ESPRESSOLD

Annie & Paula
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Join two seasoned Calgary and Area Realtors in the ESPRESSOLD podcast, where they dive into candid coffee conversations about the dynamic real estate market. From the latest trends to demystifying questions that may seem too intimidating or too small, this podcast offers valuable insights for both seasoned homeowners and first-time buyers. Get ready for a relaxed yet informative journey through the intricacies of real estate, bringing clarity to the complex and making the market more accessible for everyone.

  1. 3 days ago

    27 | We’re Back ☕️ And There’s A LOT To Catch Up On

    After taking August off, Annie & Paula are back behind the microphones — and the timing couldn’t be better. The Calgary real estate market is heading into its traditional fall season, while the Canadian economy is navigating tariffs, inflation, interest rates and a whole lot of uncertainty. So… what actually matters? 🏡 The August real estate market Showing activity softened 5% week-over-week for the second consecutive week — but with summer winding down, vacations ending and Labour Day landing when it did, that isn’t necessarily a red flag. More importantly, sales increased another 7% week-over-week, marking three consecutive weeks of improving sales. We break down why showings and sales don't always move together at the same time, and why September may give us a much better read on where the market is actually heading. 📊 There isn't one Calgary market Buyer activity continues to look different depending on price point. We talk about where showing activity is strengthening, where it's softening and why the headline “Calgary's market is up/down” doesn't tell the whole story. 🏠 The September inventory question New listings declined another 2% week-over-week, marking three consecutive weeks of declining new-listing volume. But September could bring sellers back into the market. The big question we're watching: Do buyers come back faster than new inventory? 💰 The Bank of Canada The Bank held its overnight rate at 2.25% on September 2. With inflation still around 3%, slower growth and increased uncertainty from tariffs, we talk about why the Bank is in a tricky position — and why rate stability matters for buyers and homeowners. 🇨🇦 Canada's counter-tariffs are now in effect This is the big economic update since our last episode. Canada has implemented counter-tariffs ranging from 15–50% on approximately $28 billion of U.S. imports. ATB estimates the tariffs could add roughly 0.2–0.3 percentage points to inflation and shave approximately 0.5 percentage points from Canadian GDP growth. For Alberta, the estimated macroeconomic impact is smaller — around 0.2 percentage points — although the impact will vary significantly from business to business. 🌾 What does this mean for Alberta? We talk about the bigger conversation happening around trade diversification, removing internal trade barriers and expanding Canada's access to international markets. It's not as simple as saying tariffs are “good” or “bad.” But they are forcing Canada to confront how dependent we are on our largest trading partner — and what we might do differently going forward. 📉 Are we heading for a recession? ATB's current base case is slower growth and higher inflation, but not a recession. So what should we actually be watching? The U.S. response. Inflation. Employment. Interest rates. Business confidence. And, closer to home, what happens to buyer and seller activity in September. Probably less than the headlines make you think. The economy matters. Rates matter. Consumer confidence matters. But housing is local. And people still need homes. Families still upsize. People still move. Businesses still grow. Life keeps happening. So rather than trying to perfectly predict the market, we're heading into fall focused on understanding the data and helping buyers and sellers make decisions that actually make sense for their situation. Hosted by Annie Demello & Paula.

  2. 30 Jul

    26 | How to Not Lose Your Mind While Upsizing or Downsizing

    Buying your next home while selling your current one can feel like trying to solve a puzzle where every piece depends on another. Should you buy first?Should you sell first?What if your down payment is tied up in your current home?What happens if your home doesn't sell before you need to remove conditions? In this week's episode of Espressold, Annie and Paula walk through the entire process of buying and selling real estate at the same time, explaining the strategies, timelines, and contract terms that help make one of the biggest financial transitions in your life feel far less overwhelming. From your first meeting with your Realtor and mortgage broker to writing an offer with a Sale of Buyer's Home Condition (often called a 24-hour clause), listing your current home, navigating conditional periods, and coordinating two transactions at once, this episode gives you a realistic look at what to expect—and how to prepare. Whether you're upsizing, downsizing, or simply making your next move, planning ahead can make all the difference. How to know whether you should buy first or sell first Why a mortgage pre-approval is the first step Understanding the Sale of Buyer's Home Condition (24-hour clause) How to prepare your current home before writing an offer Why pricing your home correctly is critical when you're on a timeline What happens during the conditional period How your Realtor coordinates your purchase and sale simultaneously What to expect when your current home receives an offer Strategies for aligning possession dates and reducing stress What happens if your home doesn't sell as quickly as expected Buying and selling at the same time isn't about timing the market perfectly—it's about having the right strategy. With thoughtful planning, realistic pricing, strong communication, and an experienced team guiding you through every step, what feels like an overwhelming process becomes a manageable one. If you're thinking about making your next move, this episode will help you understand exactly what to expect before you get started.  Listen now to Espressold, hosted by Annie + Paula. Follow along on Instagram: @espressold.podcast

