When homeowners think about reducing monthly expenses, they often focus on mortgage payments, insurance costs, or major home upgrades.

What many people don't realize is that some of the biggest opportunities for savings are hiding in plain sight.

It's called phantom energy.

Phantom energy, sometimes referred to as standby power, is the electricity consumed by devices that remain plugged in even when they're not actively being used.

Many of today's household electronics never completely shut off. Instead, they remain in standby mode waiting for the next command.

That small amount of power may not seem significant, but across multiple devices and over an entire year, it can have a noticeable impact on your utility bills.

Common Phantom Energy Offenders

Some of the most common culprits include:

• Cable and satellite boxes

• Gaming consoles

• Wi-Fi routers

• Printers

• Desktop computers

• Older televisions

• Device chargers

If you notice a light glowing on a device after you've turned it off, there's a good chance it's still consuming electricity.

Simple Ways To Reduce Energy Waste

Fortunately, reducing phantom energy is relatively easy.

Consider these practical solutions:

Use Smart Power Bars
Power bars allow multiple devices to be switched off at once when not in use.

Unplug Chargers
Many chargers continue drawing power even when nothing is connected.

Enable Sleep Settings
Computers, televisions, and gaming systems often have energy-saving settings built in.

Upgrade Older Equipment
Modern appliances and electronics are significantly more energy efficient than older models.

Small Changes Create Long-Term Savings

Homeownership isn't always about major renovations and expensive upgrades.

Sometimes the biggest wins come from small habits repeated consistently over time.

By reducing phantom energy usage, homeowners can improve efficiency, lower operating costs, and get more value from their homes.

If you'd like more homeowner tips, maintenance advice, or real estate insights, we're always happy to help.

The Greater Edmonton Area housing market continued its transition toward a more balanced market in May 2026.

A total of 2,557 homes sold during the month while 4,855 new listings entered the market, increasing overall inventory to 7,844 homes.

While inventory has increased significantly compared to last year, prices continue to show resilience. The average residential sale price rose to $491,794, representing a 6.3% increase year-over-year.

Detached homes remain the strongest-performing segment of the market, averaging $604,744 and posting a 4.8% year-over-year increase.

For buyers, the increase in inventory creates more opportunities to compare properties, negotiate strategically, and make confident decisions.

For sellers, demand remains healthy, particularly for well-priced detached homes in desirable neighbourhoods.

The days of simply listing a property and expecting multiple offers are becoming less predictable. Today's market rewards preparation, pricing strategy, marketing, and expert negotiation.

At The MacMillan Team, we help clients understand exactly where they stand in today's market and build a strategy designed around their goals.

If you're considering making a move in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Beaumont, or Strathcona County, we'd be happy to help.

Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest financial and emotional decisions most people will ever make. While many people focus on timing the market or finding the perfect property, the reality is that small mistakes during the process can quietly create unnecessary stress, delays, or financial setbacks.

At The MacMillan Team, we’ve helped countless buyers and sellers throughout Edmonton and Sherwood Park navigate changing markets, negotiations, inspections, financing, and everything in between. One thing we’ve learned is this:

The smoothest real estate experiences are usually the result of preparation, strategy, and guidance long before the transaction is finalized.

Here are some of the most common mistakes we see buyers and sellers make, and how to avoid them.

Common Homebuyer Mistakes

1. Skipping Mortgage Pre-Approval

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is shopping for homes before fully understanding their financing.

Without pre-approval, buyers risk:

• Falling in love with homes outside their budget

• Losing out in competitive situations

• Facing financing delays later in the process

A strong pre-approval gives buyers clarity, confidence, and negotiating power before they begin their search.

2. Letting Emotions Drive Decisions

Buying a home is emotional. It should be. But emotions without strategy can lead to rushed decisions, overpaying, or ignoring important red flags.

In today’s market, successful buyers balance excitement with careful planning, inspections, and long-term thinking.

That’s where having an experienced real estate team matters.

3. Underestimating Total Costs

Many buyers focus only on the purchase price and monthly mortgage payment.

