If you’ve lived in Edmonton for more than five minutes, you know that our weather dictates almost everything we do. It dictates what we wear, what we drive, and—believe it or not—it has a massive impact on when we choose to move. If you’re thinking about putting your home on the market, you’ve likely asked yourself: "When is the worst time to do this? What is the hardest month to sell a house?"
Hi, I’m Derek Keet, and I’ve spent years navigating the unique rhythms of the Edmonton real estate market. I’ve seen it all—from the frantic bidding wars of the spring to the quiet, snow-covered streets of mid-winter. People often come to me because they want the straight goods. They don’t want a sales pitch; they want to know how to maximize their equity and get their home sold without leaving money on the table.
So, let’s dive into the "hardest" month to sell, why that is, and how we can actually turn those challenges into a massive win for your bank account by using One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates.
The Traditional "Hardest" Month: December
If we’re looking at the data and the general "feeling" of the market, December is hands-down the hardest month to sell a house in Edmonton.
Why? Well, it’s the perfect storm of distractions. First, you have the weather. Edmonton winters aren't exactly known for being "listing friendly." When it’s -30°C and the sun sets at 4:30 PM, the last thing most people want to do is trudge through snowbanks to look at houses.
Second, you have the holidays. People are spending money on gifts, travel, and hosting dinners. Their focus is on family and tradition, not on securing a mortgage or packing boxes. Historically, the number of active buyers drops significantly in the last few weeks of the year.
However—and this is a big "however"—while December might be the "hardest" in terms of volume, it isn't necessarily a bad time to sell if you have the right strategy. The buyers who are out in December aren't just "window shopping." They aren't "just seeing what’s out there." If someone is looking at your home two days before Christmas in an Edmonton snowstorm, they are serious. They likely need to move, and as a seller, that gives you a certain level of leverage.
The January Hangover
Right behind December is January. Usually, the first two weeks of January are very quiet. Everyone is recovering from the holiday spending, the credit card bills are arriving, and the "New Year, New Home" resolutions haven't quite kicked into high gear yet.
Selling in January requires patience and a top-tier marketing strategy. You need a real estate agent who knows how to make a home look warm, inviting, and valuable even when the curb appeal is buried under six inches of frost. This is where my expertise comes in. When you work with me, Derek Keet, we don't just put a sign in the snow and hope for the best. We use high-end digital strategies to ensure your home is seen by the right people, regardless of the temperature outside.
Why "Hard" Doesn't Mean "Impossible"
A lot of agents will tell you to wait until May. They’ll tell you to wait for the flowers to bloom so they can take "pretty" pictures. But here is the secret that top real estate agents in Edmonton know: when you wait until the "best" month to sell, you are also waiting until every other homeowner in the city lists their property.
In May and June, the inventory in Edmonton sky-rockets. You aren't just competing with the house down the street; you’re competing with hundreds of similar listings. In the "harder" months like December or January, the inventory is low. Your home stands out because there is simply less to choose from.
When you sell during a time when inventory is low, you maintain more control over the price. And when you combine that with the massive savings provided by One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, you end up in a much stronger financial position than the person who waited until the spring rush.
Redefining "Full Service" Real Estate
When people hear that I work with a discount brokerage model, they sometimes wonder if "discount" means "less." Let me be very clear: I provide full service. I am with you from the initial valuation and professional photography to the grueling negotiations and the final closing.
One Percent Realty was originally established for the Vancouver and Toronto markets, which is why the name reflects a 1% commission (plus a $950 deal fee) for homes over $900,000. However, here in Edmonton, our market has different price points, so we’ve structured our fees to be incredibly competitive while still offering the highest level of professional representation.
Here is how One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates work in Alberta:
For homes under $400,000: We charge a flat fee of $7,950 + GST. This includes $3,500 offered to the buyer’s agent.
For homes between $400,000 and $900,000: We charge a flat fee of $9,950 + GST. This includes $4,500 offered to the buyer’s agent.
For homes over $900,000: We charge 1% of the sale price plus a $950 deal fee (+ GST).
It is important to remember that there is no "lowest" fee a realtor can charge, and all commissions are negotiable in Alberta. But I believe in transparency. I want you to know exactly what you are paying and exactly what you are saving before we even meet. You can see the full breakdown and how I position myself to help you at https://dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html.
