Technology has made many parts of our lives easier. We can communicate instantly, manage finances online, and access services faster than ever before.

Unfortunately, the same technology that helps us stay connected is also being used by scammers.

Across Canada, authorities are reporting a growing number of fraud attempts using increasingly sophisticated tactics. Some scams now use artificial intelligence, impersonation techniques, and realistic-looking messages, making them difficult to detect.

Staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself and the people around you.

Here are several of the most common scams currently being reported.

1. Fake Delivery Notifications

Many people have received text messages claiming to be from Canada Post, UPS, or FedEx saying a package cannot be delivered without confirming a link.

These messages often contain tracking links that lead to fake websites designed to capture personal or payment information.

If you receive a delivery notification you were not expecting, it is best to verify the tracking number directly through the courier’s official website rather than clicking the link in the message.

2. QR Code Scams

QR codes are appearing everywhere, from parking meters to restaurant menus.

Scammers are now placing fake QR codes over legitimate ones. When scanned, they redirect people to fraudulent websites that request payment details or login information.

Always double-check the source before scanning a QR code in public spaces.

3. Interac e-Transfer Reversal Scams

This scam often begins with a message claiming an e-Transfer was sent to you by mistake and asking you to return the money.

In some cases, the original transfer was fraudulent or will later be reversed by the bank, leaving the victim responsible for the funds they sent back.

If you receive a message like this, contact your bank before taking any action.

4. Deepfake Messages and Impersonation

Artificial intelligence now makes it possible to generate convincing audio, photos, or videos that appear to come from someone you know.

Some scams involve messages that appear to be from a friend, family member, employer, or even a company representative.

If something feels unusual, verify the request through another method, such as calling the person directly.

5. Fake Tech Support Pop-Ups

You may encounter a pop-up on your computer claiming that your device has a virus and instructing you to call a support number.

These messages are designed to create urgency and pressure you into contacting scammers who may attempt to access your computer remotely or request payment.

Legitimate technology companies do not display emergency pop-ups asking you to call them.

6. Fake Real Estate Listings

Another scam reported across Canada involves fraudulent rental or home sale listings.

Scammers sometimes copy legitimate listings or use stolen photos and documents to convince people to send deposits or application fees.

If you are looking to rent or buy a home, always verify the listing with a trusted professional or a reputable platform before sending any money.

Simple Habits That Help Protect You

While scams continue to evolve, a few simple habits can significantly reduce your risk.

Pause before responding to urgent messages.
Avoid clicking unfamiliar links or QR codes.
Verify requests directly with the organization involved.
Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication when possible.
Never share passwords or personal financial information in response to unexpected messages.

Scammers often rely on urgency and pressure. Taking a moment to verify a request can prevent a costly mistake.

Protecting Our Community Starts With Awareness

Fraud affects people in every age group and profession. Sharing information like this can help protect friends, family members, and neighbours who may not be aware of how these scams work.

If you think this information could help someone you know, consider passing it along.

Staying informed is one of the best ways we can protect each other.

When it comes to real estate, clarity and honesty matter more than anything else.

Buying or selling a home is not just a transaction. It is a major life decision that impacts finances, family plans, and long-term stability.

That is why my approach to real estate has always been simple. I believe in giving clients clear, honest advice so they can make informed decisions.

Sometimes that means telling someone something they were not expecting to hear. But honesty creates trust, and trust creates better outcomes.

In today’s Edmonton real estate market, that clarity is more important than ever.

Inventory levels shift, pricing strategies change, and market conditions evolve. Sellers need to understand how their home fits into the current market landscape. Buyers need to understand their options and timing.

The goal is never pressure. The goal is understanding.

When expectations are clear, the process becomes far less stressful and far more successful.

If you are considering selling your home in Edmonton or Sherwood Park in the coming months, starting the conversation early is often the smartest move.

We can look at your home, discuss the market, and create a plan that works for you.

Real estate decisions are easier when you have the right information and a professional you trust.

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This year marks my 30th year with RE/MAX.

Over three decades in Sherwood Park and Strathcona County, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in many sponsorships, community events, and local initiatives. One of the most inspiring youth organizations I’ve supported is the Strathcona County Robotics Association.

Recently, I took a field trip to the Eagles Nest to visit the SCRA Cyber Eagles as they prepared for competition and to deliver a small contribution to support their efforts.

What I saw was more than robotics.
It was leadership in action.

What Is the Strathcona County Robotics Association?
The Strathcona County Robotics Association is a nonprofit organization based in Sherwood Park, Alberta, focused on inspiring youth through STEM education. Since 2019, the program has grown from humble beginnings to:

• 8 FIRST LEGO League teams
• 5 FIRST Tech Challenge teams
• Over 80 students actively participating

These students design, build, and program robots to compete in real-world engineering challenges. Through the process, they develop:

• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Mental resilience
• Preparation and discipline
• Engineering and coding knowledge

In short, they’re building skills that will serve them for life.

