As real estate technology continues to rapidly evolve, Pillar 9 was created to maximize the value of housing data for REALTORS^® and real estate consumers.

What a difference three months makes.

Restrictions in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 have altered almost all standard practices, including real estate transactions. So, if you're buying or selling a home, things look a little bit different.

Typically, REALTORS® hold open houses to attract a crowd. However, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and a new emphasis on social distancing, this home-selling staple just won't do.

Hiring a REALTOR^® when purchasing a resale home seems like a no brainer, but many new-build homebuyers don't take advantage of this valuable resource.

Smallest year-over-year decline since 2014

Residential resale housing activity declines in the province eased last month, falling by 3.8 per cent to 4,611 units, according to the Alberta Real Estate Association.

The provincial organization noted September represented the smallest year-over-year decline since December 2014.

Meanwhile, the average MLS® residential price in Alberta rose 3.9 per cent from September 2015 to $396,646.

RECA emphasizes top priority is consumer protection

The Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) is reminding real estate professionals in the province to always discuss deposit arrangements with their clients in response to one Calgary brokerage recently closing and another one winding down operations.

The provincial regulatory body also advised professionals in the province to continue showing sellers' listings, even if they are listed by a brokerage that is shutting down, and to let buyers into their listings.

RECA communications manager Natalie Scollard said the organization's primary role when a brokerage shuts down is consumer protection.

Real estate industry not concerned about long-term effects following provincial budget surprise

Buying a home in Alberta is about to get more expensive.

Beginning July 1, Albertans will be required to spend as much as $1,000 extra to purchase a home in the province as a result of increased real-estate-related fees in the new provincial budget.

Counted among the changes are increases to the transfer/title creation flat fee, which will go from $50 to $75 and the variable fee transfer fee will jump from $1 to $6 for every $5,000 in the home's value.