As your calendar flips to the 11th month of 2018, so does the calendar for the housing market in Estevan and area. According to Lynn Chipley, a local real estate agent, things are buzzing more than usual.

"We're seeing a reasonable amount of activity. It's probably more in what we would call the most affordable range, under $300,000. I would say that's certainly our most active buying range right now," she said, noting that there's a lot of first time home buyers.

"The price drop in houses certainly has contributed to that. I think people see this time as a good opportunity to buy in, because you never know when that will change. And, of course, the rumors about interest rates continuing to climb, I think that's spurred some people into action as well so that they don't lose out when there's a good opportunity to still grab a good interest rate."

Chipley observed that real estate agents normally see the market quiet right down at this time of year, however, this fall has become the exception.

"I don't know if it's the weather or if it is simply that we have different market dynamics in Estevan than we did before, and people are just taking advantage."

She added that it's hard to tell if, or when, the market might change pace. The confidence in the economy to choose to buy and stay in the area is encouraging, but a few different factors would have to line up to see a further uptick.

"It's a nice, even, level market. If you're a buyer, there's no pressure. You can take your time looking and make a good choice, and I think that's a positive thing."