Why Robotics Matters
Sports are excellent at building physical and mental health. They create camaraderie and bring communities together.

But today’s youth are also exploring other passions, and STEM programs like FIRST LEGO League and FIRST Tech Challenge are growing rapidly across Alberta.

In these programs, students:
• Program autonomous robots
• Compete in two-on-two matches
• Develop engineering innovation
• Engage in community outreach
• Build confidence through competition

This is a fun, competitive environment that challenges students mentally and creatively.
And it’s happening right here in Sherwood Park.

Meeting the Team
During my visit, I had the opportunity to meet Sani Chan, a founding member, educator, and mentor with the Strathcona County Robotics Association. Since launching the organization in June 2019, Sani and her team of volunteer coaches and board members have built something truly special.

From the energy inside the workspace to the focus of the students preparing for competition, it was clear this program is shaping the next generation of thinkers, innovators, and leaders.

The dedication of the mentors and volunteers behind the scenes is just as impressive as the robots on the field.

Building Strong Communities
After 30 years with RE/MAX in Sherwood Park, I’ve learned that strong communities don’t happen by accident.

They are built through involvement.
Through mentorship.
Through investing in youth.

Supporting organizations like the Strathcona County Robotics Association is one way we ensure Sherwood Park continues to grow with innovation, leadership, and opportunity at its core.

When we invest locally, we strengthen the future of our entire community.

Click to learn more about the Strathcona County Robotics Association or get involved.

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The Greater Edmonton Area real estate market showed clear signs of momentum in February 2026.

We recorded 1,606 residential sales, which represents a nearly 40 percent increase compared to January. While that number is slightly lower than February of last year, the month-over-month jump tells us something important: spring activity has arrived.

At the same time, more than 3,000 new listings entered the market. Overall inventory is now 34.6 percent higher than it was one year ago.

When both sales and inventory increase, it signals a balanced, competitive market.

Average Home Prices in Edmonton – February 2026

The average selling price across all residential property types reached $454,801 in February. That is up 1.4 percent from January and 1.5 percent year-over-year.

Here’s how different property types performed:

• Detached Homes: Averaged $571,372, up 2.7 percent month over month and 1.1 percent year over year.

• Semi-Detached Homes: Averaged $441,958, increasing 4.5 percent from January and 4.8 percent from last year.

• Row/Townhomes: Averaged $307,526, up 3.8 percent month over month.

• Apartment Condos: Averaged $212,133, decreasing 6.0 percent from January and 1.4 percent year over year.

The slight adjustment in condo pricing may create opportunity for first-time buyers and investors looking for entry points in the Edmonton market.

What This Means for Sellers

Sellers are entering a market with strong activity, but also increased competition.

Buyers are active, yet they now have more choice than they did earlier this year.

This is not an automatic multiple-offer environment.

Homes that are priced strategically, marketed professionally, and presented properly are the ones moving.

Preparation is your advantage in a balanced market.

What This Means for Buyers

Rising inventory means more selection and stronger negotiating leverage.

Buyers who enter the market with a clear plan and financing in place are well-positioned to secure strong value.

This is a market that rewards patience and preparation rather than urgency.

What This Means for Investors

With overall activity increasing and condo pricing adjusting slightly downward, investors may find calculated opportunities in specific segments.

Balanced markets often provide the best long-term entry points because they are driven by fundamentals rather than emotion.

The Bottom Line

The Edmonton and Sherwood Park real estate markets are showing healthy spring momentum.

This is not a dramatic market.

It is a strategic one.

Balanced conditions reward clarity, planning, and informed decision-making.

If buying, selling, or investing is part of your 2026 conversation, the smartest first step is understanding your specific numbers and timeline.

I’m Rob Coble with RE/MAX Elite, and I believe in steady guidance, honest conversations, and building a plan that makes sense for your goals.

If you would like a personalized market evaluation or strategy consultation, I would be happy to connect.

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If you’re a homeowner in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, this could actually be a great time to look at your home with fresh eyes.

Not because you have to sell tomorrow.
Not because the market is urgent.
But because preparation creates options.

Many homeowners carry a quiet running list in their heads. Small repairs. Routine maintenance. Minor updates that have been pushed off because life gets busy. A loose railing. Paint touch-ups. An unfinished trim detail. A deep clean that keeps getting rescheduled.

Handling these now can save you time, money, and stress later. And if selling your home in Edmonton becomes part of the conversation this year, you’ll already be in a strong position.