However, there are additional costs to consider:

• Property taxes

• Utilities

• Insurance

• Legal fees

• Home inspections

• Repairs or upgrades

• Moving expenses

Understanding the full financial picture early helps buyers avoid unnecessary surprises later.

4. Making Major Financial Changes Before Closing

Large purchases, financing a vehicle, changing jobs, or opening new lines of credit before possession can impact mortgage approval.

Even after an offer is accepted, lenders continue reviewing financial stability until closing.

This is why financial consistency during the buying process is so important.

Common Home Seller Mistakes

1. Overpricing the Home

Many sellers believe pricing high leaves room for negotiation.

In reality, overpricing often causes:

• Reduced showing activity

• Longer days on market

• Price reductions later

• Less buyer confidence

Today’s buyers are informed and highly aware of market value. Proper pricing strategy creates momentum, attention, and stronger opportunities.

2. Delaying Maintenance & Preparation

Small issues can create larger concerns in buyers’ minds.

Things like:

• Paint touch-ups

• Minor repairs

• Landscaping

• Decluttering

• Lighting improvements

can significantly impact first impressions and perceived value.

Preparation matters more than many sellers realize.

3. Weak or Inconsistent Marketing

Simply putting a property online is no longer enough.

Professional marketing now plays a major role in:

• Buyer reach

• Perceived property value

• Showing activity

• Online engagement

• Final sale price potential

Strong photography, video, social media exposure, SEO visibility, and strategic positioning all help properties stand out in a crowded market.

4. Limiting Showing Availability

The more difficult it is for buyers to view a property, the fewer opportunities sellers create.

Flexibility often leads to:

• More traffic

• Stronger competition

• Faster sales

• Better negotiating leverage

Accessibility matters, especially in active markets.

Why Strategy Matters More Than Ever

The Edmonton and Sherwood Park real estate markets continue to evolve.

Buyers have more access to information than ever before.
Inventory levels shift.
Interest rates fluctuate.
Consumer confidence changes.

That means success today is less about luck and more about strategy.

At The MacMillan Team, we believe our role goes far beyond buying and selling homes.

We help clients:

• Prepare properly

• Avoid common pitfalls

• Understand market conditions

• Build confidence

• Make informed decisions

• Navigate negotiations strategically

Because the best real estate experiences rarely happen by accident.

They happen through preparation, communication, and having the right people guiding the process.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Edmonton or Sherwood Park?

If you’re considering making a move this year, now is the time to start planning before the pressure begins.

Whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or preparing to sell, having a strategy early can make a significant difference in your experience and outcome.

The MacMillan Team is always happy to have a no-pressure conversation about your goals, timing, and options.

The Edmonton real estate market is entering a new phase.

April 2026 saw a strong increase in inventory, up 31.4% year over year, alongside a 13.9% jump in new listings. Sales activity also climbed 16.4% month-over-month, indicating continued buyer demand.

However, what stands out most is pricing.

Despite the surge in supply, the average residential price increased to $478,902, up 1.9% year-over-year.

This signals a shift away from the high-pressure conditions seen in 2025.

Buyers now have more options and negotiating power, while sellers must focus more on pricing, presentation, and positioning.

The next two months are expected to be the most active of the year, making this a critical window for both buyers and sellers to act strategically.

If you’re thinking about making a move, let’s put together a plan that fits this market.

Read Full Stats Report

In today’s world, financial advice is everywhere.

From social media influencers to online forums, it’s never been easier to access information — but that doesn’t always mean it’s reliable.

And when it comes to your money, relying on the wrong advice can cost you.

That’s why building financial literacy isn’t about consuming more content — it’s about consuming the right content.

Why Financial Literacy Matters More Than Ever

Whether you’re planning to buy a home, invest, or simply get control of your monthly budget, financial literacy is the foundation.

It helps you:

• Make confident decisions

• Avoid costly mistakes

• Understand opportunities others miss

In real estate especially, the difference between a good decision and a great one often comes down to understanding financing, timing, and strategy.

