Buying a house in Calgary is a major accomplishment that many aim for. However, the process can be intimidating for first-time buyers.
The mix of energy jobs, growing tech companies, and more affordable prices makes buying in Calgary possible for many people. Whether you're buying your first home, moving for work, or investing, here's what you need to know.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
How to Buy a Home in Calgary: 10 Quick Tips
Calculate your true budget - Keep total housing costs under 32% of income, including mortgage, taxes, utilities, and maintenance.
Get mortgage pre-approval first - Locks in rates and shows sellers
Investing in a rental property can be a smart move. The Canadian real estate market offers solid opportunities across many types of real estate investments, especially in growing areas like Calgary. Below you'll find easy-to-follow steps to get started. We'll cover everything from checking your finances to finding good tenants.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Rental Property Purchase Quick Tips
Check your finances first: Know your credit score, save enough for a down payment (minimum 20% for rental properties in Canada), and plan for extra costs.
Location matters most when choosing a rental property—look for good Canadian
The advantages of home ownership can't be overstated, and it's a goal that many Canadians aim for. However, as a first-time home buyer, it can be tricky to understand just how much a new home will cost per month.
Most homebuyers focus only on the mortgage payment, which is a great start. However, owning a home will come with additional expenses like utilities, taxes, insurance, and maintenance.
Let's break down the REAL monthly costs of owning a home in Calgary and gain a clear understanding of what it will cost.
Mortgage Payments: Your Biggest Monthly Expense
Your mortgage payment will depend on three things: purchase price, down payment, and interest rate. Calgary real estate has different price points depending on what and where you're
You found the perfect house. Your offer got accepted. The inspection went well.
But now you're facing the final hurdle of buying a house: closing day. And you're probably wondering what exactly happens when you sign those papers and get your keys.
The truth is, home closing doesn't have to be scary. But it helps to know what's coming.
For general informational purposes only. Always consult with your real estate lawyer and agent if you have questions about your home closing.
Quick Closing Day Checklist (Save This)
Buyer closing checklist:
Schedule final pre-closing walkthrough (it should be no more than a day or two before closing day)
Bring a bank draft or certified cheque for down payment and closing costs (amount will be
"How old do I need to be to buy a house?" This common question has both a legal answer and a practical one. While Canadian law sets minimum age requirements for entering binding contracts like mortgages, the reality of when most people can actually afford to buy is quite different.
In this guide, we'll cover the legal minimum ages across Canada, examine when most Calgarians actually purchase homes, analyze the advantages of buying a home at different life stages, and provide the context you need to decide when you should buy a home.
In the end, there's no "perfect age" to buy a house—it all depends on when you're financially ready and your life situation makes sense for homeownership.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a
Many townhouse owners worry their property might be hard to sell compared to detached houses. The truth is, selling a townhouse requires understanding what makes these properties unique.
To sell your townhouse quickly, you'll need to highlight what makes townhouse living great—like lower maintenance costs and access to amenities like a community pool. You'll also need to address buyer concerns head-on. Let's look at whether townhomes really are harder to sell and what you can do about it.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
Quick Takeaways About Selling Your Townhouse
Townhouses can be harder to sell than single-family homes
Getting a mortgage can be overwhelming. How do you choose the right loan product? Is the lowest payment always the best? How much money do you really save with a lower interest rate?
And what does “mortgage amortization” even mean, anyway?
Mortgage amortization is paying off your loan over time with regular payments split between principal and interest. Understanding this can help you manage your monthly payments and save on interest. Let’s talk about how amortization works.
For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.
What Is Amortization? Quick Guide
Mortgage amortization is the process of gradually repaying a loan through fixed
Thinking about buying a home in Calgary? One of the first things you need to understand is how property values change over time. This can make a BIG difference in your investment.
Most people buy homes for two reasons: to have a place to live and to build wealth. Let's break down how homes grow in value and what's happened in Calgary's market recently.
Real Estate Appreciation: What Calgary Buyers Need to Know
Real Estate Appreciation Basics: Property appreciation means your home increases in value over time, contributing significantly to long-term wealth.
Leverage Magnifies Returns: Using financing (like a mortgage) to buy property lets you earn higher percentage gains on a smaller upfront investment.
Buying a home is a large, long-term investment that deserves protection. Home insurance has many benefits and limitations, and can be somewhat difficult for people to understand, especially if they get it mixed up with a home warranty. With the answers to these questions, buyers will have a better idea of what to expect when they go shopping for home insurance.
What Is Home Insurance?
A home insurance policy covers personal property and structural damage caused by covered events.
A typical home insurance policy excludes events like floods, earthquakes, and criminal acts by the policy holder.
In the event of damage or loss, homeowners should act quickly by contacting their insurer, documenting everything, meeting the adjuster, and saving
Your credit score is one of the most important deciding factors when it comes to getting a mortgage and buying a home.
The truth is, your credit score matters A LOT when buying a home. But it’s not everything. It affects whether you get approved for a mortgage in the first place and how much interest you'll pay over time, so you’ll want to take time to prepare before buying a home. Now here's some good news—you don't need perfect credit to buy a house in Calgary.
In this guide, you'll learn the minimum credit score needed for different loan types, how mortgage lenders evaluate your application, and which mortgage options could work best for your situation. Whether you have a good credit score or a poor one, there's a path forward.
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