  3. 23 Jul

    25 | Tariff Sheriff Down South and What Calgary Homeowners Need to Know

    Tariffs are making headlines again—but what do they actually mean for Calgary's real estate market? In this episode of Espressold, Annie and Paula break down the latest U.S. tariff announcement, why Alberta is expected to be less impacted than other provinces, and what buyers, sellers, and homeowners should (and shouldn't) be concerned about. We unpack: What the new U.S. tariffs actually are Why Alberta's economy is positioned differently than Ontario, Quebec, and B.C. Whether Calgary home values could be affected What this means for interest rates and the Bank of Canada Why uncertainty—not necessarily the tariffs themselves—can influence the housing market The key factors that should drive your real estate decisions instead of headlines If you've been wondering whether now is the right time to buy, sell, or simply stay informed, this episode will help separate the facts from the fear. 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Have a question you'd like us to cover in a future episode? Send us a message—we'd love to hear from you.

  4. 16 Jul

    24 | Condo Buying 101: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

    Buying a condo is about so much more than choosing the unit with the nicest kitchen or the best view. When you buy a condo, you're also buying into a condominium corporation, and understanding how that works can make all the difference. In this episode of Espressold, Paula and Annie break down everything buyers should know before purchasing a condo in Alberta. From spotting red flags during a showing to understanding condo documents, bylaws, reserve funds, and condo fees, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a first-time buyer, downsizing, or considering an investment property, this is the guide we wish every condo buyer had before they started shopping. What you actually own when you buy a condoWhy condo fees aren't always a bad thing—and how they compare to owning a freehold propertyGreen flags and red flags to look for during a condo viewingTitled vs. assigned parking and storageWhat happens during a condo document reviewThe condo bylaws every buyer should read before removing conditionsA fun condo-themed speed round to wrap things upIf you've ever wondered whether condos are a good investment, what condo fees really pay for, or how to avoid buying into a building with expensive surprises, this episode is for you. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love it if you subscribed, left us a review, and shared it with someone who's thinking about buying a condo. Follow us on Instagram: @Espressold.podcast

  5. 3 Jul

    23 | Does Stampede Sell Calgary? Or Does Calgary Sell Itself?

    Every July, Calgary transforms. The boots come out, pancake breakfasts pop up on every corner, and thousands of visitors experience our city for the very first time. But here's the question we couldn't stop thinking about… Does Stampede actually sell houses? Not exactly. But it does sell something even more important: the lifestyle. In this episode of Espressold!, Annie and Paula chat about why so many people visit Calgary during Stampede and leave wondering, "Could I actually live here?" We dive into the myths around buying and selling during Stampede, why July is often overlooked in real estate, and how the best real estate decisions aren't always about timing—they're about being willing to adapt. We also share a recent behind-the-scenes story of a listing that wasn't getting the traction we expected. Instead of waiting for the market to change, we changed our strategy. A few thoughtful updates, fresh photos, and a relaunch later... the home sold in just 15 days. Whether you're a lifelong Calgarian, new to the city, or simply wondering what makes people fall in love with Calgary, this episode is for you. Why Stampede is Calgary's biggest "open house"Does real estate slow down during Stampede?The biggest myths about selling in the summerWhy lifestyle sells homes more than finishesHow knowing when to pivot can change everythingThe real reason people choose to call Calgary home If this episode resonated with you, we'd love if you shared it with a friend, left us a review, or tagged us while you're listening. Happy Stampede, Calgary!