Trusted Canadian Financial Resources

Here are some of the most reliable places to start:

• Bank of Canada

• Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC)

• Canadian Foundation for Economic Education

• MoneySense

• Ratehub.ca

• NerdWallet Canada

These platforms provide accurate, up-to-date insights on:

• Mortgage rates

• Budgeting strategies

• Credit management

• Investment basics

Where Most People Go Wrong

The biggest mistake isn’t lack of effort — it’s lack of direction.

Many people:

• Follow outdated advice

• Rely on generic strategies

• Don’t tailor decisions to their situation

That’s where having a clear plan changes everything.

Real Estate & Financial Strategy Go Hand in Hand

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, your financial strategy matters just as much as the property itself.

The right plan considers:

• Your timing

• Your risk tolerance

• Your long-term goals

Final Thought

You don’t need to know everything.

But you do need to know where to look — and who to trust.

If you ever want to be connected with a trusted mortgage broker, financial advisor, or strategist, I’m always happy to help.

No pressure. Just the right direction.

The Edmonton Market Has Shifted

The Edmonton real estate market is showing clear signs of change as we move through 2026.

While activity has picked up month-over-month, the bigger story is what’s happening compared to last year.

Inventory is up significantly.
New listings have increased.
And overall sales are down year-over-year.

This combination is changing how homes are selling across the city.

What the Numbers Are Telling Us

In March 2026, the Greater Edmonton Area reported:

• 2,133 residential sales

• 3,809 new listings

• Inventory up 31.6% compared to last year

• Average price at $470,819, up 2.2% year-over-year

What this means is simple.

There are more homes available for buyers to choose from, but fewer buyers making decisions compared to the same time last year.

More Inventory Means More Competition

For sellers, this creates a more competitive environment.

Last year, many homes were selling quickly with strong demand and limited supply.

Today, buyers have more options.
They can take their time.
And they are more selective.

Not every home is selling the same anymore.

Why Strategy Matters More Than Ever

We are no longer in a “list it and wait” market.

Success today comes down to:

• Strategic pricing

• Strong presentation

• Proper positioning

Sellers who understand this are still achieving strong results.
Those who rely on last year’s expectations are seeing longer days on market and less activity.

Where the Opportunity Is in 2026

Even with increased competition, this is not a declining market.

Prices are still holding steady and showing year-over-year growth.
Detached homes remain strong, averaging over $590,000.

This is a market that rewards preparation and strategy, not luck.

For sellers who position their home correctly, there is still real opportunity.

Your Next Move

If you are thinking about selling in 2026, the approach you take matters more than ever.

Understanding the market, pricing correctly, and presenting your home the right way will determine your result.

The Edmonton market has shifted.

And if you’re planning to make a move,
you need a plan.

Easter always brings a different kind of energy.

The days get longer.
The snow starts to disappear.
And for a lot of people, it feels like a reset.

Not just in the season… but in life.

🌷 Why Spring Feels Like a Turning Point

There’s something about this time of year that gets people thinking.

About space.
About lifestyle.
About what’s next.

We start to notice things we didn’t in the winter:

• The home feels a little tight

• The layout doesn’t quite work anymore

• Or maybe… it finally feels like the right time to make a move

And sometimes, it’s the opposite.

You realize just how much you love where you are.

🏡 Real Estate Isn’t Just a Transaction

One thing we see every year around Easter is this shift.

People aren’t just browsing homes.
They’re thinking about their next chapter.

Growing families needing more space.
Downsizing into something simpler.
Moving closer to schools, work, or community.

Real estate decisions tend to follow life… not the other way around.

And spring is when those decisions start to take shape.

🌼 What This Season Means for Edmonton Homeowners

In Edmonton and Sherwood Park, spring is one of the most active times in the market.

More listings start to hit.
More buyers come back into the market.
And momentum builds quickly.

But what matters most isn’t just timing the market.

It’s understanding your position within it.

Every situation is different.
Every move should be intentional.

✨ A Simple Thought This Easter

Whether you’re thinking about making a move or not, Easter is a good time to pause and reflect.

Ask yourself:

Does your home still fit your life?
Or is something starting to change?

There’s no pressure to act.
But there is value in being aware of where you stand.

