Buying your first home is exciting, and if you’re planning to settle in Calgary, you’ve picked a fantastic city! With its booming real estate market, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning views of the Rockies, Calgary offers something for everyone.
But let’s face it: buying a house can feel overwhelming—especially for first-time buyers. That’s where I come in. From preparing your finances to narrowing down the perfect neighborhood, I’m here to simplify the process and guide you every step of the way.
This guide will walk you through the entire process, step by step, and arm you with tips to make your home-buying journey as smooth as possible.
Step 1: Assess Your Finances
Before diving into listings, take a close look at your financial situation. Understanding your budget will save you from falling in love with a home outside your price range.
Here’s what to consider.
Down Payment
In Canada, the minimum down payment depends on the property’s price. For homes priced under $500,000, it’s 5%. If the price is between $500,000 and $1,000,000, the down payment increases to 10% for the portion above $500,000. For homes over $1,000,000, you’ll need 20% or more.
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Get pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers you’re serious and helps you narrow down your price range.
Closing Costs
Don’t forget about additional costs, like legal fees, home inspections, and land transfer taxes. These typically amount to 1.5% to 4% of the home’s purchase price.
Monthly Budget
Factor in your future mortgage payments, property taxes, and utility bills to ensure your new home fits your financial goals.
Step 2: Research Calgary’s Neighborhoods
Calgary is a city of diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique charm. Take some time to explore areas that align with your lifestyle and priorities.
Downtown Core: Ideal for young professionals who crave urban living and proximity to work.
Beltline: A hip, vibrant area with trendy cafes and nightlife—perfect for first-time buyers looking for a lively community.
Varsity and Brentwood: Known for their family-friendly vibes, excellent schools, and green spaces.
Mahogany: A newer suburban neighborhood featuring lakeside living and modern amenities.
Airdrie: A community 20 minutes north of Calgary, this up-and-coming town is growing faster than expected, and house prices are far more competitive than in Calgary.
Instead of relying solely on online research, consider spending your weekends exploring these neighborhoods in person. Take a stroll, enjoy a coffee at a local café, and imagine what your life might look like there.
Step 3: Find a Realtor You Trust
Once you’ve sorted out your finances and chosen your neighborhood, it’s time to dive into viewings and negotiations. Most home buyers and investors agree that finding a trusted realtor to act on your behalf is one of the most important steps. A knowledgeable and personable realtor like myself can simplify the entire process and ensure everything runs smoothly.
As a licensed realtor with a genuine passion for helping my clients find their perfect home, here’s what I can do for you:
Help you find homes that match your criteria.
Negotiate on your behalf to get the best price.
Guide you through paperwork and legalities.
Speed up the purchasing process.
I’ve spent years learning the ins and outs of Calgary’s real estate market, and my top priority is understanding what’s most important to you. Whether you’re taking your first steps into homeownership or looking for your next big opportunity, I’ll work through all the hurdles so you don’t need to!
Step 4: Start House Hunting
Now comes the fun part: searching for your dream home! Once you have the listings that fit your preferences, it’s time to start viewing.
Here are some tips to help you make the most of your search:
Make a Wishlist: List your must-haves (e.g., three bedrooms, backyard, proximity to public transit) and nice-to-haves (e.g., finished basement, mountain view)
Be Realistic: It’s rare to find a home that checks every box, so focus on what matters most.
Attend Open Houses: These are great opportunities to get a feel for the market and compare properties. With Calgary’s booming real estate market, there’s no shortage of open houses across the city and beyond!
Pro Tip: Take photos and notes at every house you visit to help you remember the details later.
Step 5: Make an Offer
When you find “The One,” it’s time to make an offer. While piles of paperwork and negotiations might seem intimidating at first, they’re much easier to tackle when you’re well-prepared and have solid financial backing.
Making an offer involves a few key steps to ensure everything goes smoothly. Start by determining your offer price based on comparable sales in the area and the home’s condition. Be sure to include conditions like financing approval, a satisfactory home inspection, and a review of the property’s status certificate (for condos).
Finally, be prepared to negotiate. Sellers might counter your offer, so stay flexible while keeping your budget in mind.
Step 6: Conduct a Home Inspection
A home inspection is a key step to uncover any hidden issues before finalizing your purchase. Working with a well-connected realtor can make this process even smoother. They often have relationships with trusted inspection companies and can help coordinate the inspection to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Hire a licensed inspector to check for:
Structural integrity
Roofing and plumbing issues
Electrical systems
Potential pest problems
It’s important to remember that if the inspection uncovers major issues, you have options: renegotiate the price to reflect the needed repairs or walk away from the deal entirely if it’s not the right fit.
Step 7: Finalize Your Mortgage
Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to finalize your mortgage. This is the part where you provide your lender with all necessary documents, including the signed purchase agreement and proof of income. They’ll prepare the mortgage terms and finalize your loan.
Getting a mortgage approval can sometimes feel like a lengthy process, so it’s essential to prepare your application with all the necessary documents upfront. As a seasoned realtor, I’m well-connected with highly reputable mortgage brokers and can help you find the right professional to streamline your application process and get things moving efficiently.
Step 8: Close the Deal
Closing day is the moment you’ve been working toward—the day you officially become a homeowner! It's a time to celebrate stepping into the next exciting chapter of your life.
During the final phase of purchasing your new home, you’ll sign important documents, including the mortgage agreement and deed transfer, and cover any closing costs, such as legal fees and land transfer taxes.
This phase typically takes a few days during the ‘conditional hold period’ to ensure all documents and funds are processed correctly.
Once the funds are transferred, you’ll receive the keys and officially call your new house a home!
Additional Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in Calgary
While the steps to homeownership are straightforward and easy to follow, preparing yourself with a few additional tips and insights can make the process even smoother.
Real estate markets can be unpredictable, so staying informed about local trends will help you navigate any unexpected changes with clarity and confidence.
Here are a few extra things you can do……
Understand Calgary’s Market Trends
In 2025, Calgary’s real estate market remains competitive. While higher inventory levels are creating more balanced conditions, demand for affordable homes is still strong.
Keep an eye on monthly market updates to stay informed.
To make it simple for you, you can sign up here for my monthly market updates to stay informed about key information that could influence your purchasing decisions!
Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Programs
The Canadian government offers several programs to make homeownership more accessible:
First-Time Home Buyer Incentive: A shared-equity mortgage program where the government contributes up to 10% of the purchase price.
Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP): Allows you to withdraw up to $60, 000 from your RRSP tax-free to buy your first home.
GST/HST New Housing Rebate: Provides a partial rebate on the GST or HST paid for a new home.
Plan for Calgary’s Unique Weather
Calgary’s cold winters and occasional hailstorms mean you’ll want a home with reliable insulation and roofing. Ask about the property’s heating system and any weather-resistant upgrades.
Don’t Rush
Buying a home is a major decision, so take your time. If you don’t find the right property immediately, be patient. The perfect home is worth waiting for.
Your Calgary Home Awaits
Buying your first home in Calgary can feel daunting, but with the right preparation and guidance, it’s a rewarding experience. By following this guide, you’ll be ready to navigate the process confidently and find a home you’ll love for years to come.
If you have questions or need expert help, reach out to me. I’m here to make your home-buying journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible.