Shaun Harkley

Just dropped! New Livabl Launch Podcast by Zonda, recorded in front of a live audience at our Livabl Insiders in Calgary! I sat down with Jordan Mair and Salina Yara Halabi from ZGM Modern Marketing Partners, one of Western Canada’s most creative marketing agencies. We talked about what it really takes to stand out in homebuilder marketing today, how purpose-driven brands build trust, how emotion drives decision-making, and why the best strategies blend humanity with data. From rethinking the role of the “mother brand” to embracing AI and understanding Gen Z’s buying behavior, Jordan and Selena shared a ton of insight into how builders can future-proof their marketing and connect with buyers in a more meaningful way. A really fun and thoughtful conversation, especially for anyone in real estate, development, or marketing. PS: Yes! I posted this yesterday, but trying out a new way to share. Listen in: https://lnkd.in/eaMkmdzW

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Calgary's active inventory is up 21% year-over-year — a meaningful shift that's prompting a common question among sellers: should I wait for conditions to improve, or list now? Here's a data-informed perspective. Increased Inventory Requires Strategic Adjustment A 21% increase in active listings means buyers have more options. This doesn't indicate market collapse — it indicates normalized conditions where differentiation matters. Properties that are moving: accurately priced from day one, well-prepared, positioned strategically. Properties that are sitting: overpriced relative to current comparables, under-prepared, or poorly positioned. The market has not stopped functioning. It has become more selective. The Cost of Waiting Waiting for inventory to decline assumes a predictable timeline for market normalization. Inventory shifts are not rapid. They occur over quarters, not weeks. During that waiting period, sellers postpone their next transaction, their relocation plans, or their life transition. The opportunity cost of waiting — particularly for sellers with clear next steps — can exceed the perceived benefit of improved market conditions. The Case for Listing Now For sellers prepared to enter the market with accurate pricing and solid preparation, current conditions remain viable. Well-positioned homes in desirable Calgary communities are generating buyer interest and closing transactions. The variable is not whether homes are selling — it's which homes are selling. Strategy has replaced momentum as the determining factor. What Current Conditions Require Pricing discipline based on recent comparable sales, not historical peaks. Presentation that meets current buyer expectations. Understanding that days on market carry weight in buyer perception. Sellers who adapt their approach to current conditions are achieving outcomes. Sellers anchored to 2021-2022 expectations are not. For sellers evaluating this decision and seeking a clear assessment of what current market positioning requires, I'm available for that conversation. DM me the word INVENTORY. #CalgaryRealEstate #RealEstateStrategy #CalgaryMarket #HomeSellingStrategy #CalgaryRealtor #YYCRealEstate #AlbertaRealEstate #RealEstateAdvisor #MarketAnalysis

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The GTA housing market just delivered some surprising news that every buyer and seller needs to know. While everyone's been talking about market uncertainty, August 2025 data shows a different story unfolding: 📈 Home sales jumped 2.3% year-over-year (5,211 transactions) 📊 New listings surged 9.4% to 14,038 units 💰 Average price dropped 5.2% to $1,022,143 Here's what this really means: 🔵 Buyers are finally getting the upper hand. More inventory + lower prices = real negotiating power for the first time in years. 🔵 The market is rebalancing, not crashing. A 2.3% sales increase shows steady demand, while the 9.4% listing boost gives buyers actual choice. 🔵 Affordability is still the elephant in the room. Even with lower prices and borrowing costs, average-income households are struggling with monthly payments on typical homes. The game-changer? TRREB expects additional Bank of Canada rate cuts could help offset potential tariff impacts. For buyers: This is the most balanced market we've seen in years. More options, better prices, and potentially lower rates ahead. For sellers: Price strategically and prepare for educated buyers who know they have choices. The market isn't broken—it's evolving. And smart players are positioning themselves accordingly. What trends are you seeing in your local market? Are buyers finally feeling more confident?

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