Small Habits Now Can Make September Feel Much Less Hectic

It's hard to believe summer is already beginning to wind down. While there's still plenty of time to enjoy the sunshine, August is the perfect month to gently transition back into routines before the busier pace of September arrives.

Rather than waiting until the week before school starts, introducing a few simple habits now can help make the return to work, school, sports, and extracurricular activities feel much less overwhelming.

Start Rebuilding Your Daily Routine

Summer often means later bedtimes, sleeping in, and flexible schedules, and that's okay! As August progresses, begin making small adjustments by gradually moving bedtime and wake-up times closer to your September schedule. Even shifting by 15 to 20 minutes every few days can make the transition much easier.

If your family enjoys breakfast together or packs lunches in the morning, now is also a great time to begin getting back into those habits.

Make Meal Prep Part of Your Week

One of the easiest ways to reduce stress during busy weekdays is to dedicate an hour or two each weekend to meal prep.

Simple ideas include:

• Wash and cut fresh fruits and vegetables.

• Portion snacks into grab-and-go containers.

• Prepare overnight oats or breakfast burritos for busy mornings.

• Cook extra portions at dinner for easy lunches the next day.

• Keep one or two freezer meals on hand for evenings when schedules get hectic.

Having healthy meals and snacks ready means less rushing, fewer last-minute grocery trips, and more time spent together as a family.

Create Simple Evening Habits

Evenings often set the tone for the next morning. A few small routines can save valuable time when everyone is trying to get out the door.

Try making it a habit to:

• Pack lunches the night before.

• Lay out clothes for the next day.

• Refill water bottles.

• Charge phones, tablets, and laptops.

• Place backpacks, keys, and shoes in the same spot each evening.

These simple habits take only a few minutes but can make mornings feel noticeably calmer.

Keep Enjoying Summer

Preparing for September doesn't mean rushing summer away. In fact, August is one of the best months to soak up the longer days and spend quality time together before schedules fill up again.

Take advantage of the warm weather by:

• Visiting your local farmers' market and picking up fresh seasonal produce.

• Planning one last beach, lake, or paddleboarding day.

• Enjoying evening walks or bike rides as a family.

• Having a backyard barbecue with friends or neighbors.

• Exploring a new park, hiking trail, or nearby community.

• Making time for a screen-free family game night on the patio.

These moments help create lasting memories while also providing opportunities to reconnect before everyone's calendars become busier.

A Fresh Start

September often feels like a second New Year's, a chance to reset, establish healthy habits, and start fresh. By using August to slowly build routines instead of waiting until the last minute, you'll create a smoother transition for the entire family.

Remember, it doesn't have to be perfect. Small, consistent habits often make the biggest difference, helping your home run more smoothly and giving everyone a little extra breathing room when life gets busy again.

Start With July’s Data

Have questions about how these numbers affect your plans this year?

We’re here to help you make sense of the market.

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OPEN HOUSE - Sunday, July 26 | 2:00–4:00 PM

$695,000 | MLS® A2330352

Listing: https://tinyurl.com/y6vrth73

Video Tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ssmIIOdd_Es

3D Tour: https://youriguide.com/1114_whitfield_ave_crossfield_ab

Across from parks, playgrounds & schools

Over 3,400 Sq. Ft. of developed living space

Main floor office/flex room

4 + 1 Bedrooms

3.5 Bathrooms

Attached double garage + heated detached double garage

Welcome to this exceptional family home offering the perfect combination of space, functionality, and incredible upgrades!

Families will love the unbeatable location directly across from parks, playgrounds, and schools, while hobbyists and car enthusiasts will appreciate the rare four garage spaces with both attached and heated detached double garages.

Inside you'll find over 3,400 sq. ft. of beautifully maintained living space, featuring a bright and functional layout, main floor office (or 5th bedroom), granite countertops, newer appliances, cozy wood-burning fireplace with custom built-ins, and fresh new carpet throughout the main and upper levels.

The fully developed basement adds even more room for the family with a spacious recreation room, large bedroom, full bathroom, and plenty of storage.

Major updates include:

Poly-B plumbing replaced

Triple-pane windows (2016)

Shingles (2019)

Two furnaces & two central A/C units (2019)

Rebuilt deck (2025)

220V power in both garages

Step outside to enjoy the fully fenced backyard with RV parking, low-maintenance vinyl fencing, and a heated detached garage that's perfect for a workshop, gym, or storing all your toys!

