Buy Your Next Home Before Selling Your Current One—Without the Stress

Found your dream home before your current one has sold? Bridge financing can help you move smoothly by covering the gap between buying and selling. Here’s what you need to know about bridge loans in Alberta.

💰 What Is Bridge Financing?

A bridge loan is a short-term loan that lets you purchase your new home before your existing property sale closes. It “bridges” the financial gap so you don’t miss out on your next opportunity.

📅 How Long Does Bridge Financing Last?

Most bridge loans in Alberta are designed to cover 30–90 days. This gives you time to sell your current home without rushing—or accepting an offer below market value.

🏦 Key Requirements

✔️ Firm Sale Agreement: You must have an unconditional sale on your existing property. Lenders won’t approve a bridge loan if your current home isn’t under contract.

✔️ Equity: The equity in your current home helps determine how much you can borrow.

✔️ Creditworthiness: Lenders will still check your financial profile.

💸 Costs to Expect

Bridge loans typically have higher interest rates than standard mortgages. However, paying a few weeks of interest can be worth it to avoid losing your next home—or being forced to settle for a quick, low-priced sale.

⚖️ Pros & Cons of Bridge Financing

Pros:

✔️ Secure your new home without waiting

✔️ Avoid rushed selling decisions

✔️ Maintain flexibility during your move

Cons:

✔️ Higher interest rates

✔️ Must have a firm sale agreement

📩 Want My Bridge Financing Guide?

DM me “BRIDGE” and I’ll send you my Bridge Financing Guide, covering step-by-step details, lender insights, and tips for moving without stress.

Related reading:

• Buying & Selling at the Same Time? Here’s My Strategy

• How to Time the Market Without Losing Sleep

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Why Calgary Sellers Still Need to Stage Their Homes in 2025

When the Calgary real estate market is moving fast, it’s easy to assume staging your home isn’t necessary. After all, if homes are selling quickly, why bother?

Here’s the truth: staging still matters—sometimes even more in a hot market.

Whether you’re selling in inner-city Calgary, a growing suburb like Airdrie or Chestermere, or a rural acreage in Foothills County, staging helps your property stand out in a sea of listings. And that “stand out” factor translates to higher offers, better terms, and smoother closings.

Let’s break down why.

1. 🧠 Staging Creates an Emotional Connection

Most buyers shop online first. If your home doesn’t look amazing in photos, they may scroll right past it.

Staging helps buyers emotionally picture themselves in your space. When a home feels warm, welcoming, and move-in ready, people fall in love—and emotional buyers often pay more.

Even in Calgary’s fast-paced market, you’re not just selling a house. You’re selling a lifestyle.

2. 💰 Staged Homes Sell for More

Staged homes consistently outperform non-staged homes—even when supply is tight.

Why?

Because buyers feel more confident. They perceive the home as well cared for, updated, and ready to go. This confidence leads to:

• Higher offers

• Fewer conditions

• Less price negotiation

For Calgary sellers looking to maximize ROI, staging is one of the best investments you can make before hitting the market.

3. 📸 Your Listing Photos Will Pop

In 2025, your online listing is your first showing.

Staging sets the scene for jaw-dropping professional photos. When potential buyers browse REALTOR.ca, Instagram, or Facebook, your listing will stop the scroll—and generate more showings.

And in this market, more eyes = more offers.

4. ⏱️ Faster Sale, Less Stress

Even in a hot market, homes that feel “off” linger longer than they should. And time on market can lead to buyer suspicion or lowball offers.

A well-staged property minimizes objections and boosts perceived value, helping you close faster with fewer complications.

5. 🧩 Staging Is Strategic, Not Cosmetic

Staging isn’t just putting pretty pillows on a couch. It’s about strategically highlighting the home’s strengths and minimizing any drawbacks.

As a REALTOR® who has helped hundreds of Calgary sellers, I guide my clients through every step—whether it’s full professional staging or DIY touch-ups with a checklist.

Want Top Dollar? Stage Smarter.

If you’re planning to sell your Calgary home—whether it’s downtown, in a family-friendly suburb, or on an acreage—staging should still be part of your plan.

📩 DM me “STAGING” and I’ll send you my free Seller Prep & Staging Checklist.

It’s tailored for Alberta sellers who want a no-stress, high-reward sale.

Related topics you might find helpful:

• Pricing Strategy 101 for Calgary Sellers

• Top Mistakes to Avoid When Selling Your Home

• What Is a Real Property Report & Why It Matters in Alberta

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or relocating to a new area, trying to buy and sell a home at the same time can feel overwhelming.

But with the right strategy, this transition can be smooth, well-timed, and financially smart.

