When Should You Start Looking For a Home? A Guide for Edmonton Buyers.

Although it doesn't feel like summer it is here. With that comes a changing market that presents unique opportunities for both buyers and sellers. Whether you're planning to buy your first home, considering selling your property, or simply looking to stay up to date on what's happening locally, this post provides a helpful market update, practical tips for navigating today's real estate market, and a curated list of exciting events taking place across Edmonton from July 20–26.

When Should You start Looking For a Home?

Last week's blog discussed whether you should buy a home now or wait. If you've decided that buying a home is the right move for you, the next question is: when should you actually start looking?

The answer depends on your situation. Your timing may be influenced by your current rental agreement, whether you need to sell your existing home, whether you are moving from another city or country, or whether you have a preferred time of year to move.

The most important thing to remember is that finding the right home can take time.

In Alberta, possession dates are commonly scheduled 30 to 60 days after an offer is accepted. However, the amount of time it takes to find the right home can vary significantly. Some buyers find what they are looking for within a week, while others may search for several months before finding the right property.

Because of this, it is often a good idea to start planning before you are ready to buy. Understanding your timeline, your budget, and what is available in the market can help you make a better decision when the right home comes along.

If You Are Currently Renting

If you are renting and looking to purchase a home, one of the first things you should do is review your lease agreement. You need to understand how much notice you are required to give, when your lease ends, and whether there are any penalties for ending the lease early.

Once you understand your rental timeline, you can begin working backwards to determine when you should ideally take possession of your new home.

For example, some buyers prefer to have a short overlap between their rental and their new home. Having a couple of weeks between possession of your new property and the end of your lease can provide additional time to move, set up the home, and avoid feeling rushed.

From there, you can work backwards:

• Determine when your current lease can end.

• Choose an ideal possession date for your new home.

• Remember that possession is commonly 30–60 days after an accepted offer.

• Consider how long it may take you to find the right property.

  
  

The final step is different for every buyer. Some people know exactly what they want and find it quickly. Others may need more time to find the right location, layout, price, or combination of features.

If you are unsure how long it may take you to find the right home, it can be helpful to speak with a Realtor early in the process and discuss your specific situation.

If You Need to Sell Your Current Home

If you already own a home, your timeline can become more complicated because you are coordinating two transactions: selling your current home and buying your next one.

There are generally three approaches:

• Sell first, then buy

• Buy first, then sell

• Coordinate both transactions together

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Each option has different advantages and risks, and the best strategy depends on your finances, the current market, and your comfort level with timing.

If you are considering buying first, it is important to understand the market before making a decision. In some situations, buying when there is more inventory and less competition may be appealing. In other situations, selling first may provide you with more certainty and a better understanding of your available budget.

If you sell first, the timing of your purchase will often become clearer once you accept an offer on your current home. However, you still need to understand how long it may take to find your next property.

If you are trying to coordinate both transactions, it is especially important to be prepared. Your current home could sell quickly, and the right home could become available at any time. Knowing what is currently on the market and understanding how long it may take to find the right property can help you make better decisions when the timing becomes important.

Buying and selling at the same time can be complicated, so it is important to work with a Realtor who understands both sides of the transaction and can help you plan around current market conditions.

If You Are Moving From Another City or Country

If you are moving to Edmonton from another city or country, you may want to begin the process earlier than someone who already lives locally.

If you plan to view homes in person, you may need to plan one or more trips to the area. It is often helpful to have a clear plan before you arrive so your time can be used efficiently.

Depending on your situation, you may also want to consider a longer possession timeline. While many transactions have a possession date 30 to 60 days after an accepted offer, a longer possession period may provide additional time to finalize your move.

The key is to plan ahead. Moving to a new city is already a significant transition, and having a clear understanding of the market and your options can make the process much easier.

If You Have a Preferred Time of Year to Move

Some buyers have a specific time of year when they would prefer to move. Maybe you want to be settled before the school year begins, move during the summer, or avoid moving during the winter.

If you have a specific target date, it is important to work backwards.

