Calgary Home Buying Checklist

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.