I would use recent supply and price levels to decide how aggressively to search for your next home.
If you need more room and you are debating whether to jump now or hold off, I would make the decision based on how much choice actually exists. In Carstairs, AB, recent supply was 2.14 months with 30 homes available, so I would move forward methodically rather than wait for a flood of options that is not here.
Carstairs, AB recorded 18 new listings and 14 sales over the previous 30 days, while a typical sale took 35 days. The typical home value recently was $591,900. That gives growing households a clear message there are opportunities, but you still need a short decision window once the right home appears.
For someone trying to trade up, the risk is not just paying too much. The bigger mistake is often losing time by touring broadly without knowing what really matters. With recent offers landing at 98.5% of asking, I would not build a strategy around getting large discounts. I would build it around clarity, because the market is still moving well enough that hesitation can narrow your choices.
Define the features you actually need for the next few years. Get your current home's likely sale range lined up before you shop seriously. Use the recent 35-day sale pace to keep your search focused and responsive. If a home fits your real priorities, be ready to make a strong, sensible move instead of waiting for a perfect scenario that may not show up.