  6. 2 Jul

    22 | Calgary Ask: Real Estate Questions Everyone Wants Answered

    What happens if you buy a house before your lease is up? How much home can an $80,000 salary actually buy? Should you break your mortgage if rates have dropped? And who really "owns" the street parking in front of your house? This week on Espresso'd, we're diving into some of the most common (and most debated) questions from the Calgary Ask Facebook community. Whether you're renting, buying your first home, thinking about investing, or just trying to make smarter financial decisions, we've got practical advice to help you navigate it all. In this episode, we discuss: What to do if you need to break a lease in Alberta after buying a home How much home an $80,000 salary can realistically afford—and how to maximize your buying power Our advice for young adults making their first major financial decisions Calgary neighbourhoods worth considering if you're looking for an affordable home with basement suite potential The five most important questions every first-time buyer should ask their Realtor The five questions every seller should ask before hiring a Realtor Tips for maintaining a positive relationship with your landlord Settling the debate over street parking once and for all Whether breaking a fixed-rate mortgage to take advantage of lower interest rates actually makes financial sense Whether you're a homeowner, renter, investor, or simply curious about Calgary real estate, this episode is packed with practical advice you can put to use right away. Have a question you'd like us to answer in a future episode? Send us a message—we'd love to hear from you! Follow along for weekly real estate insights, market updates, and behind-the-scenes stories from the Calgary market.

  7. 18 Jun

    21 | Mid-Year Reflections: Real Estate, Personal, Lessons, All of it.

    Halfway through 2026 already? Somehow January feels like yesterday and three years ago at the same time. This week on Espressold, Paula and Annie sit down for a mid-year pulse check on Calgary real estate, business, family life, and everything in between. We dive into the biggest surprises of the year so far, what buyers and sellers are getting wrong about today's market, and the lessons we've learned from some of our most memorable transactions. From difficult negotiations and emotional clients to personal growth and setting better boundaries, this episode pulls back the curtain on what life as a realtor really looks like halfway through the year. We also tackle:• The Calgary market trends that surprised us most• What consumers aren't understanding about today's market• The biggest lessons we've learned from our deals this year• What buyers are worried about that they probably shouldn't be• Balancing business, family, and life outside of real estate• Habits and routines helping us stay grounded• Our favorite local finds, underrated Calgary communities, and current obsessions• Professional and personal goals for the second half of 2026 Plus, a rapid-fire round that gets surprisingly deep. Whether you've bought, sold, invested, or are simply keeping an eye on the market, this episode offers an honest look at where Calgary real estate stands today—and where we're headed next. Grab your coffee and join us for a genuine mid-year conversation about real estate, growth, challenges, and what's next. If there's a topic you'd like us to cover in the second half of the year, send us a message. We'd love to hear from you.

  8. 11 Jun

    20 | Love & Money: The Agreements Nobody Wants to Talk About—Until It's Too Late with Carey Leishman

    What happens to your assets when a relationship ends? Does it matter whose name is on title? And are common-law couples really treated differently than married couples in Alberta? In this episode, we sit down with family lawyer and mediator Carey Leishman to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning: protecting your assets before life-changing events occur. Carey breaks down Alberta's Family Property Act and the significant changes that came into effect in 2020, extending property division rights to many common-law couples. She explains why the law often doesn't care about your intentions, what assets and liabilities may be subject to division, and how proactive planning can save families significant stress and expense down the road. The "Great Wealth Transfer" and why more families are receiving inheritances than ever beforeHow Alberta's Family Property Act changed for common-law couples in 2020Why 50% of assets and liabilities may be on the table during a separationCommon misconceptions about inheritances and gifted fundsThe difference between exempt assets and divisible assetsWhy intention alone is often not enough to protect your wealthThe importance of cohabitation agreements and prenuptial agreementsWhy these agreements should ideally be completed at least six months before a weddingConsiderations before purchasing a home with a partnerHow domestic agreements can evolve and be amended as life changesPractical steps couples can take today to protect themselves and their familiesOne of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that asset protection isn't about planning for failure—it's about creating clarity. Whether you're moving in together, getting married, receiving an inheritance, or purchasing a home, having the right agreements in place can help protect both parties and reduce conflict if circumstances change in the future. For more information about Carey and the team at BDL Family Law LLP, visit: BDL Family Law LLP This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified family law professional. In This Episode We Discuss:Key TakeawayConnect with Carey LeishmanDisclaimer

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About

Join two seasoned Calgary and Area Realtors in the ESPRESSOLD podcast, where they dive into candid coffee conversations about the dynamic real estate market. From the latest trends to demystifying questions that may seem too intimidating or too small, this podcast offers valuable insights for both seasoned homeowners and first-time buyers. Get ready for a relaxed yet informative journey through the intricacies of real estate, bringing clarity to the complex and making the market more accessible for everyone.

Information

  • Creator
    Annie & Paula
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    95
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Annie & Paula
  • Show Website
    ESPRESSOLD