For many homeowners, the holidays are a time to get cozy, slow down, and reconnect with the people who matter most. But between the ornaments, snowfalls, and mugs of hot chocolate, this season can also bring clarity — especially when it comes to your goals for the year ahead.

If you live in Edmonton, you know winter isn’t something that happens by accident. We style it, shape it, survive it, and even love it. And, as it turns out, this mindset lines up closely with how many people approach real estate planning during the holidays — especially when it comes to mortgage pre-approval, refinancing, and home buying.

Whether you’ve been thinking about buying your first home, selling your current one, or revisiting your mortgage, the holidays can inspire the kind of long-term vision that only quiet winter months can bring.

🎁 Holiday Budgeting Meets Real Estate Planning

Edmonton winters tend to shift our focus toward budgeting, planning, and prioritizing — especially after the rush of gift shopping and seasonal spending.

If you’re considering a home purchase in 2025, now is the perfect time to take stock of your finances and start the mortgage pre-approval process. Holiday budgeting actually goes hand-in-hand with financial preparation:

• reviewing spending

• outlining savings goals

• exploring mortgage pre-approval options

• forecasting monthly payment comfort levels

Starting your pre-approval ahead of the new year gives you clarity, confidence, and a competitive advantage once you begin viewing homes. Our mortgage broker team at MetroYEG can walk you through current rates, compare products, and help set a realistic roadmap — so you’re ready when the right home appears.

❄️ Why Edmonton Buyers Often Use Winter to Their Advantage

Homes in Edmonton tell their truest stories in winter. The wind chill exposes drafts. Snowfall reveals drainage patterns. Driveways, sidewalks, and access routes suddenly matter.

For buyers, this means winter showings provide real-world proof of a home’s functionality. Add in lower market competition, motivated sellers, and a solid mortgage pre-approval, and suddenly the holidays can be a surprisingly strategic time to shop.

Even if you’re not planning to buy until spring, starting your mortgage pre-approval now gives you priceless clarity — and a serious head start in a competitive Edmonton market.

🎄 Selling During the Holidays? Let Edmonton Shine

Winter sellers in Edmonton aren’t just selling a house — they’re selling a feeling.

Picture warm lights in the windows, fresh snow on the lawn, and the sparkle of festive decor. Edmonton neighbourhoods look magical this time of year, and buyers know it.

And because many buyers entering the market during the holidays are already pre-approved, conversations can move faster and more smoothly — helping you avoid delays and stress.

With fewer listings on the market, homes stand out beautifully. And because holiday buyers tend to be serious, real discussions move quickly.

Thinking of listing in early 2025? The holidays are the perfect time to prepare:

• plan touch-ups

• organize storage

• book photography

• review pricing strategy

• pre-list marketing

• and connect with buyers who are arriving pre-approved and ready

✨ A Good Time to Revisit Your Mortgage, Too

As the year winds down, many Edmonton homeowners also pause to revisit their mortgage.

Whether you’re approaching renewal, exploring refinancing, or curious about improving your terms, the quiet winter season offers space to think — and save.

And for those looking ahead to a new home or a new mortgage product, beginning the pre-approval process now can help clarify what’s possible in 2025.

Our MetroYEG mortgage team provides personalized guidance, lender comparisons, and a transparent process. No generic bank approach. No guesswork.

Just clarity, options, and support — built around what you need most.

Edmonton, Home, and the New Year Ahead

The holidays don’t have to be a real estate “off-season.”
Instead, they can be a season of intention.

Edmonton’s winter encourages us to pause and reflect — and in that space, big decisions have room to take shape.

Whether buying, selling, seeking mortgage pre-approval, or reviewing your current mortgage, the MetroYEG team is here to help you move into 2025 with confidence, strategy, and peace of mind.

Wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season from our team to your home. ❤️🏡❄️

Week Ending December 17, 2025

The Edmonton housing market held steady this week, offering buyers and sellers a balanced blend of consistency and opportunity as we head deeper into December. Here’s a breakdown of how the numbers shaped up:

📊 Sales Activity

A total of 321 homes sold across the Edmonton area this week — the same as last week, marking a 0% change. This consistency suggests continued buyer confidence, even as the year winds down.

🏡 New Listings

There were 378 new listings, an 18% decrease from last week. With fewer homes hitting the market, active listings are tightening, which may support stronger competition among buyers heading into the new year.

💰 Home Prices

Both the average and median sale prices showed interesting movement:

• Average sale price: $470,000 — up 3% week-over-week.

• Median sale price: $435,000 — down 2% week-over-week.

This combination may indicate increased demand for higher-end properties, or simply a shift in what sold this week. Either way, the overall upward movement in the average price is an encouraging sign for sellers.

📌 What This Means for You

As supply dips and average prices rise, buyers may notice fewer options and quicker decision timelines. Sellers, on the other hand, may find increased leverage — especially as motivated buyers stay active through the winter months.

If you’re thinking about entering the market soon, now is a great time to start the conversation.

Statistics sourced from the Realtors Association of Alberta.

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.