FIRST-TIME BUYER RESOURCE

YOUR FIRST HOME STARTS WITH A CLEAR PLAN

Buying your first home in Calgary comes with a lot of decisions. I’ll help you understand what you can afford, what costs to expect, how the process works and what to watch for before you commit.

BUYER MARKET SNAPSHOT

WHAT FIRST-TIME BUYERS ARE WALKING INTO

The Calgary market changes, but a few numbers help show how much choice buyers have, how quickly homes are moving and where pricing currently sits.

CURRENT MARKET CHOICE
ACTIVE LISTINGS
More active listings can mean more choice — but the right homes can still move quickly.
NEW LISTINGS
CITY BENCHMARK PRICE
DAYS ON MARKET
Latest completed month · Source: CREB® Daily Housing Summary
FINANCING FIRST

KNOW WHAT YOU CAN COMFORTABLY AFFORD

Before you start shopping seriously, get clear on your budget, down payment, monthly carrying costs and financing options. A strong pre-approval gives you a better starting point and helps prevent wasted time.

  • PRE-APPROVAL

    Know your realistic purchase range and financing position before you start writing offers.

  • DOWN PAYMENT

    Your down payment affects the mortgage amount, insurance requirements and how much cash you need before closing.

  • MONTHLY COSTS

    Look beyond the mortgage payment to property taxes, condo fees, utilities, insurance and ongoing maintenance.

FIRST-TIME BUYER PROGRAMS

USE THE PROGRAMS AVAILABLE TO YOU

There are federal programs that can help eligible first-time buyers save for a down payment, access registered savings and reduce certain costs. The rules matter, so I’ll point you to the official sources and help you understand where they may fit into your purchase plan.

FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT

The FHSA lets eligible first-time buyers save for a qualifying first home using a registered account designed specifically for home ownership.

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCE →

HOME BUYERS’ PLAN

Eligible buyers can currently withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP under the Home Buyers’ Plan, subject to the program rules and repayment requirements.

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCE →

NEW-HOME GST REBATE

Eligible first-time buyers of a new or substantially renovated home may qualify for a federal GST rebate of up to $50,000.

OFFICIAL GOVERNMENT RESOURCE →

YOUR BUYING ROADMAP

FROM PRE-APPROVAL TO POSSESSION

A first purchase becomes much easier when you know what happens next. I’ll guide you through the major decisions from financing and home search to conditions, closing and getting the keys.

01

PRE-APPROVAL

Get clear on your budget, down payment and financing position before you start shopping seriously.

01

02

HOME SEARCH

We narrow the search by price, location, property type and priorities so you can focus on homes that actually fit.

02

03

OFFER

When the right property comes up, I help you understand price, terms, conditions and how to structure the offer strategically.

03

04

CONDITIONS

Financing, inspection, condo-document review or other conditions are handled before the purchase becomes firm.

04

05

CLOSING

Once conditions are removed, your lawyer and lender complete the final legal and financing steps before possession.

05

06

POSSESSION

We complete the final walkthrough, confirm the handoff and get you ready for the keys to your first home.

06
FIRST-TIME BUYER ADVICE

WHAT FIRST-TIME BUYERS OFTEN MISS

The purchase price is only part of the decision. A good first-home plan also accounts for the costs, documents and property details that can affect you after the offer is accepted.

MOE’S FIRST-HOME RULE
Your pre-approval tells you what you may qualify for. It doesn’t mean you need to spend the maximum. Leave room in your budget for the life you want after you get the keys.
  • CLOSING COSTS

    Budget beyond the down payment for legal fees, adjustments, insurance and other costs due around closing.

  • HOME INSPECTION

    An inspection can help identify concerns with the property before you remove conditions and commit to the purchase.

  • CONDO DOCUMENTS

    For a condo purchase, review the corporation’s financials, reserve fund, bylaws and other documents before making the deal firm.

  • FUTURE OWNERSHIP COSTS

    Consider property taxes, utilities, condo fees, insurance, maintenance and repairs when deciding what comfortably fits your budget.

NEXT STEPS

TOOLS TO HELP YOU GET READY

Start with your financing, understand the numbers, then move into the home search with a clearer plan.

MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL

Understand your realistic buying range before you start viewing homes.

MORTGAGE CALCULATOR

Estimate monthly payments and compare different purchase scenarios.

SEARCH HOMES

Browse Calgary listings when you’re ready to see what fits your budget and priorities.

READY WHEN YOU ARE

READY TO START YOUR FIRST HOME SEARCH?

Whether you’re still working through financing or ready to start viewing homes, I’ll help you move forward with a clear plan.