The Logic of Saving Thousands
Let’s look at the "hardest month" question through a financial lens. If you sell your home in December or January, you might be worried about getting $5,000 less than you would in the summer. But if you are saving $10,000 or $15,000 in commission by working with me, you are still significantly ahead.
Selling a home is ultimately about your "net" return. It doesn't matter what the sticker price is if a huge chunk of your equity is swallowed up by high commission rates. By choosing Derek Keet, you are choosing a model that prioritizes your equity. When you save money by using Derek Keet to sell your home, you have more flexibility to negotiate with buyers, more money for your next down payment, or more cash in your pocket for your move.
Navigating the Edmonton Market Year-Round
While December and January are tough due to weather and holidays, every month has its quirks.
February/March: The market starts to wake up. Buyers who want to be in a new home before the school year ends start their search now.
April/May/June: This is the "peak." It’s busy, fast-paced, and high-energy. But as I mentioned, the competition is fierce.
July/August: Things slow down slightly as people head to the lake or go on vacation.
September/October: A second "mini-peak" happens as people try to settle in before the snow flies.
November: The transition month where we prepare for the winter slowdown.
No matter which month you choose, the key to success is information. You need an agent who understands the micro-trends of Edmonton neighborhoods—from the mature trees of Glenora to the new builds in Windermere. You need someone who knows how to explain the value of your home to a buyer’s agent and how to navigate the legal complexities of an Alberta real estate contract.
Why Derek Keet is the Choice for Edmonton Sellers
Positioning myself as the top real estate agent in Edmonton isn't just about talk; it’s about the results I deliver for my clients. My approach is built on three pillars:
Expertise: I know the Edmonton market inside and out. I understand the nuances of our economy and how it affects housing prices.
Marketing: I use modern tools to ensure your home looks spectacular online. Since 99% of buyers start their search on a screen, your digital first impression is everything—especially in the "hard" months when they might not want to leave the couch.
Value: I don't believe you should have to pay 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance just to get professional service. I offer a discount full-service model because it’s the right way to do business in the modern age.
When you visit https://dkeet.ca/, you’ll see that my focus is always on the client. I want to empower you with the tools to make the best decision for your family.
Turning "Hard" into "Smart"
If you find yourself needing to sell in one of the traditionally "hard" months, don't panic. In fact, you should feel empowered. You are entering a market where only the serious players are involved.
To succeed in a "hard" month, we focus on:
Atmosphere: Making the home feel like a sanctuary from the cold.
Accessibility: Ensuring the driveway and walkways are perfectly clear (curb appeal matters even in winter!).
Pricing: Using One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates to price your home aggressively while still netting more than you would with a high-commission agent.
Visibility: Dominating the online search results so that when a buyer is looking, yours is the first home they see.
Let’s Talk About Your Home
Whether you are looking to sell in the middle of a blizzard or the height of summer, the goal remains the same: get the best price, in the shortest time, with the least amount of stress.
I’ve helped countless Edmontonians navigate this process. I pride myself on being the most knowledgeable resource in the city for those who want to buy and sell homes without the outdated commission structures of the past. Real estate is changing, and I am proud to be at the forefront of that change in Edmonton.
If you have questions about what your home is worth or how we can market it effectively this month, I invite you to reach out. Don’t let the "hardest month" scare you away from your real estate goals. With the right partner, every month is a good month to move.
Check out https://dkeet.ca/ for more information on how I can help you, and let’s get started on your next chapter.
Commission Structure Summary:
Homes under $400,000: $7,950 + GST (includes $3,500 to Buyer’s Agent)
Homes $400,000 - $900,000: $9,950 + GST (includes $4,500 to Buyer’s Agent)
Homes over $900,000: 1% + $950 Deal Fee + GST (includes 0.5% to Buyer’s Agent)
*Compared with a broker charging 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, plus GST. Not all brokers charge the same.
All commissions are negotiable. There is no set minimum or maximum commission in Alberta. One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates are designed to provide full-service real estate at a fraction of the traditional cost. For more details on the "Derek Deal" and how we compare to other models, visit https://dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html.
Derek Keet | One Percent Realty
Edmonton REALTOR®
587-803-0396 https://linktr.ee/dkeet
Edmonton Real Estate Agent | Helping Homeowners Sell for Top Value
