Calgary Home Buyers Guide
Have you decided to buy a house in Calgary but not sure where to start? If you want an edge in a highly competitive market, I suggest you partner with a Calgary real estate expert. While there are many Calgary REALTOR® s who come and go during the good times or bad, but only a few can truly be called experts. Don't be afraid to ask qualifying questions to your agent before you decide to commit. Below are some details which may help you through the buying process.
Putting it down
According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), for insured mortgage loans, The minimum down payment that can be made is 5% of the purchase price of a single-family home under $500,000. Anything over $500,000 will require 10% down up to the $1M price points, and then 50% down over the $1M price range.
You have options!
According to CMCH, traditional sources of down payment include:
- Applicant’s savings
- RRSP withdrawal
- Funds borrowed against proven assets
- Sweat equity- i.e. unpaid labour resulting in increased property value vs. a financial contribution (<50% of min. required equity)
- Land unencumbered
- Proceeds from the sale of another property
- A non-repayable gift from an immediate relative
- Equity grant (non-repayable grant from the federal, provincial or municipal agency)
Non-traditional sources of a down payment are not directly tied to the purchase or sale of the property and include:
- Borrowed funds
- Gifts
- 100% sweat equity
- Lender cashback incentives
Consider your cash flow
If your down payment is under 20%, you will need a high-ratio mortgage. This requires mortgage loan insurance to protect the lender against borrower default. CMHC may provide the insurance and the insurance premium will be added to your mortgage.
CMHC Premium Guidelines
Loan-to-Value | The premium on Total Loan | The premium on Increase to Loan Amount for Portability |
---|---|---|
Up to and including 65% | 0.60% | 0.60% |
Up to and including 75% | 1.70% | 5.90% |
Up to and including 80% | 2.40% | 6.05% |
Up to and including 85% | 2.80% | 6.20% |
Up to and including 90% | 3.10% | 6.25% |
Up to and including 95% | 4.00% | 6.30% |
If your down payment is 20% or more of the home’s purchase price or market value (whichever is less), CMHC states you could qualify for a conventional mortgage which may have no premium. In some more rare circumstances, the lender may wish to insure the mortgage.
Agents await you...
As a buyer, working with a real estate agent doesn't cost you anything. Sellers pay the agent a commission when the home is purchased. An agent can help you find the home of your dreams and provide valuable resources in addition to information along the way. It is our job to answer all your questions and provide guidance.
Let's go shopping
One of the most important decisions of your life will likely be finding the right place to call home. You can search through a wide array of properties by using The Calgary MLS® system. It will keep you updated on the newest homes as they hit the market.
When we are out looking at properties, I will provide guidance regarding the pros and cons of homes you are considering. We can narrow down specific areas, property types and details. Feel free to be as selective as you’d like about the number of bedrooms you desire in your new home, its proximity to downtown and whether you’d like a swimming pool. You deserve the best value for your dollar!
- I will use the latest technology to keep you up-to-date on properties that interest you and include photos, videos, virtual tours and floor plans.
- Once you narrow down what you want, we will arrange times to view homes of interest based on your schedule.
An offer no one could refuse
I will have an “Offer to Purchase” form readily available when the time comes! It only takes about 30 minutes to complete offer documents and begin the process.
Keep in mind your best offer isn’t written first unless we are competing in Multiple Offers. Together, we will evaluate your prospective home’s value until we come to an agreement. It is then the offer can be drawn up! Your offer includes conditions that will protect you. Below, are some of the most common conditions presented in offers:
- Home Inspection Condition
- Home Financing Condition
- Condo Document Review Condition ( Condo Buyers Guide)
Let's make it official
Once all conditions have been met, the documents will be sent to a lawyer of your choice for signing. I’m happy to provide you with a real estate lawyer list if you don’t know where to search. You will be contacted by the law office about a week prior to possession in order to sign a contract. You’ll be notified ahead of time with the exact down payment and legal fee amounts owed.
Ready... set...
You will need to set a date to move in! If you purchased a condo, the date must be cleared with the building company. When preparing for the big day, take care of the following:
- Make arrangements to hire movers and/or rent a truck
- Set up utilities such as electric, gas, internet, TV and other services in your name
- Complete an address change
The day has arrived!
Congratulations! The date that you have been waiting for is finally here– move-in day.
On the chosen date, we will meet on the property for a personal inspection. Once all payments are received by the seller, keys will be released. Should any issues arise, you will be immediately contacted. Congratulations, give yourself a pat on the back! You’re a proud new homeowner.
After you’re settled in, I’ll contact you to make sure you’re content. If you have any questions or concerns, I’ll address them promptly.
Now that you have a better idea of how to buy a house in Calgary, you can start searching for that lovely new lifestyle with confidence!
We have and we will continue to recommend your services to our friends and family.
Thanks again, Shaunna & Matthew
During our viewings, Tyler's experience was invaluable as he not only gave his unbiased and professional opinion on each home, but he also gave ideas as to how much certain renovations would cost etc.
You cannot go wrong with Tyler and we will be recommending him and his team to anyone we know looking to buy or sell! We look forward to working with him again in the future. Thanks again Tyler!!