This move-in ready home truly has it all—and it's just a short walk to the community centre, baseball diamonds, skate park, and more.

Don't miss the video and 3D virtual tour!

1114 Whitfield Ave, Crossfield

$695,000

Across From Parks, Schools & Playgrounds

Fully Developed 2,523 SqFt w/ Main Floor Office

4 + 1 Bedrooms

3.5 Bathrooms

Dbl Attached Garage & Dbl Detached Heated Garage

*Sourced from the Bank of Canada website

The Bank of Canada today held its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%.

Canada’s economy is showing signs of improvement. Growth is picking up and inflation is projected to ease gradually from its recent spike. There are still important risks and uncertainties related to the war in the Middle East and US trade policy.

Since the April Monetary Policy Report (MPR), global economic prospects have been dented by higher oil prices stemming from the Middle East conflict. At the same time, the build-out of artificial intelligence (AI) is supporting economic activity in a growing number of countries. Oil prices are still lower than their peak in April but the situation in the Middle East remains volatile. The path for global inflation is highly dependent on how the conflict unfolds.

The US economy is growing at about 2½%, mostly because of strong consumption and booming AI investment. China’s economy is expanding solidly thanks to robust exports. Economic activity in the euro area has been weighed down by high energy prices, but is expected to strengthen in the second half of the year if energy prices come down as anticipated.

The Bank projects global GDP growth will slow to 2¾% in 2026, mostly because of the effects of the Middle East conflict, and recover to around 3¼% in 2027 and 2028.

Financial conditions in Canada have eased since April and global equity markets have been buoyant. US bond yields have risen, while those in Canada are little changed. This differential has contributed to the depreciation of the Canadian dollar.

Canada’s GDP data over the past year was choppy and growth stalled as the economy adjusted to new tariffs, high uncertainty and slower population growth. Labour market conditions have remained soft, reflecting ongoing economic slack. The unemployment rate was 6.5% in June and has hovered in a range of 6½%-7% since the end of 2024. There are clear signs that economic growth has resumed in the second quarter, with growth estimated at 2½%. While this largely reflects the unwinding of temporary factors, sources of economic growth appear to be broadening.

Recent indicators point to continued solid consumer spending. Housing activity has been weak but looks to be stabilizing. Export growth has resumed and is expected to continue to strengthen, albeit on a lower path. Business investment is projected to pick up modestly, boosted in the near term by the oil and gas sector. Although the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement is now subject to annual reviews, more businesses report they are finding ways to navigate through the uncertainty. Government spending also contributes to higher economic activity over the projection.

Following GDP growth of 0.7% in 2026, the Bank projects the economy will grow by 1.8% in both 2027 and 2028. As the recovery proceeds, economic slack will be gradually absorbed.

CPI inflation rose further to 3.2% in May, mainly because of higher gasoline prices linked to the war in the Middle East. Excluding gasoline, inflation was 2.2% and measures of core inflation remained close to 2%. Near-term inflation expectations are sensitive to changes in gasoline prices but longer-term inflation expectations remain well anchored. War-related cost pressures are still working their way through some consumer prices but are being offset by downward pressure on other prices from continued economic slack. CPI inflation is expected to stay elevated in June and then ease gradually in the coming months, returning to around 2% in early 2027, although this forecast is dependent on the path for oil and gasoline prices. Inflation is forecast to average around 2% in 2027 and 2028, albeit with some monthly fluctuations because of base-year effects.

Governing Council judges the current policy rate remains appropriate to sustain the economic recovery and bring inflation back to the 2% target, in line with the MPR projections. Uncertainty is still high. Governing Council will continue to assess the strength of the Canadian economy and the outlook for inflation, and is prepared to adjust monetary policy as needed. The Bank is committed to maintaining Canadians’ confidence in price stability through this period of global upheaval.

 Information note

The next scheduled date for announcing the overnight rate target is September 2, 2026. The Bank’s next MPR will be released on October 28, 2026.

$824,900

Quiet Area Backing Onto Greenspace & Pathways

Meticulously Maintained, Fully Developed Bungalow

4 Bedrooms

3 Bathrooms

Oversized Triple Attached Garage

Smart Summer Tips to Keep Lawns, Trees & Gardens Healthy

Hot summer temperatures can be tough on lawns, trees, gardens, and landscaping, especially during prolonged heat waves. Without proper care, grass can become stressed, plants may struggle, and even mature trees can suffer long-term damage.

The good news is that a few simple adjustments can help protect your yard and keep your outdoor spaces looking healthy all summer long.

