Property Appraiser vs. Assessor: Understanding the Differences

A property appraiser is a professional who determines the value of a property for various purposes. They often work for private firms, as independent consultants, or for specific clients, including homeowners, buyers, and lenders. The property appraiser evaluates factors such as property condition, location, and market trends to determine an accurate property value. In Calgary, appraisers are crucial for determining fair market prices, especially in a competitive Calgary real estate market.

An assessor, on the other hand, is a public official responsible for assigning property values for taxation purposes. Working for local governments or tax offices,…

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When you move from renting or living at home with your family, to owning, things change. Home ownership requires more responsibility, and there are costs that can sometimes be overlooked by future home buyers.

At the Real Estate Partners team with RE/MAX FIRST we believe that clarity and transparency are key components to a successful and rewarding home purchase for our clients, this blog covers some of the most important hidden costs of home ownership in Calgary whether you're looking to buy a condominium, townhome, or detached single family home. 

As a renter, you're typically not responsible for much (if any) maintenance in a home, your lease may reflect basic yard work, switching out lights, etc but when it comes to owning, there's a number…

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Should I Pay Down My Mortgage or Invest If I Have Extra Money?

What a great problem to have! If you are waking up on the last day of the month to an extra $500 in your chequing account, it might make sense to ask yourself if that money could be working harder for you, earning more than the 0.02% it's earning in your chequing account. Many Canadians face the dilemma of whether to use excess funds to pay down debt or invest. Deciding between paying down your mortgage or investing can feel like a tug-of-war between security and growth. Both options have compelling arguments; the right choice depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and priorities. Let’s explore the numbers, benefits, risks, and potential strategies. 


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January 2025 Calgary Real Estate Statistics Recap 

Calgary’s housing market saw a notable increase in supply to start the year, with inventory levels reaching 3,639 units in January. While this marks a significant 70% year-over-year gain, inventory remains lower than the 4,000+ units typically available at this time of year. Supply grew across all property types, with the most substantial increases seen in apartment-style condominiums.

"Supply levels are expected to improve throughout the year, contributing to a more balanced market and slower price growth," said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at CREB®. "However, supply adjustments vary by property type. Detached, semi-detached, and row homes remain…

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