Buyers Checklist
What to sort out before you start viewing homes in Calgary
Before You Start Looking
Buying goes far more smoothly when the groundwork is done first. Work through these before you book your first showing and you will move faster than the people you are competing with.
Sort Out the Money
Get a real pre-approval, not a pre-qualification
Confirm where your down payment is coming from and that it is documented
Set aside closing costs on top — legal fees, registration, inspection, adjustments
Leave your credit alone — no new cars, cards or loans until you have possession
Know your monthly ceiling, not just your approval amount — they are rarely the same
Decide What You Actually Need
Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves, honestly — the list gets tested fast
Work out your real commute, at the time you would actually drive it
Check school catchments if they matter — they are not always the closest school
Decide on condo versus detached, knowing what condo fees do and do not cover
Visit shortlisted communities on a weekday evening and a weekend, not just once
Line Up Your People
A REALTOR® who works your target areas — before you visit any show home
A real estate lawyer, lined up early rather than scrambled for at the last minute
A home inspector you can book on short notice when a condition deadline is tight
Someone to review condo documents properly if a condo is on your list
Be Ready to Move
Good listings in the right price band do not sit. Have your pre-approval in hand, your deposit funds accessible, and your lawyer's details ready. The buyers who lose out are usually the ones who need three days to get organised once they find the right home.
Want This Walked Through?
Tell us where you are on the list and what you are stuck on. We will help you fill the gaps and let you know when you are actually ready to start looking — and when you are not yet.
GET HELP WITH YOUR CHECKLIST
