Alberta Real Estate Market Brief — Feb 5, 2026 (Pricing to sold comps)

Updated: — Focus: Pricing to sold comps Read time: ~2 minutes

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Sold comps are the truth serum of pricing. List prices are opinions. Sold prices are decisions. Today is about using sold comps correctly so you price with leverage.

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Fast answers (Pricing to sold comps)

What is the best way to price a home in Alberta?

Anchor to recent sold comps in your exact pocket and adjust for size, condition, and upgrades. Then choose a strategy: price to sell fast or price to test. Do not mix the two.

How many comps do I need?

At least three close matches. If you can find five, even better. If comps are limited, expand time slightly or use the closest pocket with the same buyer profile.

What is the biggest pricing mistake?

Using active listings as the anchor. Active listings are competition. Sold comps are the benchmark.

Today’s theme: Price is not a number. It is a strategy.

How to pick true comps (fast)

Use this comp filter

1. Same pocket first: start in the same neighbourhood and similar street type.
2. Same property type: detached vs duplex vs townhouse vs condo. do not compare across types unless you must.
3. Similar size: above grade size is primary. basement finish is a secondary adjustment.
4. Similar condition: updated vs original. buyers pay for perceived risk reduction.
5. Similar time: most recent solds matter most, especially in shifting seasons.

Rule: If the buyer for that comp would not also buy your home, it is not a true comp.

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Adjusting comps (simple framework)

Adjust for size Above grade size first

Adjust for condition Updated vs original drives spread

Adjust for features Garage, lot, layout, legal suite potential

Do this before setting your list price

1. Pick 3 to 5 sold comps that match the buyer profile.
2. Write your differences in plain language. what is better and what is worse.
3. Translate differences into dollars using the spread you see in solds, not your feelings.
4. Choose your launch strategy based on timeline and risk tolerance.
5. Decide your negotiation floor before showings start.

Seller advantage: A well priced listing creates competition. competition creates terms and price strength.

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Quick links

• Free Home Value
• Selling guide
• MLS® Search
• Alberta • Edmonton • Calgary

General information only. Pricing depends on pocket, condition, and timing. For a comp pack and pricing map, request a custom analysis.

FAQ (Pricing to sold comps)

Should I price based on active listings?

Use active listings to understand competition, not to set your value. Sold comps are the benchmark because they reflect what buyers actually agreed to pay.

What if there are no recent sold comps in my pocket?

Expand the time window slightly, then expand to the closest pocket with the same buyer profile. The goal is similarity of buyer decision, not just proximity.

How do upgrades affect price?

Some upgrades return strongly, others do not. What matters most is whether the upgrade reduces buyer perceived risk and improves lifestyle. Compare solds that reflect similar finishes and mechanical condition.

Is it better to list high and negotiate down?

Usually no. Over pricing often reduces showings and weakens leverage. Pricing close to market can create competition, which is the strongest negotiation position.

About the author

Abraham (Ibrahim) AlGendy REALTOR® and former corporate commercial lawyer. Edmonton based, serving clients across Alberta with a calm evidence led approach. Learn more: /about.