Veronica D
"I had the pleasure of experiencing first hand Lesley’s expertise and knowledge as a realtor when my brother moved to Calgary and bought a home. Her professionalism, honesty, and thoughtfulness made for a great experience. We will definitely work with her again."
George V
"We had barely two weeks of transit stay in Calgary moving from the US to India. Lesley helped us to buy the right condo close to our daughter’s house in Calgary. "
Staci D
"From the minute that I had my first conversation with Lesley the experience has been outstanding. We moved from Ontario and Lesley did not just help us find a home, she went above and beyond with helping us find lawyers, Insurance and even helped us with trying to find a doctor. I cannot say enough about how professional Lesley is. She is the whole package and I would highly recommend her to anyone looking to purchase a home."
Living in Calgary: Frequently Asked Questions
Why are so many people choosing to move to Calgary, Alberta?
Calgary offers a great combination of big-city amenities, outdoor recreation, employment opportunities, and access to the Rocky Mountains. With beautiful parks, an extensive pathway system, diverse neighbourhoods, and no provincial sales tax, it's easy to understand why so many people are attracted to the city. Calgary has experienced significant population growth in recent years, although that growth is beginning to moderate. Whether you're relocating for work, looking for more space, or simply wanting a change of lifestyle, Calgary has plenty to offer.Read MoreWhat are the best neighbourhoods in Calgary to buy a home?
The best neighbourhood really depends on your lifestyle, budget, and priorities. Established communities such as Lakeview, Brentwood, Varsity, and Haysboro offer mature trees, larger lots, and convenient access to amenities. Communities such as Cranston, Mahogany, and Auburn Bay offer newer homes and community-focused amenities, while areas like West Springs, Aspen Woods, and Springbank Hill are popular for their location and variety of housing options. I always encourage buyers to consider commute times, schools, recreation, and long-term needs rather than choosing a neighbourhood based on popularity alone.Read MoreIs Calgary a good place to buy real estate?
Calgary can be an excellent place to purchase real estate, whether you're buying your first home, moving up, downsizing, or investing. The city offers a wide variety of housing options, from downtown condominiums to established detached homes and newer suburban developments. Like any real estate market, conditions change, and not every property or neighbourhood performs the same way. My goal is to help you understand current market conditions, evaluate comparable properties, and make an informed decision that works for your budget and long-term plans.Read MoreWhat is the average home price in Calgary?
Home prices in Calgary vary significantly depending on the community, property type, size, age, and condition of the home. Detached houses, semi-detached properties, townhomes, and apartments all have different price ranges and market conditions. I generally prefer looking at the benchmark price and recent comparable sales rather than relying solely on the citywide average, which can be influenced by expensive property sales. If you're considering buying or selling, I can provide current statistics and a more accurate picture of prices in the neighbourhoods you're interested in.Read MoreHow does Calgary's real estate market compare to other major Canadian cities?
Calgary offers a different real estate experience from cities such as Toronto and Vancouver. Buyers may find more space and different housing options for their budget, depending on the market and neighbourhood. Alberta also has no provincial sales tax and does not charge the type of provincial land transfer tax found in some other provinces, although buyers still have closing costs. Calgary's market is influenced by local employment, migration, housing supply, and interest rates, so it's important to look beyond national headlines when making real estate decisions.Read MoreIs it better to buy a new home or an older home in Calgary?
There are advantages to both! Newer homes often offer modern floor plans, energy-efficient features, and fewer immediate maintenance concerns. Established homes may offer larger lots, mature landscaping, central locations, and neighbourhoods with existing amenities. Older properties can require more maintenance or updates, while new construction may involve additional costs for landscaping, window coverings, upgrades, and other finishing touches. I help buyers compare the overall value of each option, including location, construction quality, ongoing expenses, and resale potential.Read MoreWhat are the advantages of living in NW, SW, SE, or NE Calgary?
Each quadrant of Calgary offers something different, and there are great communities throughout the city. Northwest Calgary provides access to established neighbourhoods, the University of Calgary, parks, and routes toward the mountains. Southwest Calgary offers a mix of established communities, shopping, recreation, and access to areas such as Fish Creek Provincial Park and the Glenmore Reservoir. Southeast Calgary includes established neighbourhoods and newer communities, including several lake communities. Northeast Calgary offers diverse housing options, shopping, and convenient access to the airport in many areas. The right location depends on your daily routine, lifestyle, and budget.Read MoreWhat are the benefits of living in Cochrane, Airdrie, or communities surrounding Calgary?
