monthly pace.

Although the 2.25% overnight rate remains stimulative, persistent uncertainty around North American trade negotiations continues to cloud Canada’s economic outlook. With no clarity on whether the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement will be extended beyond this year, Canada may soon find itself facing a major trade policy overhaul—and searching for alternative markets for its exports.

Dr. Sherry Cooper
Chief Economist, Dominion Lending Centres

Buying a home in the winter might not be the first thing people think of—but in Edmonton, it can actually be one of the best times of year to make a move. With the market quieter, motivated sellers, and the chance to truly test a home’s performance in cold weather, winter can give buyers unique advantages they won’t find in the spring rush.

Here’s your complete guide to navigating the Edmonton winter real estate market with confidence.

Why Buy a Home During an Edmonton Winter?

1. Less Competition

Winter typically sees fewer buyers actively house-hunting. This means you’re less likely to end up in a bidding war and have more time to make decisions without feeling rushed. In a market as fast-moving as Edmonton’s, that breathing room matters.

2. More Motivated Sellers

Homeowners who list in the winter often have a reason—they’re relocating, downsizing, or have already purchased elsewhere. This can translate into more negotiating power for you, whether on price, possession date, or terms.

3. Homes Reveal Their True Colors

Edmonton winters are no joke—and that’s exactly why they’re the perfect time to evaluate essential home systems. During showings and inspections, you’ll get to see how a home handles:

• Heating efficiency

• Drafts or insulation issues

• Window performance

• Roof load and drainage

• Snow and ice management on sidewalks and driveways

If a home can perform well at -25°C, it can perform well anywhere.

What to Look for When Viewing Homes in Winter

1. Heating & Ventilation

Check for even heat distribution throughout the home. If some rooms feel much colder, there may be insulation gaps or duct issues.

2. Windows & Doors

Look for frost buildup, drafts, and condensation. These are telltale signs of poor seals or older windows.

3. Roof & Exterior

Snow can hide roof damage, but large ice dams along the eaves can indicate heat loss or ventilation issues in the attic.

4. Parking & Access

A home might seem perfect—until you realize the driveway is nearly impossible to maintain. Evaluate:

• Parking layout

• Snow removal responsibility (especially for condos)

• Exterior lighting for those early winter sunsets

Winter Homebuying Tips for Edmonton Buyers

✔ Get Pre-Approved Before You Start Shopping

With fewer listings on the market, you want to move quickly when the right home comes up. Our MetroYEG mortgage team can help you secure a strong pre-approval so you know exactly what you can afford—and can make an offer with confidence.

✔ Book Daytime Showings When Possible

Viewing a home in daylight helps you assess the yard, exterior, and natural light more accurately.

✔ Ask for Summer Photos

If you’re looking at a listing covered in snow, don’t hesitate to ask for seasonal photos. Many sellers have them.

✔ Don’t Skip the Home Inspection

Cold weather puts homes to the test—making winter inspections incredibly valuable. Inspectors can identify issues that might not show up during warmer months.

✔ Plan Your Move Smartly

Winter moves require:

• Professional movers comfortable with icy conditions

• Heat-safe storage for items that shouldn’t freeze

• Shorter loading/unloading times

• A plan for snow-clearing on moving day

Financing Considerations for Winter Buyers

Our winter mortgage tip: rates and lender turnaround times often stabilize or improve heading into the new year. With fewer applications coming in during the slower season, approvals can come through faster.

We can also help you with:

• Rate holds through spring

• Creative financing solutions

• Affordability planning

• Bridge financing, if needed

• Down payment strategies

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or upgrading, our MetroYEG mortgage brokers ensure you’re fully prepared before you start shopping.

Is Buying a Home in Winter Right for You?

If you’re looking for:

• More negotiating room

• A realistic look at home performance

• Faster approval times

• Less competition

…then winter might be the perfect time to buy.

Every season has advantages, but winter is one Edmonton buyers often overlook—and it could be the key to getting a better home and a better deal.

Thinking About Buying This Winter? Let’s Talk.

MetroYEG is proud to serve homebuyers across Edmonton and the surrounding area with both realtor services and full mortgage support. Whether you're browsing casually or ready to start viewing homes, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

📞 Get in touch anytime
📍 Edmonton, Alberta
🏡 MetroYEG Real Estate & Mortgage Team

Edmonton homebuyers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious — and sustainability is no longer just a buzzword. Today’s buyers are prioritizing energy-efficient, environmentally friendly homes that not only help the planet but also reduce long-term living costs. Whether you’re thinking of selling or upgrading your home, understanding what “green” buyers are looking for can give you a serious edge in the market.

1. Energy Efficiency Is at the Top of the List

From upgraded insulation to triple-pane windows, energy efficiency is one of the most in-demand features for Edmonton homeowners. Buyers appreciate homes that stay warm through Alberta winters and cool in the summer without excessive energy use. ENERGY STAR–rated appliances, high-efficiency furnaces, and smart thermostats are standout features that make a big difference.

2. Solar Power and Renewable Energy Options

More Edmonton homeowners are embracing solar panels as a way to offset rising energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Homes that come equipped with solar technology — or at least have the potential for easy installation — often attract forward-thinking buyers who value sustainability and independence from traditional utilities.

3. Sustainable Building Materials and Finishes

Eco-conscious buyers also look closely at what a home is made of. Recycled or sustainably sourced materials, such as bamboo flooring, reclaimed wood, or low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, signal a healthier living environment and a smaller environmental impact. These touches can make a property feel both modern and mindful.

4. Water Conservation Features

In a city that experiences dry summer months, water-saving upgrades are a major plus. Edmonton buyers are taking notice of homes with low-flow toilets, efficient showerheads, and xeriscaped yards that reduce water use while maintaining curb appeal.

5. Smart Home Technology

Automation plays a key role in sustainability. Features like smart lighting, app-controlled thermostats, and automated irrigation systems make managing energy use effortless — while also adding a modern appeal for tech-savvy buyers.

6. Certifications and Energy Audits

Homes with certifications like Built Green Canada or ENERGY STAR for New Homes stand out in the Edmonton market. These certifications reassure buyers that the home meets high standards for efficiency and sustainability. Even without a formal certification, an energy audit report can help highlight the home’s performance and potential savings.

7. CMHC Green Home Program: Savings on Your Mortgage

Eco-friendly homes can offer financial benefits beyond utility savings — especially through programs like the CMHC Green Home Program. Buyers who purchase an energy-efficient property or make qualifying energy-saving upgrades may be eligible for a partial premium refund of up to 25% on their CMHC mortgage insurance.

This program is designed to reward homeowners who choose sustainability, helping reduce the upfront cost of mortgage insurance while promoting long-term energy efficiency. If you’re planning to buy or refinance an eco-friendly home, your mortgage broker can help you determine eligibility and guide you through the application process.

It’s another great example of how sustainability and smart financial planning can go hand in hand for Edmonton buyers.

Why It Matters in Edmonton’s Real Estate Market

As more Edmontonians prioritize sustainable living, eco-friendly homes are seeing stronger resale value and faster sales. Buyers aren’t just thinking about aesthetics — they’re considering long-term cost savings, comfort, and environmental responsibility.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or renovating, it’s worth keeping sustainability in mind. Green homes aren’t just the future — they’re already in demand today.

Looking to buy or sell an eco-friendly home in Edmonton? 🌿
Our MetroYEG team can help you find (or market) a property that checks all the right boxes for today’s eco-conscious buyer — and connect you with our mortgage experts to explore programs like the CMHC Green Home rebate.