Consider:

• When you want to move into your new home.

• How long it may take to find the right property.

• The typical time between an accepted offer and possession.

• How competitive the market may be during the time you are looking.

  
  

Many buyers are active in the spring and fall, which can lead to more competition for certain properties. While these seasons may offer more activity and inventory, they can also mean more competition for desirable homes.

The best time to start looking is not necessarily when you are ready to make an offer. In many cases, it is beneficial to begin learning about the market before you are ready to buy.

So, When Should You Start Looking?

There is no single answer that applies to every buyer.

If you are renting, start by understanding your lease and working backwards from when you would ideally like to move. If you need to sell your current home, consider whether you want to sell first, buy first, or coordinate both transactions. If you are moving from another city or country, give yourself additional time to understand the market and potentially view homes in person. And if you have a preferred time of year to move, work backwards from your ideal possession date and account for both the time it may take to find a home and the time between an accepted offer and possession.

Regardless of your situation, it is never too early to start learning about the process. Understanding the market, your options, and your own timeline can help you make better decisions when the time comes to buy.

If you are thinking about buying a home and want to learn more about the process, you can explore the Buyer Process page or reach out to discuss your specific situation. Even if you are not ready to buy yet, having a plan can help you feel more prepared when the right opportunity comes along.

Edmonton Real Estate Market Update

We are well into July, and although Edmonton has received an unusually large amount of rain this month, the real estate market is showing signs of life!

While the market has slowed compared to this time last year, it remains a great market for buyers and sellers who are prepared to take advantage of the opportunities available. With ongoing international uncertainty, some buyers remain on the sidelines waiting for conditions to change. However, history has shown that waiting for complete certainty can sometimes mean facing more competition and higher prices later.

The Edmonton housing market continues to move toward a more balanced market as inventory increases, giving buyers more choice while prices remain relatively stable.

🏡 Average residential selling price: $483,600 (+4.1% year-over-year)

📈 Inventory: Up 22.2% compared to the same time last year.

🤝 Buyers: More choice and negotiating power than they had a year ago.

💰 Sellers: Well-priced homes are still attracting strong interest, making accurate pricing more important than ever.

Edmonton remains one of Canada's more stable real estate markets. Buyers have more options, sellers can still achieve great results, and success often comes down to having the right strategy, not trying to perfectly time the market.

To view the most recent monthly market update click here

What’s Happening in Edmonton This Week?

Edmonton’s calendar is packed with events that showcase the city’s culture, creativity, and community spirit. Here are some of the key happenings from July 20 to July 26:

1. Taste of Edmonton (July 16-26)

Come down to Sir Winston Churchill Square and check out some of the best food and cultures Edmonton has to offer!

2. Post Malone (July 25 @ 7:00 PM)

Come out to Commonwealth this Saturday to watch Post Malone perform!

3. K-Days (July 17-26)

Another year of K-Days kicks off on July 17. HEad down to the Expo Center to enjoy the rides, games, food, music and much more!

4. Edmonton Riverhawks Baseball (July 20,21,22 @7:05 PM)

Come out to RE/MAX Field and watch the Edmonton Riverhawks take on the Kamloops Northpaws.

5. Edmonton Stingers Basketball (July 26 @ 4:00 PM)

Come to the Expo Centre and enjoy some Edmonotn Stinger basketball as they take on the Calgary Surge.

AC Galo Corner

Blake Reimer Real Estate is proud to announce that they have partnered with AC Galo Soccer team here in Edmonton.

Although Thursday's game was cancelled the boys had a makeup game on Saturday and tied moving their record to 5-2-1

This Weeks Game Details:  

• Date: July 23, 2026

• Time: 6:30 PM

• Location: Coronation Park Field 1

  
  

Come out and enjoy the game! GALO ROLL!!!!

Edmonton’s real estate market has a lot to offer at the moment for both buyers and sellers. Whether you are planning to move or just want to enjoy what the city has to offer, staying informed and prepared will help you make the most of this season.