🐰 From Our Team to You

We’re grateful to be part of so many people’s journeys, whether that’s helping with a move or simply being a resource when questions come up.

Wishing you a Happy Easter filled with good moments, good people, and a home that feels right.

— The MacMillan Team
RE/MAX Elite
Edmonton & Sherwood Park Real Estate

On Sunday, the ice at MacMillan Team Arena looked a little different.

Before the skating began, families stepped onto the rink with brushes in hand and covered it in colour — hearts, hockey sticks, names, rainbows, and everything in between.

Then they laced up and skated across their own artwork.

And that’s exactly how Paint & Skate is meant to be.

A Community Tradition

Paint & Skate has become one of our favourite days of the year in Ardrossan.

Hosted in partnership with ARAS (Ardrossan Recreation & Agricultural Society) and Strathcona County, this free family event brings the community together in a way that’s simple, creative, and genuinely fun.

From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., families painted the ice.

From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., they skated on it.

The result? A rink full of laughter, colour, and shared moments.

Why We Host It

People often ask why we put these events together.

The answer is simple.

We don’t just work in this community — we live here. Our kids grow up here. Our relationships are here.

Real estate is what we do.
Community is who we are.

When we sponsor events like Paint & Skate at MacMillan Team Arena, it’s not about marketing. It’s about creating moments families remember.

Watching parents kneel on the ice painting beside their kids…
Seeing grandparents take photos of finished masterpieces…
Handing out hot chocolate and hearing the rink fill with laughter…

That’s the good stuff.

Thank You

A huge thank you to:

• ARAS for their partnership
• Strathcona County for their support
• Every volunteer who helped make the day smooth
• And every family who came out and made the rink come alive

You made it special.

Until Next Year

If you missed it this time, we’ll be back.

And if you were there — thank you for spending your Sunday with us.

It’s a family thing.

Paint & Skate is back this Sunday at the MacMillan Team Arena inside the Ardrossan Recreation Complex.

This free family event, hosted in partnership with ARAS and Strathcona County, continues to be one of our favourite community days of the year.

Event Schedule:

Paint the Ice
12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Recreational Skating
2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

All painting supplies are included. Wristbands for skating will be available at the front desk beginning at 11 a.m. Helmets are recommended.

Location:
80 First Ave
Ardrossan, Alberta

We look forward to seeing families and familiar faces on the ice this Sunday.

Technology is evolving quickly, and while artificial intelligence is creating exciting opportunities across many industries, it is also being used by scammers to develop more sophisticated fraud.

Across Canada, authorities are reporting an increase in scams designed to steal personal information, financial data, and money. Many of these schemes appear legitimate at first glance, which makes awareness more important than ever.

Understanding how these scams work can help protect you and your family.

The Most Common Scams Being Reported

Several fraud tactics are becoming increasingly common across Canada.

One example is fake delivery notifications. These messages appear to come from companies such as Canada Post, UPS, or FedEx and include tracking links that direct users to fraudulent websites.

Another growing concern involves Interac e-Transfer scams. Fraudsters may request that a transfer be reversed or claim that a mistake has occurred in order to trick someone into sending money.

Authorities are also warning about deepfake scams, where artificial intelligence is used to create convincing audio or video that appears to come from someone you know.

There are also fake real estate listings and rental scams, where criminals copy legitimate property listings and request deposits from unsuspecting renters or buyers.

How Scammers Create Urgency

Most scams follow the same pattern.

The message creates a sense of urgency. It may say your bank account has suspicious activity, a package cannot be delivered, or a payment must be made immediately.

The goal is to push people into acting quickly without taking time to verify the situation.

A Simple Rule That Can Protect You

There is one simple habit that can prevent many scams.

Stop. Pause. Verify.

Before clicking any link, scanning a QR code, or sending money, take a moment to confirm the request directly with the company or person involved.

If something feels unusual, trust that instinct.

Protecting Yourself Online

A few simple precautions can dramatically reduce your risk:

• Do not click links from unknown messages
• Avoid scanning QR codes from untrusted sources
• Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication
• Verify requests directly with the organization involved
• Never share sensitive financial information with unknown contacts

Looking Out for the Community

Real estate is about more than buying and selling homes. It is about protecting the people in our communities.