As a Calgary-based REALTOR® who regularly helps clients move between homes, I’ve developed a proven step-by-step process that removes the guesswork—and minimizes the stress.

🧠 Step 1: Start With the Sale (Even Before You Buy)

Most people want to find their next dream home before listing their current one.

But in most cases, I recommend the opposite:

Prepare your current home first.

We’ll get your property photo-ready, either go live or prep it behind the scenes so that we can hit the ground running when the timing aligns.

Why?

Because knowing what your current home will sell for—and how quickly—gives you the confidence and leverage you need when you’re ready to buy.

💰 Step 2: Understand Your Financing Options

Talk to your mortgage broker early about how you’ll manage the financial overlap. Options may include:

• Bridge financing (most common)

• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

• Extended possession dates on your sale or purchase

• Conditional offers based on your home’s sale

Every situation is different. That’s why I work closely with your lender to structure a strategy that protects your budget and avoids financial pressure.

📝 Step 3: Protect Yourself With the Right Offer Conditions

When it’s time to write an offer on your new home, we’ll include terms that keep your transition safe and realistic. That may include:

• Condition for the sale of your home

• Flexible possession timelines

• Early access for measurements or contractor quotes

I help you negotiate a timeline that aligns with your goals—whether you’re trying to avoid moving twice or need extra time for possession.

🔄 Step 4: Always Have a Backup Plan (Just in Case)

Even with the best strategy, it’s smart to have a short-term backup plan. This might mean:

• Arranging temporary housing

• Securing storage for your belongings

• Pre-booking movers or rental options

I help clients plan for all scenarios so nothing catches you off guard—even if we need to adjust the timeline last-minute.

🤝 Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone in This

Buying and selling at the same time can be complex, but with the right guidance, it's entirely doable. I’ve helped countless Calgary-area clients manage this transition smoothly—without panic selling or panic buying.

If you're thinking about making a move, the earlier we plan, the more confident you'll feel.

📩 DM me “PLAN” and I’ll send you my Buying & Selling Strategy Guide—a free checklist that outlines the key steps, financing questions to ask, and real-life examples of how we make it work.

Let’s get you moved—without the chaos.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Calgary, one of the most important choices you’ll make isn’t about paint colours, kitchen upgrades, or even staging—it’s about your pricing strategy.

Set the price too high and your home risks sitting on the market while buyers move on to more competitively priced listings. Set it too low and you could leave thousands of dollars on the table. Striking the right balance is part art, part science, and absolutely essential in today’s Calgary real estate market.

Why Pricing Matters More Than Ever

Calgary’s market is dynamic. With buyers more informed than ever—thanks to online listings, market reports, and access to sold data—overpricing is quickly exposed.

• First impressions count: The first 7–14 days on the market are the most critical. This is when your listing gains peak exposure through MLS®, Realtor.ca, social media, and your REALTOR®’s marketing campaigns. Miss that window, and your home risks becoming “stale.”

• Buyer psychology: Buyers tend to assume if a property lingers on the market, “something must be wrong with it.” Even if you later reduce the price, you’ve lost valuable momentum.

• Neighbourhood competition: Calgary is a city of micro-markets. What works in Tuscany might not work in Auburn Bay, and what buyers will pay in Marda Loop may be very different than in Evanston.

The bottom line? Pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about positioning your home to stand out from the competition.

Top Pricing Mistakes Calgary Sellers Make

Even savvy homeowners can fall into these common traps:

1. Overpricing based on emotion
   Your home may hold priceless memories, but buyers compare it against other listings and sold data. Sentiment doesn’t add value in the market.

2. Chasing the market down
   Starting high often leads to multiple price reductions. By the time you adjust, buyers may overlook your home or assume you’re desperate to sell.

3. Pricing based on what you “need”
   Buyers don’t care about your mortgage balance or the price you “have to get.” They care about whether your property represents fair value compared to others.

4. Ignoring price brackets
   Online search filters often work in increments ($500K–$550K, $550K–$600K, etc.). If you price at $551,000 instead of $549,900, you may miss an entire group of buyers searching just under $550K.

How to Price It Right in Calgary

A strong pricing strategy blends data, market knowledge, and buyer psychology. Here’s what I look at when advising Calgary sellers:

• Recent sales (comparables): We review the most relevant properties in your community that have sold in the last 30–90 days.

• Active competition: What are today’s buyers choosing between? We analyze how your home stacks up against current listings.

• Neighbourhood trends: Are homes in your area selling quickly with multiple offers, or lingering longer? Average days on market provide valuable insight.

• Inventory levels: In a balanced or buyer’s market, sharper pricing is key to standing out. In a strong seller’s market, there may be more flexibility.

• Buyer demand: Calgary attracts not only local buyers but also those relocating from Ontario and BC. Understanding migration trends helps us anticipate demand.

