In this episode, host Taylor Rubert sits down with real estate investor and engineer technoligist Mike Duffy to pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to build additional dwellings in Calgary today. From navigating the city to budgeting with your own hard-earned capital, this episode delivers raw, practical advice from the trenches of local real estate investing.

The City of Calgary is currently rolling out massive financial incentives for homeowners—including up to $10,000 for basement suites and up to $35,000 for backyard suites. Using Mike’s corner-lot property in Panorama Hills as a case study, we break down exactly how to force value into your property by turning a single standard lot into a three-dwelling goldmine.

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Going Legal: The non-negotiable building components required to make a Calgary basement suite fully legal.
• The Grant Breakdown: How the Secondary Suite Incentive Program and Backyard Suite Grant work, and how much cash you can realistically expect back in your pocket.
• The Engineering Reality Check: Why building a garage suite isn't as simple as just "putting a room over your current garage."
• The Numbers: Total construction budgets for a Calgary backyard suite, projected rental income, and your expected ROI.
• Financing the Build: How ATB’s specialized garage suite program is helping individual investors fund their projects.
• Busting the Blanket Rezoning Myth: What Calgary's recent zoning changes actually mean for everyday homeowners and how it impacts your timeline.
• Lessons Learned: The single biggest mistake Mike has made so far—and how you can avoid it.

Key Takeaway:

You don't need to be a massive corporate developer to scale your real estate portfolio. With the right strategy and city grants, you can maximize your current lot to build long-term wealth.

Resources & Links Mentioned:

• City of Calgary Secondary Suite Incentive Program
• City of Calgary Backyard Suite Grant Program

Connect with us at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada:

Taylor Rubert

c 403.607.7191

taylor.rubert@sothebysrealty.ca

Barb Richardson

c 403.613.8737

brichardson@sothebysrealty.ca

Kimberly Courchesne

c 403.671.4979

kimberly.courchesne@sothebysrealty.ca

Connect with ATB:

Rachelle Martin

Mortgage Specialist

Mobile 780-289-9207

Email: rscheetz-martin@atb.com

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Are you planning to renovate your home but want to make sure you actually get your money back when it’s time to sell?

In this episode, Barb Richardson and Taylor Rubert break down the ultimate playbook for maximizing your home’s resale value. From affordable weekend upgrades to major renovations buyers are willing to pay a premium for, they reveal what truly drives home prices higher — and what can instantly turn buyers away.

The episode also includes a quick Calgary market update and an important discussion around the repeal of blanket rezoning, including key dates property owners and investors need to know.

What We Discuss in This Episode

Calgary Market Snapshot

A quick pulse check on what the team is seeing in the Calgary market right now, including buyer behaviour, pricing trends, and current opportunities.

Low-Cost, High-Impact Upgrades

Why simple updates like fresh paint, modern lighting, and updated hardware can dramatically improve buyer perception without blowing your budget.

The “High-Touch” Rule

Why kitchens and primary bathrooms consistently generate the strongest return on investment — while highly customized projects, like luxury garages or niche upgrades, may not deliver the payoff homeowners expect.

Infrastructure Over Aesthetics

The often-overlooked improvements that matter most during inspections, including:

• Roofs
• HVAC systems
• Windows
• Major mechanical updates

These aren’t flashy renovations, but they can protect your value and prevent buyers from discounting your home.

Renovation Pitfalls to Avoid

Why patchwork renovations can hurt the overall feel of a home and create a disconnected experience for buyers.

Where NOT to Spend Your Money

Why finishing a basement in homes under the $1M price point may not significantly increase resale value — and the situations where it still makes sense.

Calgary Zoning Update

Critical timelines surrounding the repeal of blanket rezoning, including the important April 8th and August 4th deadlines for anyone considering a multi-dwelling development project.

Pro Tip From the Episode

Before swinging a sledgehammer, build a plan.

Spending a few hundred dollars upfront on a designer, stager, or consultation with your Realtor can save you thousands in costly renovation mistakes and help ensure your upgrades align with what buyers actually want.

Connect With Us

Hosts: Barb Richardson, Taylor Rubert, Kimberly Courchesne
Brokerage: Sotheby's Realty Calgary

If you enjoyed this episode, leave a 5-star review and subscribe so you never miss an update on Calgary real estate, investing, and market trends.

In today’s episode, Barb and Kim dive into Calgary’s ever-evolving condo market, breaking down the key differences between buying brand new and purchasing a resale property. They explore the pros and cons of each option, from pricing and customization to location, fees, and long-term value. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to invest, they share practical insights on what you should consider before making a decision. Plus, they discuss the latest trends and shifts they’ve been seeing in the Calgary market—and what it could mean for you.