That is why sharing information like this is important. When people stay informed, they are much less likely to become victims of fraud.

If you ever encounter something suspicious or need a referral to a trusted professional, feel free to reach out anytime.

We’re proud to once again sponsor Paint & Skate at the MacMillan Team Arena inside the Ardrossan Recreation Complex.

This is one of our favourite community events of the year. It brings families together, fills the rink with colour, and reminds us why we love serving this area.

If you have never been before, here is how it works.

First, families paint directly on the ice from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. All supplies are included, and kids get to create their own artwork right on the rink surface.

Then, once the paint sets, everyone laces up and skates on their creations from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.

It is creative. It is fun. And it is a great afternoon for families.

This free event is hosted in partnership with ARAS – Ardrossan Recreation & Agricultural Society and Strathcona County. We are proud to support events that bring real connection to our community.

Event Details:

Sunday, March 29
MacMillan Team Arena
Ardrossan Recreation Complex
80 First Ave, Ardrossan, AB

Paint the Ice: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Recreational Skating: 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Closed-toe shoes are required for painting. Helmets are recommended for skating.

We would love to see you there.

At the MacMillan Team, we believe strong communities are built through involvement, not just business. Paint & Skate is one small way we get to give back and bring people together.

Looking forward to seeing familiar faces on the ice.

The February 2026 numbers confirm what many were anticipating: the Edmonton real estate market is gaining momentum as we move toward spring.

After a slower close to 2025, activity is building, pricing is stabilizing, and opportunity exists for buyers, sellers, and investors who are prepared.

Let’s break it down.

Sales Activity Is Climbing

The Greater Edmonton Area recorded 1,606 sales in February, marking a nearly 40 percent increase from January.

This type of month-over-month growth signals renewed buyer confidence and increased activity heading into the spring market.

While sales were slightly lower than February of last year, the significant jump from January tells us momentum is building.

Prices Are Trending Upward

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark price now sits at $419,600, increasing month over month.

The average sale price across all residential property types reached approximately $455,000, also showing upward movement.

Detached homes continue to lead the market, with a benchmark price around $514,000.

Semi-detached properties saw strong monthly growth.

Townhomes remain stable.

Apartment condominiums adjusted slightly in price, which may create entry-level opportunities.

One of the most important indicators is the trend line.

We saw pricing soften late last year.

Now we are seeing steady upward movement again.

Transition markets like this reward preparation and positioning.

Inventory Remains Balanced

Inventory currently sits at 3.4 months of supply.

This is considered a balanced market.

It is not oversaturated, and it is not overheated.

Balanced conditions often create opportunity on both sides of the transaction.

For sellers, this means properly positioned homes can stand out and command attention.

For buyers, this means options still exist before competition intensifies further.

What This Means for Sellers

If you are considering selling in the next 30 to 90 days, this is the window where strategy matters most.

As activity increases and confidence builds, well-prepared homes gain leverage.

Pricing strategy, presentation, marketing exposure, and negotiation execution all become critical.

This is not a market to test casually.

It is a market to launch strategically.

What This Means for Buyers

Buyers should recognize that momentum is increasing.

Detached and semi-detached homes are showing strength.

Condos may offer selective opportunities due to recent price adjustments.

Preparation is key.

Pre-approval, clarity on criteria, and decisiveness will create advantage in a rising activity environment.

What This Means for Investors

Adjusted condo pricing combined with rising overall activity may create strategic entry points.

Transition markets often reward investors who move early and base decisions on data rather than headlines.

Long-term positioning remains the priority.

The MacMillan Team Perspective

At The MacMillan Team, we do not react to headlines.

We analyze leverage.

We focus on strategy.

We help our clients prepare before they move so they can negotiate from strength.

If you value weekly, data-backed Edmonton real estate insights, follow The MacMillan Team for ongoing market updates.

And when you are ready to discuss your specific home, purchase, or investment strategy, reach out directly.

Your next move should be strategic.

Let’s build the right plan.

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