Navigating the Edmonton Real Estate Calendar: When Are the Worst Months to Sell—and How Derek Keet Turns the Tide
When you think about selling your home in Edmonton, your mind probably jumps straight to those vibrant spring days. You imagine the snow melting, the grass finally turning green, and a "For Sale" sign standing proudly on a lush lawn. There is a long-standing belief in the real estate world that spring is the "gold rush" and winter is a wasteland. But if you are asking yourself, "What are the worst months for home sales?" the answer is a lot more nuanced than just looking at a thermometer.
As the top real estate agent in Edmonton, I’ve seen every kind of weather and every kind of market cycle. I’m Derek Keet, and I’m here to tell you that while the "worst" months statistically exist, they also represent some of the biggest opportunities for savvy sellers—especially when you pair the right timing with One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates.
In this deep dive, we’re going to explore the seasonal ebbs and flows of the Edmonton market, why certain months get a bad reputation, and how I can help you maximize your equity regardless of the date on the calendar.
The Statistical "Lull": December and January
If we look strictly at the volume of transactions, the "worst" months for home sales in Edmonton are traditionally December and January. It isn’t exactly a mystery why.
First, there’s the climate. Edmonton winters are legendary, and let’s be honest—most buyers aren’t thrilled about trekking through snowdrifts to look at a backyard they can’t actually see. Second, there’s the "Holiday Hangover." People are focused on family, gift-giving, and traveling. Real estate usually takes a backseat to turkey dinners and New Year’s resolutions.
In these months, inventory typically drops. Sellers take their homes off the market to avoid the hassle of showings during Christmas, and buyers pause their searches. This leads to fewer "comparable sales," which can sometimes make pricing a bit trickier.
Why the "Worst" Month Might Be Your Best Move
Here is the secret that only an experienced agent like myself will tell you: Lower volume does not mean lower quality.
While there are fewer buyers in December, the ones who are out there are incredibly serious. Nobody "window shops" for houses in Edmonton when it’s -25°C unless they absolutely need to move. These are high-intent buyers—people relocating for work, families who have already sold their previous home, or investors looking to close before the end of the tax year.
When you list with me during these "slow" months, you aren’t competing with 50 other identical houses on your block. You are the "only game in town." And because I utilize a full-service model at a fraction of the cost, you keep more of your hard-earned equity even if the market feels a bit quieter.
The "Summer Slump": August
Many people are surprised to hear that August can be a difficult month for home sales. You’d think the beautiful weather would keep the momentum from spring going, but August often hits a wall.
Why? Because Edmontonians love their summers. We spend all winter waiting for July and August so we can head to the lake, go camping, or take that final two-week vacation before the kids go back to school. The market often experiences a "lull" as buyers shift their focus from mortgage rates to marshmallows and campfires.
If you list in late July or August without a strategic plan, your home might sit longer than expected. This is where having a knowledgeable expert like Derek Keet becomes vital. I know how to drum up excitement when the market is distracted. We focus on the "back-to-school" rush, positioning your home as the perfect place for a family to settle into before the first bell rings in September.
The Danger of the "Spring Peak"
Wait, isn't spring the best time? Not necessarily. While May and June see the highest volume of sales, they also see the highest volume of competition.
The "worst" thing that can happen to a seller is getting lost in the crowd. When every neighbor on the street puts a sign in the yard at the same time, buyers become more picky. They start comparing your kitchen to the one three doors down, and suddenly you’re in a price war.
My job is to ensure that doesn't happen. Whether you list in the heat of the spring rush or the quiet of winter, I position your home to stand out. And because I offer One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, you have more flexibility in your pricing strategy. You can afford to be competitive because you aren't losing a massive chunk of your profit to traditional high-commission structures.
Understanding the Cost of Selling: The Derek Keet Advantage
Regardless of the month you choose to sell, the biggest "worst" factor in real estate isn't the weather—it's the commission. Many sellers in Edmonton are still stuck in the old way of thinking, believing they have to pay 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance to get "full service."
That simply isn't true. At One Percent Realty, I provide a full-service experience—MLS® placement, professional photos, signage, lockboxes, and expert negotiation—all for a much lower cost.
