Navigating Alberta's Dynamic Housing Market: Leveraging Business Development Managers for Alternative and Private Lending Solutions

Alberta's housing market in early 2025 presents a landscape of both opportunity and complexity. The province has witnessed consistent price growth, with the average home price reaching $524,755 in March 2025, marking a 5.5% year-over-year increase. Major cities like Calgary and Edmonton have seen significant upticks, with Calgary's average home price rising to $639,458 (up 7.3%) and Edmonton’s climbing to $460,685 (up 9.4%). 

This upward trajectory, while a signal of strength, also introduces challenges. The sales-to-new listings ratio (SNLR) in Alberta sits at 60%, indicating a market leaning toward sellers. These conditions can limit affordability and make traditional financing options harder to access—especially for borrowers with complex income profiles, recent credit issues, or unconventional needs. 

The Role of Business Development Managers (BDMs) 
In this evolving landscape, Business Development Managers (BDMs) are becoming essential resources for mortgage brokers. These professionals don’t just represent lenders—they help brokers uncover opportunities that may have not been seen as possible before, understand the nuances of non-traditional financing, and build smart, approvable applications. 

BDMs provide a bridge between broker and lender, offering valuable insights on alternative and private lending products. They break down underwriting expectations, help clarify submission requirements, and work collaboratively to structure solutions that align with lender guidelines and appetites. 

Strategic Deal Placement in a Rapidly Moving Market 
As the Alberta housing market continues to evolve, the ability to place deals strategically becomes even more critical. With inventory tightening and prices rising, brokers need to be nimble. BDMs help identify the right lending solutions for self-employed clients, investors, or borrowers with significant equity but limited provable income. 

They also guide brokers in crafting a borrower story that highlights strengths, addresses red flags, and resonates with underwriters—turning what could be a marginal file into an approved deal. 

Staying Current in a Fast-Paced Industry 
Alternative and private lending is a dynamic space. New products, policy changes, and lender shifts happen frequently. BDMs keep brokers informed through webinars, training sessions, and personalized support—ensuring they’re never caught off guard and always able to offer timely, accurate guidance to their clients. 

Conclusion 
Alberta’s real estate market offers real promise—but also requires a deeper level of knowledge and adaptability from mortgage professionals. Working closely with an experienced Business Development Manager can help brokers structure smarter deals, explore alternative financing solutions, and deliver real value to clients navigating an increasingly competitive market. 

Jennifer Peters is the British Columbia and Alberta Senior Business Development Manager at VWR Capital Corp. With deep knowledge of the private lending space and a hands-on approach, Jennifer partners with mortgage brokers to structure strong applications that meet lender expectations. 

All information about VWR Capital Corp. and contact details for Jennifer Peters can be found at vwrcapital.com.