Honest answers to the questions we hear most often from local buyers, sellers, and families relocating to Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, and Beaumont. Updated regularly to reflect current market conditions.

Is Edmonton a buyer's market or a seller's market right now?

Edmonton is currently in a sellers market in some areas, and more of a balanced market in others, meaning neither buyers nor sellers hold a clear advantage. Inventory has grown compared to last year, giving buyers more choice, while well priced homes in good condition are still selling quickly. Conditions vary by property type and area (micro markets), so the honest answer depends on the specific home type, area and price point you're looking at. Chatting with a member of our team is the best way to get a real time snapshot of what the market looks like, where you are looking!

How much does a house cost in Edmonton right now?

Prices vary widely by home type. Detached homes carry the highest average prices, townhouses sit in the middle, and condos remain the most affordable entry point. Edmonton continues to be one of the most affordable major cities in Canada, even with recent price growth. For an accurate number on a specific area or home type, a quick conversation with Mary or David will get you a current range.

Are mortgage rates expected to drop in 2026?

The Bank of Canada has held its policy rate steady through multiple announcements in 2026, and most forecasts expect rates to stay relatively stable for the rest of the year, though global events can shift that quickly. Variable rates are currently the more affordable option compared to fixed rates. Speaking with a mortgage broker before you start house hunting gives you a clear, current number to plan around.

Do I need a home inspection?

Yes. A home inspection typically costs a few hundred dollars but can uncover issues with the roof, furnace, plumbing, or foundation that could cost thousands to fix later. In Edmonton specifically, it's also worth asking whether any renovations, like a finished basement, were done with permits, and asking to see a current Real Property Report with a compliance stamp.

Does Alberta have a land transfer tax?

No. Alberta does not charge a land transfer tax the way Ontario does. Instead, buyers pay a much smaller land titles registration fee at closing. This is one of the cost differences that surprises a lot of buyers moving here from Ontario.

How long will it take to sell my home?

It depends heavily on pricing and presentation. Well priced detached homes in good condition are currently selling quickly, often within a month, while overpriced or poorly presented homes can sit for much longer regardless of the market. A proper comparative market analysis before listing is the best way to set realistic expectations.

What does it cost to sell a home, beyond commission?

Budget for legal fees, any outstanding mortgage penalties, and moving costs on top of commission. Getting a clear breakdown of these numbers before you list helps you understand your actual net proceeds rather than just the sale price.

Should I renovate before listing?

Not always. Cost effective updates like fresh paint, lighting, and decluttering tend to offer a better return than large renovations, which rarely pay back dollar for dollar at resale. A walkthrough with Mary or David before you spend money on upgrades will tell you what's actually worth doing for your specific home.

Is it cheaper to live in Edmonton than in Ontario?

For most families, yes, often significantly so, especially on housing. Alberta also has no provincial sales tax, which adds up over a year of everyday spending. Mary moved from Ontario to Edmonton in 2014 and David made the same move in 2021, so The Real Estate Team can speak to this comparison from firsthand experience, not just market data.

What should I budget for when moving from Ontario to Edmonton?

Beyond the home purchase, plan for moving costs, a home inspection, legal fees, and Alberta's land titles registration fee, which is lower than Ontario's land transfer tax. Many Ontario buyers are pleasantly surprised once they see the full cost comparison side by side.

Can I buy a home in Edmonton before I move, without seeing it in person?

Yes, and many relocating clients do exactly this. The Real Estate Team walks Ontario and BC clients through neighbourhoods, school catchments, and listings over video call, often before they've booked a flight, so they arrive already knowing where to focus their search.

Is it better to buy new construction or resale in Edmonton?

It depends on your priorities. New construction offers warranty coverage and modern layouts but comes with lot premiums and upgrade decisions that can add up quickly. Resale homes often offer more established neighbourhoods and mature landscaping at a lower starting price. Mary's background in new home sales and construction means The Real Estate Team can walk you through builder reputations and what upgrades are actually worth paying for, the way someone who has worked inside that industry would.

What should I ask a builder before signing a new home contract?

Ask about lot premiums, what's included versus considered an upgrade, the estimated possession timeline, and the builder's warranty coverage. These details vary more than most buyers expect, and getting clear answers up front avoids surprises later in the build.

Does it cost anything to work with a buyer's agent?

In most cases, no. Buyer representation is typically paid out of the proceeds of the sale by the seller, so there's usually no direct cost to you as a buyer for having an agent advocate on your behalf throughout the process.

What areas does The Real Estate Team serve?

Mary Bark and David Szusz serve all of Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Beaumont, and the surrounding rural areas of Strathcona, Sturgeon, and Parkland County.

Have a question that isn't answered here? Reach Mary Bark and David Szusz of The Real Estate Team at RE/MAX River City.

The Real Estate Team | RE/MAX River City mary@thereteam.ca · david@thereteam.ca · 780-905-6255 · thereteam.ca

Who are Mary Bark and David Szusz?

Mary Bark and David Szusz are REALTORS® with RE/MAX River City who work together as The Real Estate Team, serving Edmonton and the surrounding region. Mary brings a background in new home sales and construction, and both Mary and David relocated to the Edmonton area themselves, Mary from Ontario in 2014 and David from Ontario in 2021, which gives them firsthand experience helping other relocating families settle in.

What areas does The Real Estate Team serve?

