THE SOVEREIGN
Redefining the art of urban living in downtown Calgary, Sovereign on 17th blends modern luxury with the city’s own vibrant energy, capturing a distinctive and unique urban experience. A premiere, concrete, mid-rise residential development of impressive style and stature, Homes by Avi is positioned to unveil urban living at its core.
What's New & Different? Cosentino Introduces - Le Chic Bohème by Silestone®XM
Featured in our new Winter 2024 Issue: Vicky's Homes
PAST & PRESENCE
Vicky’s Home’s commitment to creating a lifestyle that is considerately connected to its setting reveals a tropical oasis of features and function for the entire family.
Our new Winter 2024 issue is now available on newsstands for $6.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $3.99 CDN.
To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one year subscription (2 issues, print copies) is $12.99 or two year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95
Get your issue today!
The Winter 2024 issue is now available!
Our new Winter 2024 issue is now available on newsstands for $6.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $3.99 CDN.
To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one-year subscription (2 issues, print copies) is $12.99 or two-year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95
Get your issue today!
How 5 Major Events Are Reshaping the Housing Market for 2025
#1 - The Bank of Canada Gets Cut-Happy
The Bank's rate-cutting spree looked like a going-out-of-business sale - five markdowns totalling 175 basis points. By December, prime rate was all the way down to 5.45% as Team Macklem tried anxiously to pump up our wilting economy.
2025 outlook: No one will be surprised if unemployment tops seven percent. However, slowing population growth and a U.S.-led economic rebound (assuming we get no debilitating tariffs) should keep job losses from doing a full-on mountain climber impression. That's a positive for both mortgage arrears and originations.
#2 - U.S. Tariffs Loom Large
President-elect Donald Trump, with all the finesse of a bull in a crystal shop, has proposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods. The concerns he cited included drug trafficking and illegal immigration into the U.S. His proposal, seen as a partial bluff by some, sparked equal parts panic, outrage and disbelief on this side of the border.
2025 outlook: Uncle Sam needs Canadian natural resources like a smartphone needs a charger, and our next government should get more handshakes than eye rolls from Trump. Moreover, trade wars would cost too many American jobs. Hence, this humble author's expectation is that tariffs—if any—should be limited to relatively short-lived 10% tariffs with carve-outs. In the event this expectation is wrong, and an all-out trade war ensues, rates could take a recession-driven dive followed by a dreaded stagflation boomerang back up.
#3 - Canadian Politics Turns into a Soap Opera
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland's abrupt resignation in December sent Trudeau's Liberal's into a tailspin. Add that to U.S. tariff threats, more inflationary spending proposals, Trump's mockery of Trudeau, and a slew of new spending, and you get a sweeping loss of confidence in our government.
2025 outlook: A federal election should be triggered as early as late March when the House returns from break, with an actual election as soon as mid-to-late spring. A Pierre Poilievre-led government could cut spending (bearish for bond yields), slash taxes (bullish for bond yields) and improve investor sentiment (bullish for bond yields). As a base case, one can expect an economic boost that should limit the downsides of inflation, bond yields, and mortgage rates.
#4 - Unemployment Climbs the Charts
The unemployment rate ascended to a three-year peak of 6.8% in November. Despite adding 239,000 full-time jobs for the 25-plus crowd, economic vital signs remained weak. That convinced the Bank to prescribe extra rate-cutting medicine (50 bps cuts) in both October and December.
2025 outlook: Canada survived the rate hike tsunami far better than doomsayers predicted. And, despite unemployment hitting multi-year highs, average core inflation remained stickier than expected–ending the year at 2.65%. That's clearly well above the BoC's 2% target—and it's trending up—which could potentially limit the downside for rates.
#5 - Real Estate Finds Its Floor
Overall home values flatlined in 2024, as measured by CREA's benchmark national home price. Rapid household formation, falling rates, improved sentiment and rising incomes helped put a floor under prices. By year-end, real estate activity was hitting two-year highs.
2025 outlook: Real estate pundits are widely predicting home price appreciation this year on the back of falling rates, modestly better affordability, improved confidence, looser mortgage rules and rising incomes. While these first four factors are a near lock, the most important driver (falling rates) is anything but. Market-implied rate cut probabilities suggest at least one or two more Bank of Canada rate drops. The same can't be said for bond yields, however, which are largely at the mercy of Trump 2.0 and inflation.
Mute the Noise, Master Risk Management
Uncertainty in the mortgage business is nothing new. Canada's mortgage market will ride out any storms as it always has.
Borrowers should treat market noise like a bad soundtrack - mute it and focus on managing rate risk—to the extent their finances and mindset dictate. The sweet spot to start the year is the 3-year fixed. It offers a degree of protection against reinflation, lower penalty risk and attractive pricing relative to other terms. But don't overlook 5-year hybrids (part fixed and part variable). They're like custom-tailored mortgage suits, given their ability to precisely calibrate rate exposure to the borrower's risk appetite.
Featured in our Summer 2024 Issue: Timber Ridge Homes
Nature va Nurture
Timber Ridge Homes delivers more than a lifestyle, they create comparable beauty amidst superb settings that act as an extension of home.