Why Preparation Matters in the Edmonton Real Estate Market

In the current Edmonton real estate market, buyers are more informed than ever. They notice details. Small unfinished items can create hesitation, while well-maintained homes create confidence.

Confidence leads to stronger offers.
Stronger offers create leverage.

The homeowners who prepare before listing often experience smoother transactions and fewer last-minute surprises.

Even if you’re not actively selling, maintaining your property protects your long-term value in the Edmonton housing market.

Smart Steps to Take Now

Instead of thinking about major renovations, focus on:

• Completing small unfinished projects

• Handling routine maintenance

• Scheduling deep cleaning

• Addressing minor cosmetic repairs

• Improving lighting and curb appeal

These are not dramatic changes. They’re steady improvements that compound over time.

Work With Trusted Professionals

If you need a reliable contractor, cleaner, inspector, or service professional in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, I’m always happy to connect you with someone I trust.

I only recommend people who take care of my clients the way I would.

There’s no pressure to sell. Just practical guidance so you’re positioned well whenever the timing feels right.

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If you’re considering selling your home in Edmonton or Sherwood Park this year, preparation will matter more than timing.

The current market is active, but strategic sellers are outperforming reactive ones.

Before listing, here are the four fundamentals every Edmonton homeowner should review:

1. True Market Value

Online estimates don’t reflect local buyer behaviour. Accurate pricing requires comparable sales in your neighbourhood — not city-wide averages.

2. Net Equity Position

Many sellers focus on sale price, but what truly matters is your net after commissions, legal fees, mortgage discharge, and closing costs.

3. Neighbourhood-Specific Demand

Sherwood Park and Edmonton are not single markets. Buyer demand varies by price range, school district, and property type.

4. Strategic Preparation

Small adjustments — paint, lighting, minor repairs — can significantly impact final sale price.

To help homeowners prepare properly, I’ve created a 2026 Seller Planning Guide specifically for Edmonton and Sherwood Park.

If you’d like a copy, reach out directly and I’ll send it over.

Preparation creates confidence.
Clarity creates results.

— Rob Coble, RE/MAX Elite

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If you’re a homeowner in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Strathcona County, you may be asking:

Should I sell my house in 2026? Or should I wait?

With shifting inventory levels, interest rates, and buyer demand, the Edmonton real estate market in 2026 presents both opportunity and risk. The right decision depends on your home’s value, your equity position, and current local market conditions.

Before making a move, here’s what every Edmonton and Sherwood Park homeowner should evaluate.

Step 1: Understand Your Current Edmonton Home Value

Before deciding to sell your home in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, you need accurate, local data.

This includes:

• Recent comparable sales in your neighbourhood

• Active listings competing with your property

• Average days on market in Edmonton

• Current buyer demand trends

Pricing strategy in the Edmonton housing market directly affects:

• Time on market

• Negotiating power

• Final sale price

• Multiple offer potential

Overpricing can cost leverage. Underpricing without a strategy can cost equity.

Understanding your true market value is the foundation of a smart selling decision.

Step 2: Evaluate the 2026 Sherwood Park & Edmonton Market Timing

Real estate timing in Edmonton and Strathcona County can vary by:

• Season

• Inventory levels

• Interest rate changes

• Buyer activity trends

Some homeowners benefit from waiting. Others protect equity by acting sooner.

The question isn’t “Is 2026 a good year to sell?”

The question is:
Is 2026 the right time for you to sell in Edmonton or Sherwood Park?

That answer requires data, not headlines.

Step 3: Review Your Net Proceeds Before Selling

Selling your home isn’t just about listing price.

It’s about net proceeds.

Before deciding to sell your Edmonton property, you should review:

• Remaining mortgage balance

• Estimated closing costs

• Real estate fees

• Legal fees

• Property tax adjustments

• Expected equity

Many homeowners in Edmonton and Sherwood Park are surprised by how strong their equity position has become over the past several years.

Knowing your net number gives you confidence and control.

Edmonton Real Estate 2026: The Bottom Line

The strongest real estate decisions are not rushed.
They are informed.

If you’re thinking about selling your home in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, or Strathcona County in 2026, clarity is more valuable than speed.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer.

There is only the right strategy for your situation.

Get a Professional Home Value & Strategy Review

If you would like to understand:

• What your Edmonton or Sherwood Park home would realistically sell for

• What your net proceeds may look like

• Whether waiting or selling now makes more sense

I offer no-pressure, data-driven real estate strategy consultations.

Reach out when you’re ready to review your position.

Rob Coble
RE/MAX Elite
Edmonton & Sherwood Park Real Estate

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I’ve walked into homes where everything was technically fine.

And I’ve walked into homes where everything just felt right.

The difference is rarely the size of the kitchen or the height of the ceilings.

