The Lost Art of Offer Presentation and How It's Costing Today's Homebuyer

A few years ago when the Lethbridge real estate market really started to heat up, I did a video called 'Real Estate Fight Club.' I thought about naming this one, 'Real Estate Fight Club: The Sequel.' In 2025, the situation has not improved. Alberta has less homes than buyers for those homes.

And so, homebuyers are taking it in the teeth right now, especially first time buyers shopping for anything under $400k. Like it's bloodier than ever out there. Locking down a property for reasonable terms and price feels impossible. For example, as of today's writing, the stats look like this:

• Total listings in all of Lethbridge: 315

• Total months of supply: 1.6

• Total listings for $400k or less: 94

• Months of supply on homes up to $400k: less than one

And you can bet your down payment money that a lot of those homes under $400k are not desirable to every buyer ...

Bottom line: there are many homebuyers who will continue renting or stay in their current home because they can't figure out how to make a winning offer.

For the homebuyer that is determined to make a move? Simple. Hire a real estate agent who knows how to present and negotiate offers like a professional. Hire someone who is prepared, serious, and plays to win.

Sloppily written offers and manufactured drama will not get you the home of your dreams. And believe it or not, sometimes it doesn't just come down to price. It comes down to offer quality. Indeed, it comes down to the agent who presents it.

And even if you're shopping in a softer price point or soft market overall, why wouldn't you want to get the price, terms and conditions you deserve? Casually tossing out offers as if you're bobbing for apples at the county fair doesn't cut it. In any market.

Supply and demand dictates price. In a hot seller's market, the homeowner holds the cards and buyers will pay more. However, there are more variables to buying a home than final price paid. Offer presentation matters.

If Canada is truly in a housing crisis, then the only buyers who win are the ones who know how to play the game.