Water Deeply — Not Frequently

One of the most common mistakes homeowners make during hot weather is watering too lightly and too often.

Deep watering encourages roots to grow farther into the soil, making lawns and plants more drought resistant. Frequent shallow watering can lead to weak root systems and stressed grass.

As a general rule:

• Water less often

• Water longer when you do

• Aim to soak the soil several inches deep

Healthy roots are the key to helping your yard survive summer heat.

Water at the Right Time of Day

Timing matters when it comes to watering.

The best times to water are:

• Early morning

• Late evening

Watering during the hottest part of the day leads to faster evaporation and wasted water. Morning watering is often ideal because plants have time to absorb moisture before afternoon heat arrives.

Protect Trees & Shrubs

Trees and shrubs can become stressed during long stretches of heat, especially younger or newly planted ones.

Help protect them by:

• Applying mulch around the base

• Watering deeply around the root zone

• Watching for dry, brittle leaves or early leaf drop

Mulch helps retain moisture while also keeping soil temperatures cooler.

Watch for Lawn Stress Signs

Your lawn will often tell you when it’s struggling.

Common signs of heat stress include:

• Grass turning dull blue-green or brown

• Footprints remaining visible after walking on the lawn

• Dry, crunchy blades

If your lawn is stressed, avoid mowing too short. Longer grass helps shade the soil and retain moisture.

Use Mulch to Retain Moisture

Mulch is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect flower beds, gardens, and trees during hot weather.

Benefits of mulch include:

• Reduced evaporation

• Cooler soil temperatures

• Fewer weeds

• Healthier root systems

Organic mulch such as bark or wood chips works especially well for retaining moisture.

Practice Water Conservation

During heat waves, water conservation becomes increasingly important.

Simple ways to reduce water use:

• Repair leaking hoses or sprinklers

• Use rain barrels when possible

• Group plants with similar watering needs together

• Consider drought-resistant landscaping options

A few small changes can significantly reduce water waste while still keeping your yard healthy.

Healthy Yards Start with Smart Summer Care

Summer heat can be hard on landscaping, but proactive maintenance helps protect your investment and keeps your property looking its best. With the right watering habits and a little preventative care, your lawn and garden can stay healthy even during the hottest weeks of the season.

Easy Outdoor Upgrades That Add Value

Simple Improvements That Boost Curb Appeal & Enjoyment

You don’t always need a major renovation to improve the look and value of your home. In fact, some of the best upgrades are simple outdoor projects that make your property more inviting, functional, and attractive to future buyers.

Whether you’re thinking about selling someday or simply want to enjoy your home more this summer, these easy outdoor upgrades can make a noticeable impact.

Freshen Up Your Curb Appeal

First impressions matter, and small exterior improvements can instantly make a home feel more welcoming.

Easy curb appeal projects include:

• Adding fresh mulch to flower beds

• Trimming overgrown shrubs and trees

• Painting or updating the mailbox

• Power washing sidewalks, siding, and driveways

• Adding seasonal planters near the entrance

Clean, well-maintained landscaping helps a property feel cared for from the moment someone arrives.

Upgrade Outdoor Lighting

Outdoor lighting is one of the simplest ways to improve both appearance and functionality.

Popular upgrades include:

• Solar pathway lights

• Modern light fixtures near entrances

• Motion sensor lighting

• Deck and patio lighting

Good lighting enhances safety while also creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the evenings.

Refresh the Front Door & Hardware

Your front entry sets the tone for the entire home. A fresh coat of paint or updated hardware can make a surprisingly big difference.

Simple upgrades:

• Paint the front door a bold, modern color

• Replace dated handles or locks

• Update house numbers

• Add a new welcome mat or decorative accents

These inexpensive improvements often deliver strong visual impact.

Improve Patios & Deck Spaces

Outdoor living spaces continue to be highly desirable for homeowners and buyers alike.

Consider:

• Staining or resealing decks

• Adding outdoor seating areas

• Creating a simple fire pit space

• Updating patio furniture or décor

• Adding privacy screens or pergolas

Functional outdoor spaces help homeowners picture themselves enjoying the property year-round.

Landscaping Can Offer Great Return on Investment

Well-maintained landscaping consistently adds value and appeal to a home. You don’t need elaborate gardens to make an impact — neat, tidy, low-maintenance landscaping often appeals most to buyers.

Focus on:

• Healthy lawns

• Defined flower beds

• Low-maintenance perennials

• Clean edging and walkways

Simple landscaping updates can dramatically improve the overall feel of a property.