Communities surrounding Calgary can offer an appealing alternative to living within the city. Cochrane is known for its small-town atmosphere, scenic surroundings, and proximity to the foothills and mountains. Airdrie offers a range of housing options, shopping, recreation, and convenient access to Calgary via Highway 2. Communities such as Langdon and Carstairs may appeal to buyers looking for a quieter lifestyle or different property options. Before choosing, I recommend considering commute times, property taxes, schools, amenities, and the type of lifestyle you want.Read MoreWhat should I know about Calgary's changing real estate market?
Calgary's real estate market is constantly changing, and conditions can vary considerably between property types and price ranges. A detached home in an established neighbourhood may experience very different demand from a downtown apartment or suburban townhome. Inventory levels, interest rates, employment, migration, and seasonal trends all influence the market. That's why I believe it's important to look at recent comparable sales, active competition, and current buyer activity rather than relying on general headlines. Whether you're buying or selling, understanding your specific market is key to making a confident decision.Read MoreIs Calgary a good place to raise a family?
Calgary offers many amenities that appeal to families, including parks, playgrounds, recreation centres, sports programs, libraries, and a wide range of housing options. There are established neighbourhoods with mature trees and larger yards, as well as newer communities with pathways, playgrounds, and community facilities. Schools, childcare availability, commute times, and recreation opportunities can vary by neighbourhood, so I encourage families to research the features that matter most to them. I can help narrow down communities based on your priorities and the type of home you're looking for.Read MoreWhat outdoor activities and recreation does Calgary offer?
One of Calgary's biggest attractions is the variety of outdoor activities available throughout the year. The city has an extensive network of pathways, parks, off-leash areas, golf courses, and recreation facilities. Popular destinations include Fish Creek Provincial Park, Nose Hill Park, the Bow River pathways, and the Glenmore Reservoir. In the winter, residents enjoy skating, hockey, skiing, and other seasonal activities. With the Rocky Mountains within driving distance, hiking, camping, mountain biking, and skiing are also popular weekend activities. For people who enjoy an active lifestyle, Calgary has plenty to offer.Read MoreWhat should I consider when choosing a Calgary neighbourhood?
Choosing the right neighbourhood involves much more than finding a house you love. I encourage buyers to think about their daily commute, proximity to family and friends, schools, shopping, recreation, transit, and future plans. It's also worth considering the age of the community, potential maintenance costs, nearby development, and how easily the home may suit your needs in the years ahead. I recommend visiting neighbourhoods at different times of day to get a better feel for traffic, noise, and the overall atmosphere. Finding the right home is important, but finding the right location is just as important.Read MoreHow do property taxes work in Calgary?
Property taxes in Calgary are based on the property's assessed value and the applicable municipal and provincial education tax rates. The City of Calgary issues annual property assessments and collects both the municipal and provincial portions of property taxes. Your assessment is not necessarily the same as what your home would sell for in today's market. When purchasing a home, it's important to factor annual property taxes into your overall housing budget. I can help you review the current taxes on a property you're considering and explain how they are adjusted between the buyer and seller at closing.Read MoreAre Calgary's lake communities worth considering?
Calgary's lake communities are popular with buyers who enjoy outdoor recreation and community amenities. Depending on the neighbourhood, residents may have access to private lakes, beaches, skating, swimming, paddleboarding, and community events. Communities such as Arbor Lake, Lake Bonavista, Midnapore, Sundance, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, and McKenzie Lake offer different housing styles, locations, and amenities. Many lake communities have mandatory homeowners association fees, and access privileges can vary by property. I recommend reviewing the fees, rules, and available amenities before purchasing to make sure the community fits your lifestyle.Read MoreHow do I decide whether to live in Calgary or a surrounding community?
The decision often comes down to lifestyle, budget, and how much time you're comfortable spending commuting. Living in Calgary may provide easier access to work, schools, shopping, transit, and established amenities. Surrounding communities such as Cochrane, Airdrie, Langdon, and Carstairs may offer different housing options, lot sizes, and a quieter atmosphere. It's important to compare the total cost of ownership, including property taxes, transportation, utilities, and any community fees. I work with buyers throughout Calgary and several surrounding communities and can help you explore which location best suits your needs.Read More