Let’s look at how One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates actually work for you:
Homes under $400,000: We charge a flat fee of $7,950 + GST. This isn't just for me; it includes $3,500 offered to the Buyer’s agent.
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.
Homes over $900,000: We charge 1% of the sale price plus a $950 deal fee.
When you look at those numbers, the "worst" month to sell becomes a lot more profitable. If you sell a $450,000 home in the middle of a "slow" January, you could still walk away with significantly more money in your pocket than if you sold it for a slightly higher price in May while paying a traditional commission.
I encourage you to visit dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html to see exactly how these savings break down. It’s about working smarter, not harder.
Why Experience Matters When the Market is "Bad"
Anyone can sell a house when there are ten buyers for every listing. But when the market slows down in November or February, that’s when you need the top real estate agent in Edmonton.
I don't just put a sign in the yard and hope for the best. I use a data-driven approach to pricing and marketing. We look at the specific micro-trends in your Edmonton neighborhood. Is your area popular with first-time buyers? Are investors looking for rentals nearby? By answering these questions, we find the "hidden" buyers who are active even during the so-called worst months.
My website, dkeet.ca, is a wealth of information for anyone trying to navigate these timing decisions. I believe in transparency. I want you to understand the market as well as I do, because an informed seller is a successful seller.
Debunking the "Low Commission" Myth
Some people worry that if they use a discount brokerage like One Percent Realty during a "slow" month, they won't get the same level of service. I am here to debunk that right now.
I am a full-service agent. When you work with me, you get my full attention, my years of expertise, and my dedication to getting your home sold. The only thing you don't get is a massive bill at the end.
In Alberta, all commissions are negotiable, and there is no "lowest fee" that a realtor is required to charge. I have chosen to align myself with One Percent Realty because I believe Edmontonians deserve a fairer way to sell their homes. Why should you pay more just because your home is worth more? With One Percent Realty’s posted commission rates, the savings are clear, and the service is uncompromised.
The Strategy for Every Season
If you find yourself needing to sell during a traditionally slow month, don't panic. Here is my strategy for turning the "worst" months into a win:
Immaculate Presentation: In winter, lighting is everything. We make sure your home feels warm, bright, and inviting the moment a buyer walks in from the cold.
Strategic Pricing: We use real-time data from dkeet.ca to ensure we are priced to move without leaving money on the table.
Maximum Exposure: Your home will be on the MLS®, appearing on thousands of websites including REALTOR.ca.
Equity Preservation: By saving on commission, you have the "buffer" to negotiate more effectively. If a buyer comes in with a slightly lower offer in December, you can afford to accept it because you aren't paying out tens of thousands in commissions.
Is There Truly a "Worst" Month?
In my professional opinion, the "worst" month to sell is simply the month when you aren't prepared. If you have a plan, a great looking home, and the best real estate agent in Edmonton by your side, every month is a good month to sell.
The real estate market is like the Edmonton weather—it’s always changing, and if you don't like it, just wait five minutes. But your equity shouldn't be a gamble. Whether you are buying your first home or selling your forever home, you need a partner who understands the financial weight of this decision.
Conclusion: Let’s Get Moving
Don't let the calendar dictate your future. If you’ve been waiting for the "perfect" time to sell because you're afraid of the "worst" months, let's have a conversation. I can show you how the Edmonton market is moving right now and how much you could save by choosing a full-service, discount model.
Visit dkeet.ca to learn more about my approach, or head directly to dkeet.ca/1-derek-deal.html to see the commission breakdown for yourself.
I’m Derek Keet, and I’m ready to help you navigate the Edmonton market with confidence, expertise, and thousands of dollars in savings. Let’s turn any month into the best month for your real estate goals.
Derek Keet | One Percent Realty
Edmonton REALTOR®
587-803-0396 https://linktr.ee/dkeet
Edmonton Real Estate Agent | Helping Homeowners Sell for Top Value
*Compared with a broker charging 7% on the first $100,000 and 3% on the balance, plus GST. Not all brokers charge the same.
