BUYING A HOME IN CALGARY

Start with a mortgage pre-approval so you know your budget. From there, we define your search, view homes, review comparable sales and write an offer when the right property comes up. Once an offer is accepted, there is usually a condition period for items such as financing, inspection and condo document review when applicable. After conditions are satisfied, your lawyer handles the closing and we prepare for possession.

The timeline varies by buyer and property, but once an offer is accepted, possession is commonly negotiated for anywhere from a few weeks to a few months later.

Yes. A pre-approval gives you a realistic price range, estimated monthly payment and a better understanding of your financing before you start seriously shopping. It also puts you in a stronger position when the right home comes up because we can write an offer knowing what your financing should support.

If you need a mortgage professional, I can connect you with trusted Calgary brokers and lenders.

You can purchase a home without one, but having your own Realtor® gives you professional representation throughout the process. I help you evaluate properties and comparable sales, identify potential concerns, structure and negotiate the offer, manage conditions and coordinate the steps leading to possession.

In many Calgary resale transactions, compensation for the buyer’s brokerage is offered through the seller’s brokerage. Compensation can vary, so I explain exactly how it applies before you commit to working with me.

A professional home inspection can help identify issues with major components such as the structure, roof, electrical, plumbing, heating and foundation. When appropriate, we can include an inspection condition in your offer so you have time to complete your due diligence before becoming fully committed to the purchase.

If significant concerns are discovered, we review the inspection and your contractual options before deciding how to proceed.

Your down payment is only one part of the cash you’ll need. Buyers should also budget for legal fees, a home inspection, property insurance, Land Titles registration charges and possible adjustments for property taxes or condo fees. Depending on the purchase, there may be other costs as well.

Before you write an offer, I help you understand the major expenses to expect so the closing does not come with unnecessary surprises.

The asking price is only one piece of the picture. I look at recent comparable sales, current competing listings, property condition, days on market and the level of buyer competition before recommending an offer strategy.

Price also isn’t the only term that matters. Deposit, conditions, possession date and other terms can strengthen or weaken an offer. I walk you through the risks and advantages before you decide what you’re comfortable offering.

Buying a condo involves more than inspecting the unit. The condominium corporation’s finances, reserve fund, bylaws, insurance, meeting minutes, fees and any planned special assessments can all affect the purchase.

When buying a condo, I help you understand the property and the condominium documents that should be reviewed as part of your due diligence. My CCS® Certified Condo Specialist training provides additional knowledge in this area.

There is no single “best” community — it depends on how you want to live. We consider your commute, schools, parks, walkability, property type, budget, future plans and resale considerations.

Some buyers want established inner-city communities and walkability, while others prioritize newer homes, larger lots, schools or suburban amenities. I help narrow the search to communities that fit both your lifestyle and your long-term goals.

Several federal programs may help eligible first-time buyers. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) allows qualifying buyers to save toward a first home with tax-deductible contributions and tax-free qualifying withdrawals. The Home Buyers’ Plan can allow eligible buyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP for a qualifying home purchase.

Eligible first-time buyers may also qualify for a 30-year insured mortgage amortization, and qualifying buyers of newly built homes may be eligible for the federal First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate. Eligibility depends on your circumstances, so your mortgage and tax professionals should confirm what applies to you. I can help point you toward the right resources.