It’s preparation.

When a home is clean, bright, finished, and intentional, buyers relax. They move differently through the space. They picture themselves living there.

If you’re considering selling your home in Edmonton or Sherwood Park, here are 15 practical ways to prepare without overcomplicating the process:

– Deep clean the home properly
– Schedule a pre-listing inspection
– Address major repairs early
– Fix small details you’ve been ignoring
– Eliminate odors
– Declutter everywhere
– Refresh worn areas with neutral paint
– Improve lighting
– Update small bathroom details
– Remove heavy window coverings
– Power wash decks and walkways
– Improve landscaping
– Remove worn outdoor items
– Finish incomplete projects
– Stage rooms for their intended use

None of these are flashy.
But they work.

In the Edmonton market, prepared homes tend to move with less friction. Fewer objections. Stronger confidence.

Selling doesn’t require perfection.
It requires intention.

If you ever want a steady, honest assessment of your home and where it stands in today’s market, I’m always available for that conversation.

Get Your Edmonton Home Evaluation

The Greater Edmonton Area real estate market opened 2026 with a clear change in momentum. January brought a significant increase in inventory, offering buyers more choice while signaling a more competitive environment for sellers.

According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, 1,151 homes were sold in January 2026, a decrease from both December and January of last year. Meanwhile, 2,518 new listings entered the market, representing an 84 percent month-over-month increase and a 4.7 percent year-over-year increase. Overall inventory levels are now more than 30 percent higher than this time last year.

With inventory rising, average days on market have increased to approximately 59 days, easing the pressure that defined much of last year’s market.

Home Prices Remain Stable

Despite softer month-over-month pricing, values remain resilient on an annual basis. The average residential sale price in the Greater Edmonton Area is $449,000, down slightly from December but 2.5 percent higher than January 2025. The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark currently sits at $415,000, reflecting minimal movement and continued market stability.

By Property Type

• Detached homes averaged $556,752, with sales activity slowing as inventory expanded.

• Semi-detached properties saw modest price growth and relatively stable demand.

• Row and townhomes experienced slight price declines alongside reduced sales.

• Apartment condominiums stood out, posting strong month-over-month and year-over-year price gains as affordability continues to drive demand.

What This Means for Buyers and Sellers

For buyers, early 2026 presents an opportunity. Increased inventory means more options, less competition, and improved negotiating conditions before the traditional spring market heats up.

For sellers, success depends less on market momentum and more on strategy. Proper pricing, presentation, and timing are essential in an environment where buyers have a choice.

Understanding these market dynamics is critical when planning a move in 2026. A well-informed approach will continue to make the difference between simply listing and successfully selling.

The Bank of Canada has confirmed it will hold the policy interest rate at 2.25%, reinforcing a message of control as Canada moves through a period of economic adjustment.

While headlines often focus on rates alone, sellers should be paying attention to what sits beneath the surface.

A Slower Economy Doesn’t Mean a Weak Housing Market

Economic growth is expected to remain modest as population growth cools and Canada adjusts to global trade pressures. However, modest growth is not the same as declining demand.

Employment has improved, consumer spending has held up, and inflation is stabilizing near target. In housing markets, this combination often supports consistent—not speculative—activity.

For sellers, that consistency matters.

Buyer Behaviour Is More Disciplined—and More Reliable

In a stable-rate environment, buyers are less emotional and more deliberate. They enter the market knowing:

• What they can afford

• What financing looks like

• What compromises they are or aren’t willing to make

That discipline benefits sellers who position their homes correctly. Offers may be fewer than in overheated markets—but they’re more likely to close.

Pricing Is No Longer About Momentum

In rapidly rising markets, momentum can carry weak pricing decisions. That’s no longer the case.

Today’s sellers must price based on:

• Current supply, not last year’s scarcity

• Actual buyer budgets, not optimistic projections

• Value relative to alternatives, not replacement cost

Homes that reflect today’s reality continue to perform. Homes that don’t often stagnate.

Inventory Still Shapes Outcomes

Despite economic moderation, housing supply remains limited in many regions. When demand stabilizes before supply expands, sellers who act early often benefit from reduced competition.

Once economic optimism returns—or rates begin to fall—inventory typically rises as confidence spreads. That shift can dilute leverage quickly.

What Sellers Should Take From This

The current environment rewards sellers who understand that real estate cycles are rarely about extremes. They’re about positioning.

The Bank of Canada’s rate hold at 2.25% signals stability—not stagnation. For sellers who prepare properly and act with intention, that stability creates opportunity.

Final Thought

Strong outcomes aren’t driven by perfect markets. They’re driven by clear strategy.

Right now, the market is clear.

For sellers willing to meet it with discipline and execution, the opportunity is still very real.