Small Projects Can Make a Big Difference

Outdoor upgrades don’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. Often, the small finishing touches are what create the biggest impact — both for your own enjoyment and for future resale value.

A well-maintained exterior helps your home stand out and creates an inviting space you can enjoy all summer long.

June sales in Calgary improved over May, reaching 2,197 units. Despite the monthly gains, sales were nearly four per cent lower than last year and just below the long-term average for June, largely due to pullbacks in apartment-style units. While sales are down across most price ranges so far this year, there have been gains in both the highest price ranges and the most affordable ranges across most property types. “The easing of demand for resale homes does not come as a surprise given the recent decline in migration, which is impacting both rental and ownership demand for higher-density homes. The bigger change in our market relates to inventory, which has been on the rise in the rental, resale and new-home markets following several consecutive years of record-high housing starts,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, Chief Economist at the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®). “Inventory growth has mostly occurred in high-density homes, resulting in buyer’s market conditions and steep price adjustments for condominium apartments. While it will take time to absorb the high-density supply, detached supply growth has been limited and some districts are reporting record-high prices.”

New listings are starting to pull back compared with 2025 and the sales-to-new-listings ratio rose to 56 per cent. This has slowed the pace of inventory growth in the market and kept the months of supply at just over three months. This is considered a balanced range in the city, but conditions vary across property types. The apartment condominium sector is experiencing buyer’s market conditions, with the months of supply at nearly five months and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 45 per cent.

The range of conditions is also impacting prices. In June, the unadjusted benchmark price was $572,500, up over the previous month and two per cent below levels reported last June. However, apartment-style properties have reported an annual decline nearing nine per cent, leaving condominium prices in June at $299,000. Meanwhile, the benchmark price for a detached home rose over the previous month, reaching $750,500, one per cent below last year’s level, with most of the adjustments driven by specific pockets of the market.

Detached
Sales activity in June reached 1,202 units, in line with last year’s levels, as gains for homes priced over $1,000,000 and under $600,000 offset pullbacks in the other price ranges. Sales growth in these segments was partly supported by increases in new listings and inventory growth in those same ranges. While overall inventories have remained in line with last year’s levels and conditions remain relatively balanced, the pullback in new listings this month caused the sales-to-new-listings ratio to rise to 60 per cent. Despite balanced conditions citywide, the North East and East districts are experiencing excess supply relative to demand. In these districts, the months of supply is elevated and the sales-to-new-listings ratio is below 50 per cent.

Relatively balanced conditions have supported monthly price gains since the start of the year. It is only the City Centre and West districts that have recorded enough of these gains to reach record-high prices in June. The West district, which has also been experiencing seller’s market conditions, has reported the strongest year-over-year growth at nearly four per cent. Meanwhile, buyer’s market conditions in the North East are contributing to price declines nearing seven per cent. As of June, the citywide benchmark price was $750,500, up over the previous month and over one per cent lower than last year.

Semi-detached
Improving sales in June were nearly enough to offset earlier pullbacks, leaving year-to-date sales down by only one per cent compared with last year. The 234 sales in June were met with 363 new listings, pushing the sales-to-new-listings ratio back above 60 per cent and slowing the pace of inventory growth compared with earlier in the year. With two and a half months of supply, conditions remained relatively balanced and continued to support stable prices.

In June, the unadjusted benchmark was $694,600, up over the previous month and similar to levels reported last June. Similar to the detached sector, price movements vary significantly across the city. Compared with last year, prices have improved in the North West, West and City Centre districts, reaching a new record high in June while the steepest declines occurred in the North East at nearly six per cent.

Row
June saw a pullback in both sales and new listings activity, causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to rise to 55 per cent. This prevented any further gains in inventory levels, which remain above long-term trends. With 1,152 units in inventory and 338 sales this month, the months of supply sat at nearly three and a half months. While this is higher than both the detached and semi-detached sectors, it remains within the upper end of a balanced range.

Additional supply choice has led to price adjustments. Year-over-year declines have occurred across all districts, ranging from two per cent in the South to 10 per cent in both the North East and East districts. Unadjusted prices improved in June over the previous month, as gains in the City Centre, North West and South districts offset pullbacks in the East, North East, West and South East districts.