• Price brackets: Strategic pricing ensures your listing shows up in the maximum number of buyer searches.

Calgary Pricing Examples (Hypothetical)

• A home in Cranston priced at $625,000 may seem fair, but if all the recent sales in the area capped at $600,000, it risks sitting.

• In contrast, a property in West Hillhurst listed at $949,900 instead of $960,000 may capture both buyers searching under $950K and those in the $950K–$1M bracket.

Why Work With an Experienced REALTOR®?

As a Calgary REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience in detached, condo, acreage, and luxury markets, I don’t just run the numbers—I help you understand the story behind the data. That means:

• Positioning your home competitively without leaving money behind.

• Tailoring strategy to your neighbourhood—whether that’s a NW family suburb, an inner-city infill, or a Foothills acreage.

• Providing a clear picture of where your home fits into today’s Calgary real estate market.

The Bottom Line

Your home’s price tag is your most powerful marketing tool. More than photos, more than staging, more than open houses—pricing is what gets qualified buyers through the door.

When you price strategically, you’ll:

• Attract more attention in those crucial first two weeks.

• Generate stronger offers (and sometimes multiple).

• Reduce stress and avoid drawn-out market time.

Ready to Sell?

If you’re considering selling your home in Calgary, don’t leave your pricing strategy to guesswork. I’ll provide a personalized pricing review based on your property, your neighbourhood, and today’s market conditions—no pressure, just honest advice.

👉 Contact me today to get started.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.

Buying a new build is exciting, but if you also have a home to sell, the process can become a bit more complex. From timing your sale to managing financial risks, there’s a lot to consider—especially with the unique timelines involved in new builds. Here’s what you need to know to navigate this process smoothly and protect your investment.

Understand the Timing Challenges

1. Spec Homes (Quick Possession Homes)
If you’re purchasing a spec home, the timeline is typically shorter—anywhere from immediate possession to 3–6 months. This makes coordinating the sale of your current home a bit easier, as possession dates are more predictable.

2. Custom-Built Homes
With custom builds, the timeline is much longer (8–18 months), and the possession date is often approximate until the builder provides a final notice. Most builders only give a 30-day notice of possession, meaning you’ll need to be prepared to act quickly. If you’re relying on the sale of your current home to fund your new purchase, you’ll need to list and sell your home within that 30-day window. This adds urgency to the process, making it crucial to work with a REALTOR® who can help you plan effectively.

Plan for Market Risks

The real estate market can shift significantly over the 8–18 months of a custom build timeline. Here’s how to mitigate potential risks:

• Evaluate Market Trends: Work with your REALTOR® to understand current and projected market conditions.

• Be Conservative with Value Assumptions: Don’t rely on today’s high market value to remain unchanged—plan for potential fluctuations.

• Have a Backup Plan: Be prepared to adjust your strategy if the market changes unexpectedly, whether it’s selling sooner or exploring bridge financing.

Consider Bridge Financing

Bridge financing can be an effective solution for buyers who need equity from their current home to complete the purchase of their new build. This short-term loan allows you to buy the new home while waiting for your current home to sell. Your REALTOR® and mortgage broker can guide you in evaluating whether this option is suitable for your financial situation.

Strategic Timing for Selling Your Current Home

Timing the sale of your current home depends on your individual circumstances and the builder’s timeline:

• Selling Early: Listing your home well before your new build is complete gives you more control over the sale process but may require temporary housing.

• Selling Closer to Possession: Waiting until the builder provides the 30-day possession notice may minimize disruption, but it’s risky if your home doesn’t sell quickly.

Your REALTOR® can help you decide the best timing strategy based on your needs and market conditions.

Account for GST on New Builds

New builds are subject to GST (5% in Alberta), which many buyers overlook. Depending on the builder, GST may or may not be included in the advertised price. Be sure to confirm this detail and budget accordingly. A knowledgeable REALTOR® can help ensure you’re fully informed of all costs.

Work with a REALTOR® for a Seamless Process

Managing the sale of your current home while buying a new build requires careful coordination. A REALTOR® will:

• Analyze market trends to help you price your current home competitively.

• Provide guidance on timing your sale to align with your builder’s timeline.

• Help you navigate the 30-day possession notice and act quickly to list and sell your home if needed.

• Offer strategies like bridge financing and temporary housing options.

Final Thoughts

Selling your home while buying a new build can be a challenging process, but with the right planning and a trusted REALTOR® by your side, it’s manageable. By preparing for market risks, timing your sale strategically, and understanding the 30-day possession notice, you can confidently transition into your new home.

Have questions or need help navigating this process? I’d love to assist! Let’s work together to create a plan that ensures your new build journey is smooth and successful.

Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.