Questions I Get Asked a Lot

No, but it is strongly recommended. As a buyer, using a realtor costs you nothing. The seller pays the commission. What you get is someone who knows the contracts, the market, and the negotiation process. Going in without representation puts you at a real disadvantage.

Nothing out of your pocket. In Alberta, the seller pays the realtor commissions for both sides. You get full representation at no direct cost to you.

It varies quite a bit. From your first search to possession day, the typical timeline is 2 to 4 months. Getting pre-approved early speeds things up considerably. Once you have an accepted offer, closing usually takes 30 to 60 days.

A condition is a clause in your offer that lets you back out if certain things are not satisfied. The most common ones are financing (your mortgage gets approved) and inspection (the home passes a physical inspection). If a condition is not met within the agreed timeframe, you can walk away and get your deposit back.

Possession day is the day the property officially becomes yours. Your lawyer handles the transfer of funds and title, and once everything is registered you get the keys. It usually happens in the afternoon. I walk all my clients through what to expect so there are no surprises.

The minimum is 5% on homes up to $500K, and 10% on the portion between $500K and $999K. Anything under 20% requires CMHC mortgage insurance, which is added to your loan. Putting down 20% or more avoids that cost entirely.

The FHSA is a federal program that lets first-time buyers save up to $40,000 tax-free specifically for a home purchase. Contributions are tax-deductible and withdrawals for a qualifying home are tax-free. If you have not opened one yet, it is worth looking into right away since contributions need to be in the account before you buy.

Yes, always. Pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford, locks in your rate for 90 to 120 days, and shows sellers you are a serious buyer. In a competitive market, sellers will often choose an offer with pre-approval over one without it, even if the price is similar.

Yes. I am licensed in residential, commercial, and rural real estate, so whether you are buying a business property, an acreage outside the city, or a home in Calgary, I can help.