Our new Summer 2024 issue is now available on newsstands for $7.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $3.99 CDN.
To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one year subscription (2 issues) is $12.99 or two year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95
Get your issue today!
What's New & Different: Delta Fiberglass Windows & Doors
Featured in our Summer 2024 Issue: Diamond Contracting
Personality Plus
Diamond Contracting shows how a little imagination and inspiration can capture lifestyle with an abundance of warmth and charm.





Our new Summer 2024 issue is now available on newsstands for $7.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $3.99 CDN.
To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one year subscription (2 issues) is $12.99 or two year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95
Get your issue today!
Featured in our Summer 2024 Issue: Silvertip
The 7 Secrets of Home Staging, Revealed
Whether you're selling a cozy condo or a spacious estate, proper home design and staging can make all the difference in how quickly–and for how much–your property sells. Studies have shown that staged homes sell 73% faster than unstaged homes. The experts at Vesta Home, the country's largest luxury home staging company, offer these seven keys (and some tricks of the trade!) to creating a welcoming environment that maximizes appeal, ensuring that the color palette, room layout, and furniture selections work together to tell a story that resonates with buyers. As seen on Netflix's Selling Sunset and in Architectural Digest, Vesta designers are the masters of transforming empty spaces into alluring places.
1. Focus on First Impressions
There are many ways to stage a home for sale, but one of the most high-impact areas to focus on is the entryway. You want potential buyers to walk into a space that instantly conveys the home's style, and sets a positive expectation for the entire property. Make it memorable by considering statement lighting such as a chandelier or pendant to brighten the space and serve as a focal point. Use a stylish console table paired with a sleek mirror to enhance the room's visual depth, and incorporate greenery or fresh flowers to introduce a natural, fresh element.
A well-staged entryway can define the mood of a home. The Brunswick console at Stradella Road, curated by Kiel Wuellner, Vesta's Senior Creative Director in L.A., blends sleek minimalism with bold impact for an unforgettable first impression. By paying attention to the small details in this transitional space, you are setting the perfect stage for the rest of the tour.
2. Declutter, But Don't Diminish
When curating your home for staging, you want to strike the right balance between decluttering and preserving the home's charm. While decluttering helps potential buyers focus on the space itself, adding a few carefully selected items, like a textured accent chair or statement artwork, can make the space feel inviting and lived-in. Vesta designer Laurissa Chambers in San Francisco showcased this perfectly by incorporating our Milo tufted bench by the fireplace. The abstract artwork above further emphasized the architectural feature of the fireplace, drawing the eye while complementing the home's design.
The key? Enhance the room without overwhelming it, allowing each piece to serve a purpose, whether it's highlighting architectural features or adding texture and warmth. This thoughtful approach is what we call house-to-home staging, where the goal for professional stagers is to give context to empty spaces. Furniture and decor bring personality to the space, allowing buyers to envision themselves living there while maintaining a neutral, elegant design. In Vesta's case, we know if we're successful when the new homeowner wants to buy the furniture used in staging!
3. Magnify Your Home's Unique Features
Spotlighting the features that make your home stand out goes a long way to making a lasting impression on buyers. Architectural details like exposed beams, intricate moldings, or a unique staircase should be showcased with furniture that complements these elements, allowing them to shine. For example, placing a sleek, modern sofa under an exposed beam accentuates its rustic charm, while positioning artwork or sculptures around an intricate archway draws attention to its sophistication.
Spacious open areas can also benefit from curated furniture placements that emphasize the flow of the room while keeping it functional. Large windows or high ceilings can be highlighted by choosing light, airy furnishings, and allowing natural light to fill the space, making the room feel larger. Dressing a home for sale involves putting the home's best features forward with tailored decor, helping buyers visualize not only the space itself but also how they can make it their own.
4. Choose Neutral Foundations with Flair
Start with a neutral foundation to appeal to a wide range of buyers; light grays, whites, and soft taupes allow the space to feel open while letting other elements stand out. You can then punctuate the design with stylish accents—colorful pillows, artwork, or rugs, e.g.—that contrast with the neutral tones and infuse the room with energy. In this neutral bedroom, Vesta designer Kiel added earthy terracotta tones through printed pillows to bring out a subtle Spanish Revival style.
Neutral colors lend a versatile backdrop for different furniture and decor styles. You can also introduce texture with luxe fabrics such as velvet cushions or a leather sofa, which adds warmth and richness to the room without overpowering the simplicity of the neutral base. By using neutral tones as the canvas and selectively adding these details, you'll achieve one of the hallmarks of the best-staged homes: to ensure that the space is both attractive and flexible, helping potential buyers imagine themselves living there.
5. Be Strategic in Space Planning
When staging a home, it's essential to design each room to highlight its function, allowing potential buyers to easily envision how they would use the space in daily life. At a Vesta-staged property in Tribeca, our New York City Creative Director, Christina Mully, created a playful bedroom that included vibrant elements that reflected the lifestyle of families in the area, with colorful accents and kid-friendly features. Christina's attention to the context of the neighborhood adds layers of meaning to her detailed designs, bringing each space to life.
A seamless flow between spaces is also key. In an open-plan living area, placing the dining area adjacent to the living space with a soft rug or different lighting defines the area while still maintaining a sense of openness. In larger homes with dedicated rooms, position furniture to delineate each room's function. A home office, for instance, can be staged with a desk near natural light, a comfortable chair, and organizational elements, implying the space's high productivity potential. Each thoughtful home staging decision helps a buyer understand the flow of the place–and the overall value of the property.
6. Illuminate with Intent
Natural light is a key feature that brings life to a space, making it feel larger and more inviting. Maximize this by keeping windows clear and using light, airy curtains that allow sunlight to filter through. A well-placed mirror opposite a window can reflect the light for even more brightness. To enrich the atmosphere further, incorporate soft, warm lighting through table lamps, floor lamps, or sconces. This layered approach adds depth and warmth, creating a balanced space that's both functional and stylish. This intentional use of light is a central factor in beautifully staged homes, where every element works in harmony.
7. Elevate Your Outdoor Living
Outdoor spaces have become increasingly important for buyers seeking areas for relaxation, entertainment, and connection with nature. To make the most of this valuable space, incorporate exterior home staging by extending your interior style to the outdoors. Consider using complementary furniture and decor to the home's interior design, ensuring a cohesive flow between the inside and outside. For example, if your interior features neutral tones with warm accents carry that palette through to the patio with soft cushions, woven rugs, and natural wood furniture. This makes for a seamless transition and helps buyers instantly see the full potential of both the interior and exterior spaces.
In the Sky Arc project in Nevada, Vesta designer Lisa Vail achieved this by selecting furnishings that blended the indoor and outdoor spaces, mirroring the stunning landscape of the Nevada desert. By incorporating pieces that echoed the natural surroundings, she allowed potential buyers to connect with both the environment and the property itself.
Featured in our Summer 2024 Issue: Rangeview
New to Rangeview
Section 23 Developments offers a garden-to-table lifestyle that appeals to those who share not only a love of the land, but a community spirit.