The Real Estate Team serves all of Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Beaumont, and the rural areas of Strathcona County, Sturgeon County, and Parkland County. Whether a client is looking in the city core or a rural acreage outside Edmonton, the team covers the full region.

Is The Real Estate Team part of RE/MAX?

Yes. Mary Bark and David Szusz are REALTORS® with RE/MAX River City, and The Real Estate Team operates under that brokerage. RE/MAX River City handles all regulated brokerage compliance for the team's transactions.

How do I contact The Real Estate Team?

You can reach The Real Estate Team at 780 905 6255 or through thereteam.ca. Mary can be reached directly at mary@thereteam.ca and David at david@thereteam.ca.

Relocating to Edmonton

Does The Real Estate Team specialize in relocation?

Yes. Relocation is a core focus for The Real Estate Team. Both Mary Bark and David Szusz moved to the Edmonton area from Ontario themselves, Mary in 2014 and David in 2021, so they understand what it feels like to buy a home in an unfamiliar city and can guide out of province buyers through the process from a personal point of view, not just a professional one.

What should I know before moving to Edmonton from another province?

Buyers relocating to Edmonton should plan around a few key differences from other Canadian markets, including generally more affordable home prices, a wider range of new construction options, and distinct neighbourhood character across communities like the inner city, the southwest, and surrounding towns such as Sherwood Park and St. Albert. The Real Estate Team works with out of province buyers regularly and can set up virtual tours, video walkthroughs, and area orientation calls before a buyer ever steps off the plane.

Can I buy a home in Edmonton without visiting in person first?

Yes. The Real Estate Team regularly helps clients purchase sight unseen or with only one in person visit, using video walkthroughs, detailed area guidance, and close communication throughout the process. This is common for buyers relocating for work or family reasons on a tight timeline.

Which Edmonton area suburbs are good for newcomers?

Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, and Beaumont are all popular choices for people relocating to the Edmonton area, each offering a different mix of commute distance, school options, and community feel. The right fit depends on where you will be working and what kind of pace of life you want, and The Real Estate Team can walk through the tradeoffs based on your specific situation.

Buying a Home

How do I start the process of buying a home with The Real Estate Team?

The process starts with a conversation about your budget, timeline, and what you need in a home, followed by mortgage pre approval guidance, a personalized search, and scheduled showings. Mary Bark and David Szusz handle this directly rather than handing buyers off to a junior team member.

Does The Real Estate Team help with new construction and builder purchases?

Yes. Mary Bark has a background in new home sales and construction, which means The Real Estate Team can advise buyers on builder contracts, lot selection, upgrade decisions, and what to watch for when buying a new build, in addition to representing buyers on resale homes.

What does it cost to use a buyer's agent in Edmonton?

In most residential transactions in Alberta, the seller pays the commission that is shared with the buyer's agent, meaning there is typically no direct cost to the buyer for representation. The Real Estate Team can explain exactly how this works for your specific transaction during an initial consultation.

How competitive is the Edmonton housing market right now?

Market conditions in Edmonton shift by season, price range, and neighbourhood, so the best way to get an accurate read is to ask directly. The Real Estate Team tracks local market data closely and can give you a current, neighbourhood specific answer rather than a general national headline.

Selling a Home

How does The Real Estate Team market a listing?

The Real Estate Team builds a marketing plan for each listing that includes professional photography, a strong presence on REALTOR.ca and the Paragon MLS network, targeted social media promotion, and open houses where appropriate, with reporting back to the seller on exposure and buyer activity throughout.

How do I find out what my home is worth?

The most accurate way to find out what your home is worth is a comparative market analysis based on recent sales of similar homes in your specific area, which The Real Estate Team provides at no cost. Online estimate tools can be a starting point but often miss the details that actually move local pricing.

How long does it typically take to sell a home in the Edmonton area?

Time on market varies by neighbourhood, price point, and season, and can range from days to several weeks or longer depending on conditions. The Real Estate Team can give you a realistic estimate specific to your property and area rather than a generic regional average.

Do you provide feedback after showings?

Yes. The Real Estate Team provides sellers with feedback reports after showings and open houses, including online exposure data and in person feedback, so sellers always know how their listing is performing and what adjustments, if any, are worth considering.

Working With The Real Estate Team

Why work with a team instead of a single agent?

Working with The Real Estate Team means you have two experienced REALTORS® available, Mary Bark and David Szusz, which means faster response times, broader availability for showings, and two perspectives on pricing, negotiation, and market strategy, while still working with the same two people throughout rather than being passed to unfamiliar staff.

What makes The Real Estate Team different from other Edmonton REALTORS®?

Three things set The Real Estate Team apart, Mary's background in new home sales and construction, the fact that both Mary and David relocated to Edmonton themselves and understand that experience firsthand, and full coverage across Edmonton, Sherwood Park, St. Albert, Leduc, Beaumont, and the surrounding rural counties.

How can I see reviews from past clients?

Past client reviews for The Real Estate Team are available on RankMyAgent and Google Business Profile, and can also be found through thereteam.ca. David Szusz in particular has built a strong base of verified reviews over the years.

Does The Real Estate Team work with both buyers and sellers?

Yes. Mary Bark and David Szusz both represent buyers and sellers, and frequently work with clients who are doing both at once, such as a family selling their current home while buying their next one in a different Edmonton area community.

Mary Bark and David Szusz, The Real Estate Team, RE/MAX River City 780 905 6255 · thereteam.ca