Apartment condominium
Sales in June continued to fall compared with last year, causing year-to-date sales to decline by 26 per cent to a total of 2,260 units. While new listings eased this month, the 931 new listings and 423 sales kept the sales-to-new-listings ratio at 45 per cent. In June, inventory levels reached 2,076 units – slightly lower than last June’s level but more than 24 per cent above typical inventory levels. This kept the months of supply at around five months, contributing to further price adjustments.

In June, the unadjusted benchmark price was $299,000, down over the previous month and nearly nine per cent lower than last year. Prices have declined across all districts, with decreases exceeding 14 per cent in the North East and East districts. The smallest decline occurred in the North West district at seven and a half per cent.

REGIONAL MARKET FACTS

Airdrie
Sales in June continued to ease compared with last year, contributing to a year-to-date decline of 14 per cent. New listings also eased this month, but with a steeper pullback in sales, the sales-to-new-listings ratio fell to 47 per cent. June inventory levels rose to 538 units. Higher inventory and slower sales pushed the months of supply above four months. Elevated levels of supply in Airdrie, along with increased competition from neighbouring and new home markets, have weighed on resale prices. In June, the unadjusted benchmark price was $516,900, up slightly over the previous month but nearly four per cent lower than last year. Prices declined across all property types, with larger decreases observed in higher-density homes.

Cochrane
Easing sales in June did not offset earlier gains, as year-to-date sales of 569 units were slightly higher than last year’s levels. Meanwhile, new listings also eased, keeping the sales-to-new-listings ratio above 60 per cent. Inventory levels eased slightly from the previous month, reaching 323 units in June. The monthly pullback in inventory did not outpace the pullback in sales, causing the months of supply to push above three months. Despite the increase, relatively tight conditions have supported monthly price gains over the past five months. As of June, the unadjusted benchmark price was $580,200, less than two per cent lower than prices reported at this time last year.

Okotoks
With 89 new listings and 70 sales in June, the sales-to-new-listings ratio rose to 79 per cent, preventing any further monthly gains in inventory levels. Inventory has improved compared with last year but remains below long-term trends, especially for detached homes. While conditions are more balanced compared to last year, lower supply levels have helped keep prices stable. In June, the unadjusted benchmark price was $618,600, similar to the previous month and less than two per cent lower than last June.

Housing conditions in Calgary continue to shift toward balanced territory in 2026 as slowing migration is met with rising supply driven by a construction boom over the past three years.

Resale sales were expected to slow this year due to shifts in migration patterns. However, the pullback has been slightly stronger than expected because of steeper declines in sales of higher-density homes, as increased choice in both the rental and new-home markets is weighing on resale activity. Rising supply across rental, new-home and resale segments is pushing the resale market toward the higher end of balanced conditions, limiting the typical seasonal boost in home prices. 

Most of the shift is occurring in apartment-style homes, driven by changes in both demand and supply. Record-high apartment-style starts have increased rental supply, as a dramatic drop in international migration has slowed demand from rentals just as new construction has ramped up. This is increasing vacancy rates, weighing on rents and causing many landlords to offer incentives to keep existing renters.

This has slowed demand from existing renters, along with demand from investors, contributing to a steep pullback in apartment sales activity. At the same time, potential buyers have more choice in both the new-home and resale markets for apartment and row-style homes, having a larger impact on resale activity. The result is the apartment condominium sector shifting to favour buyers and driving further price declines. While price declines were expected this year, the pace of decline is currently exceeding expectations and there was not a seasonal lift during the spring market.

On the other end of the spectrum is the detached market. While sales have fallen this year, inventory levels have also declined and conditions remain at the lower end of the balanced scale, with some areas of Calgary experiencing seller’s market conditions. Construction of detached homes has not experienced a boost, limiting the impact of new homes on resale detached home prices. While resale prices have slowed in some pockets of the market, it is mostly isolated to areas where there is competing supply in similarly price ranges in the new-home market. This has mostly occurred in the north and south ends of the city and surrounding areas like Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere.

While shifts are occurring in our market, conditions are faring better than some of the other large cities in the country. Much of this is related to the slower but still positive migration into the city and continued job growth. Moving forward, stable economic conditions are expected to support demand that is more aligned with longer-term trends.

Challenges in the apartment condominium sector are expected to persist into 2027, while lower-density properties are expected to see stability in pricing over the remainder of 2026. While there is a sense of cautious optimism regarding the Alberta economy, much of the prospects for the economy and the housing sector will depend on how business investment evolves over the next year. This may not result in a change in the 2026 housing market.

However, should progress be made on several proposed initiatives later this year, housing growth prospects will be stronger moving into 2027.