# Calgary Home Buying Checklist

A step-by-step checklist for buying a home in Calgary, from mortgage pre-approval to possession day.

General information for Alberta, last reviewed November 2026. It is not legal, tax or mortgage advice.

## Before you start looking

- Check your credit report and fix any errors.
- Add up your down payment. In Canada the minimum is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the rest, and 20% for homes of $1.5 million or more.
- Set aside money for closing costs: lawyer, home inspection, title insurance, property tax adjustments and moving.
- Get a mortgage pre-approval in writing and ask how long the rate is held.
- List what you need (bedrooms, commute, schools, parking) apart from what you would like.

## Choosing who helps you

- Meet your REALTOR® and read the written service agreement before signing. Alberta requires one.
- Choose an Alberta real estate lawyer early. A lawyer handles the closing in Alberta.
- Line up a home inspector so you can book quickly when you find a home.

## Finding the home

- Set up a search for the Calgary communities and price range that fit.
- Visit at different times of day and check the commute.
- For a condo, ask about condo fees, the reserve fund, parking, pets and any special assessments.
- Compare the asking price with similar homes that sold nearby. Ask Derek Little for these.

## Making an offer

- Decide on price, possession date, deposit and what is included (appliances, window coverings).
- Add the conditions you need, such as financing, home inspection and condo document review.
- Have the deposit ready. It is held in trust and goes toward your purchase.

## After your offer is accepted

- Send the accepted contract to your mortgage lender right away.
- Book the home inspection inside your condition period.
- For a condo, have the documents reviewed: bylaws, financial statements, reserve fund study and meeting minutes.
- Review the Real Property Report or title insurance with your lawyer.
- Remove your conditions in writing before the deadline, or the purchase does not go ahead.

## Before possession day

- Arrange home insurance to start on possession day. Your lender will ask for proof.
- Meet your lawyer to sign and bring the rest of your down payment.
- Set up electricity, natural gas, water and internet in your name.
- Book movers or a truck, and the elevator if it is a condo.
- Do the walk-through before possession to check the home is as agreed.

## Possession day

- Keys are usually released around noon once the money has transferred.
- Check that every included item is there and working.
- Change the locks and update your address.

## Questions about your Calgary move?

Derek Little, REALTOR® with REMAX House of Real Estate, answers them personally. [Call 403-690-4960](tel:+14036904960)[Text 403-690-4960](sms:+14036904960)

[Ask Derek a question](https://calgaryremax.com/contact/)

## More Calgary home guides

- [**Calgary Home Selling Checklist** A checklist for selling a home in Calgary: paperwork, getting it ready, showings, offers and closing.](https://calgaryremax.com/resources/calgary-home-selling-checklist/)
- [**Calgary Moving Checklist** A moving checklist for Calgary: what to do eight weeks out, the week before, on moving day and after.](https://calgaryremax.com/resources/calgary-moving-checklist/)
- [**Calgary Real Estate Questions and Answers** Plain answers to common questions about buying and selling a home in Calgary, Alberta.](https://calgaryremax.com/resources/calgary-real-estate-questions/)

REMAX House of Real Estate · Listing data from CREA's DDF®. REALTOR®, REALTORS®, and the REALTOR® logo are certification marks that are owned by REALTOR® Canada Inc. and licensed exclusively to The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). These certification marks identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA and who must abide by CREA’s By-Laws, Rules, and the REALTOR® Code. The MLS® trademark and the MLS® logo are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.