Leaving a long-time family home is one of the most significant decisions you'll make. I bring SRES® specialist training, genuine patience, and the expertise to make your transition work, financially and emotionally.
SRES® education covers the unique emotional, financial, and legal dimensions of senior real estate that general REALTORS® aren't trained for. I understand what makes your situation different, and how to handle it right.
I don't rush the process to close a deal. Downsizing well takes the time it takes. I work on your timeline, with flexibility built into every stage, from initial conversations to possession dates.
I understand how a home sale intersects with retirement income, pension adjustments, government benefits, and estate planning, and coordinate with your financial and legal advisors to protect your interests.
Power of attorney, joint ownership structures, estate implications of a sale, these are not standard real estate topics, but they're standard for my senior clients. I flag these early and connect you with trusted estate lawyers.
I know Calgary's adult lifestyle communities, accessible bungalow inventory, and condo buildings with the right amenities for seniors. I help you find the right fit, not just any listing.
I maintain relationships with senior move management companies, professionals who help with sorting, packing, and relocating in a way that's respectful of decades of belongings and memories.
This is the most important tax fact for Calgary senior homeowners: when you sell your principal residence, 100% of the capital gain is tax-free. A home bought in 1990 for $200,000 now worth $750,000, the full $550,000 gain is exempt. No capital gains tax. This fundamentally changes the retirement math for homeowners.
Selling a $750,000 home and purchasing a $450,000 condo frees approximately $260,000–$300,000 in equity (after selling costs). Invested conservatively at 4–5% annual return, that generates $10,400–$15,000 per year in income, while your monthly housing costs drop through elimination of yard maintenance, higher property taxes, and the overhead of a larger home.
| Cost Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate commission (selling) | Negotiable | Paid from sale proceeds, not out of pocket |
| Legal fees (selling) | $1,000–$1,800 | Title discharge and document preparation |
| Staging / pre-sale preparation | $1,500–$8,000 | Varies by home condition and staging level |
| Senior move management | $3,000–$15,000+ | Includes packing, sorting, and relocation |
| Legal fees (buying) | $1,200–$2,000 | If purchasing a new property |
| Condo move-in fee | $200–$500 | Standard in most Calgary condo buildings |
| Alberta land transfer tax | $0 | Alberta advantage, none |
| Total transition costs | $15,000–$40,000+ | Budget conservatively |
The most common question I hear: "Should I buy a condo or a bungalow?" The honest answer is that it depends on your lifestyle, health, and priorities. Here's a side-by-side comparison.
Most senior buyers initially say they want a condo for the maintenance-free lifestyle. Many end up in a bungalow because they miss private outdoor space. Visit both before deciding. Spend time in the neighbourhood at different times of day. Talk to residents in buildings you're considering. The lifestyle you imagine and the one you'll actually live can be different, and this decision is too significant to get wrong.
For the active, urban senior. Steps from restaurants, shops, and the Bow River pathway. Excellent transit. Newer condo towers with full amenities. No car required for daily life.
Established communities with mature trees, strong amenities, and a quieter suburban character. Good bungalow and condo inventory. Proximity to medical facilities and highway access.
Master-planned with strong amenities, LRT access, and healthcare proximity. Popular with retired professionals who want suburban tranquility and good walkability within the community.
Calgary's most established luxury neighbourhoods. Large bungalows on generous lots. Quiet, mature, exceptional proximity to the Glenmore Reservoir pathways. For seniors looking at premium properties.
Newer communities with lake access, strong amenities, and well-designed condos and bungalows. Popular with active seniors who want newer construction and modern infrastructure.
Small-town atmosphere, Sheep River pathways, and significantly lower prices than comparable Calgary properties. Strong choice for seniors who prefer a quieter pace with easy access back to the city.
Before anything else, have an honest conversation, with yourself, your partner, and your family, about why you're considering downsizing, what you hope it gives you, and what you're most worried about losing. This conversation shapes every decision that follows. Starting it doesn't commit you to anything. It gives you information and control.
Know what your current home is worth before making any plans. A current market valuation gives you the financial foundation for everything: how much equity you're working with, what you can afford next, and what the transition gap looks like. I provide this free, with no obligation to list.
Before searching, build a clear picture of what you need: stair-free? Private outdoor space? Specific neighbourhood? Within walking distance of a grocery store? Building with a concierge? Accessibility requirements especially should drive the search, not be discovered after viewing 30 properties.
One of the most consequential decisions in a downsizing transaction. Selling first gives you certainty about proceeds but may require temporary housing. Buying first means you know your next home before leaving the current one, but carries bridge financing risk. I model both scenarios with actual numbers so you can decide clearly.
In a home lived in for decades, preparation for sale often involves decluttering, removing personal items, possibly painting, and staging. This is emotionally difficult, and I pace it at your speed. Professional staging consistently increases sale price. I coordinate trusted stagers who work respectfully with seniors and their belongings.
Strategic pricing, professional photography, and targeted marketing across MLS and digital channels. I review all offers with you carefully, explain every clause clearly, and negotiate terms that protect your interests, including possession dates that give you adequate time to move without rushing.
Moving after decades in one home is a significant undertaking. I connect you with senior move specialists, companies that help seniors sort, pack, donate, and relocate at a pace that's manageable and respectful. This isn't standard moving, it's a transition service designed for this exact situation.
No pressure, no timeline. Just an honest conversation about your situation, your home's current value, and what your options look like. Free 30-minute call to start.
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