Our new Summer 2024 issue is now available on newsstands for $7.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $3.99 CDN.
To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one year subscription (2 issues) is $12.99 or two year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95
Get your issue today!
What's New & Different: Western Sky Exteriors
What's New & Different: The Chinook Gardener
Featured in our New Summer 24 Issue: Kanvi Homes
Clearly Kanvi
Kanvi Homes elevates contemporary design to a new level of excellence.





Our new Summer 2024 issue is now available on newsstands for $7.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $3.99 CDN.
To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one year subscription (2 issues) is $12.99 or two year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95
Get your issue today!
What's New & Different: Wolseley Studio
What's New & Different: Woodcraft Kitchen Cabinets
Featured in our Summer 2024 Issue: Newcastle Homes & Renovations
Triple Threat
Newcastle Homes & Renovations celebrates the unique personality of home, encouraging who we are at every stage of our lives.






Our new Summer 2024 issue is now available on newsstands for $7.95 CDN.
(Hint: try your local Indigo for guaranteed results)
A digital issue can be downloaded at our store here for $3.99 CDN.
To subscribe to Best Home visit our page here
A one year subscription (2 issues) is $12.99 or two year subscription (4 issues) is $19.95
Get your issue today!
What's New & Different: Advanced Roofing features Euroshield
What's New & Different: City Glass
Isla Animals Newsletter
Everything new this month of September at Isla Animals
Last month we decided to make it into our official inauguration. Yes, there is still so much to do and we are missing windows, doors, painting, filling, fencing... Still... We are able to house over 30 animals for now, all safe, following our vetting protocols and even started working with the community on outreach projects, helped our neighbor dogs when they were poisoned, and did our first spay and neuter campaign on-site!
This month we started planning a Spay and Neuter campaign for November sponsored by our friends from FHAT who donated some amazing prizes!
You can buy Raffle tickets here
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/a1e5c119-5e10-435e-bdc1-3888d960fc06
You can find more information about the raffle and prizes here:
FHAT: https://fhatfriendshelpinganimalstogether.com/snip-snip-raffle
Isla Animals: https://www.islaanimals.org/isla-animals-snip-snip-raffle/
We hope you enjoy this video! It's a little walk around our oasis, with everything we have achieved and everything still to do plus a little look at our rescues!
Last year about this time we were sharing videos of the building, which was only the foundation and some walls here and there. If we have come so far it's thanks to you.
THANK YOU! Thank you for believing in our mission and sharing this crazy adventure with us! There is still a lot to do... so stay tuned and help if you can! Every little bit makes a huge difference!
ISLA ANIMALS ONLINE STORE
Check out our brand new ONLINE STORE with exclusive merch, t-shirts and a lot more! What a better way to help the animals and get some unique items!