Michael's Corner: Calgary Real Estate Advice & Analysis

Who Pays a Condo Special Assessment Before Closing?

Photo: ParsonsPhotographyNL, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Michael Smith, Michael Smith TeamLast updated: September 2026 The Michael Smith Team explains the rule for Calgary, Alberta condos. Who pays a special assessment before closing depends on when the board passed it, compared with complet

Cochrane vs Airdrie vs Chestermere: Which Calgary-Area Commuter Town Is Right for You?

Photo: Bythelake10, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Michael Smith, Michael Smith TeamLast updated: September 2026 Cochrane, Airdrie and Chestermere each sit outside Calgary and set their own tax rate. As of September 2026, the Town of Cochrane says about 35 minutes to downtown and the City of Ai

Can You Get Insurance and Financing for a Calgary Home With Poly-B Pipes or Knob-and-Tube Wiring?

Photo: Blahedo, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons Michael Smith, Michael Smith TeamLast updated: September 2026 Michael Smith Team is a real estate brokerage. We are not an insurer, a lender or a licensed electrician or plumber. Nothing on this page is insurance, financing or legal advice. Always

How Do You Negotiate a Condo Price in Calgary's Buyer's Market?

Photo: Silver Dovelet, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons Michael Smith, Michael Smith TeamLast updated: September 2026 In case you're wondering if the rumors are true? Yes, right now Calgary's condo market favours buyers. The Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) reports buyer-market conditions for apa