2024 BUYERS GUIDE
USE A TEAM WITH OVER 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE TO WORK FOR YOU !
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Purchasing real estate can be tremendously exciting, so it’s important that everything is done right. In addition to ensuring that no surprises arise, we also make sure that you understand what you are signing. We are there to support you and as your real estate professional walk you through what will probably be one of the biggest and most rewarding decisions of your life.
Here is our brief guide to Home Buying in Calgary and Area. As well as using our guide we suggest that you have legal advice before moving forward with any transaction and we are here to suggest various legal council lawyers to choose from who would be happy to answer any legal concerns.
Our experience is based on over 22 years working in Calgary and Area Real Estate, and recognised by The Institute of Luxury Home Marketing in 2010 with a Certified Guild Membership based on proven sales and service.
This website has all you will need to find the home you are looking for, with a Real Time Data feed from IDX updated twice a day. Your search will not include sold homes, just those available to be shown, but you can request Sold statistics for any areas you are interested in.
All experienced Real Estate Professionals require a client relationship because it allows them to provide the full range of services that buyers need and deserve. It is important that you find someone you feel completely comfortable with, who you can trust, and who listens to you and respects your views.
Market knowledge and expertise are what we specialise in, but at the end of the day, it's your home and your investment, so we have to be a good fit! We would be happy to discuss representation with you.
Like in so many professions, reputation and word-of-mouth are crucial. Indeed, for our client base agent and past client referrals account for about 75% of our business.
OUR PART IN THE PROCESS!
There are many good reasons to work with a qualified real estate professional — especially a trained professional with industry designations. In a formalised agency relationship, you can expect your buyer's representative to:
1) Provide you with the highest standard of care and service as our client
2) Understand you specific needs and lifestyle wants, and locate appropriate properties.
3) Assist you in determining how much you can afford
4) Help you get pre-approved with your mortgage lender
5) Show you homes that only fit you criteria
6) Adhere to a strict code of ethics and your licensed realtor
A mortgage lender will come up with some close-to-final numbers, presenting you with a preliminary figure for pre-approval. Now you should prepare a thorough and realistic checklist of your current household budget, say, if you're renting an apartment and your expected budget in your prospective new home. You'd be surprised how some new items — such as additional insurance or costs for general repairs — can add to your expenditures as a homeowner. Make sure you take all of these items into consideration when calculating your mortgage affordability.
THE IMPORTANCE OF NOT OVERSPENDING
Real estate experts cite overbuying as one of the most common mistakes buyers make. Many people spend more on their new home than they can afford. Months later they may realise that their purchase has left them "house poor" with no money left to contribute to savings, other necessities, or even rainy day funds. So be honest and realistic with your mortgage calculations, as well as the importance of getting pre-approved for a mortgage, since it can actually protect you from going overboard.
COSTS OF HOME OWNERSHIP
In this buyers guide we explain from deposits to moving expenses, and everything in between, what buying a home involves, more than just a down payment. That may be the largest cost, but there are other things you'll need to plan and budget for.
YOUR DEPOSIT
This is the step you take when you're ready to make an offer to purchase. Let's say you've viewed a selection of properties with us, found one you like, and are ready to get serious about purchasing the property. At this point, you will need to put down a deposit; the amount depends on the purchase price of the home. The deposit is held in the trust account of the listing brokerage for the condition period. When it becomes a firm sale after you are satisfied with all conditions being met (waiver time) the deposit is deducted from your total purchase price and is considered part of your down payment.
YOUR DOWN PAYMENT
Generally speaking, the larger a down payment you're able to make, the better, because that means you'll have to borrow less. But you also don't want to leave yourself so cash-poor you can't cover all of the other costs that come with closing a sale.
The minimum amount you can put down is 5% of the purchase price, assuming that you have made an offer to purchase and all conditions have been met.
For example, a $300,000 property would require a minimum down payment of 5%: $15,000; however, if your down payment is less than 20%, which is the case for many first-time home buyers, you will also need mortgage loan insurance.
MORTGAGE LOAN INSURANCE
If your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price of your home, you are required to have mortgage loan insurance, also known as high-ratio mortgage insurance. It protects your lender — not you — in case you default on your mortgage. Premiums are calculated as a percentage of the amount you put down, changing at the 5%, 10% and 15% thresholds but there is no break for anything in between. Premiums range from 0.5% to 3% and increase if you are self-employed.
So, to buy a $250,000 condo with a 5% down payment of $12,500, a premium of 2.75% on the borrowed amount of $237,500 would total about $6,500. You can pay this in one lump sum or, as many first-time buyers choose to do, you can add it to your mortgage loan amount. This type of insurance is mandatory for high-ratio mortgages, and is only offered through two carriers: CMHC and Genworth Financial.
LAND TRANSFER TAX
Most provinces have such a tax, though it may have a slightly different name (such as property purchases tax), and the rates vary. Alberta, Saskatchewan, and parts of Nova Scotia do not have Land Transfer Tax (LTT) at all, while other provinces use a tiered system. In the tiered systems, the rate varies depending on the purchase price of the house. Your Mortgage lender or your lawyer can advise what the rate would be for the area you're considering buying in.
THE APPRAISAL FEE
Your mortgage lender will likely require an appraisal to ensure the property is worth what you are offering. The reason is two-fold: it prevents you from borrowing more than a property is actually worth, which might apply in cases where multiple would-be buyers enter into a bidding war; and it protects the lender from lending out more than the home's value, which becomes critical should you default on the mortgage. If a lender has to foreclose, they want to be able to recoup the entire loan amount, as well as the costs of foreclosing. The fee for such an appraisal at the time of putting together our buyers guide is typically between $250 and $350, most banks will provide one of their appraisers and cover this cost.
HOME INSPECTION
You wouldn't buy a used car without having a trusted mechanic perform an inspection for you, and a house is no different. Don't even think about buying a home without first having a proper inspection done. In fact, your lender may insist on one to verify the condition of the home.
It's an excellent way to learn as much as you can about the various systems in the home, from the furnace and plumbing to the electrical and roofing. The inspection may identify some repairs that are essential, which we can either negotiate into the purchase price or insist be completed before you proceed with the deal.
The cost of an inspection starts from $350.00 and depends on the size, condition, and age of the property. But this is money well spent, and is an expense that you simply cannot, and should not, avoid.
PROPERTY INSURANCE
Your Alberta mortgage lender will require you to have property insurance in place on closing day. Since the property is actually the security against the loan amount, the lender wants to make sure insurance is in place to cover the cost of replacing the home, and its contents, should something happen.
The fees for insurance vary, since they depend on the value of the property. Insurance has become a very competitive business in recent years, with new companies entering the market, offering different products and options. Consider using the services of a broker, whose job is to find customers the best deal possible among the companies they represent. You may also be able to get a discount if you use the same company you have your other insurance policies with.
MORTGAGE LIFE INSURANCE
Mortgage loan insurance should not be confused with mortgage life insurance, which protects you in the event something happens to you. This type of insurance might be suitable for a young couple or family where there is only one breadwinner, for example. Costs are usually much cheaper than loan insurance. Obtaining life insurance instead of mortgage life insurance is the best bet.
LEGAL FEES
Legal fees for buying real estate range in price, depend on your situation, and must be paid upon closing. When purchasing brand new condos, since such deals can involve more paperwork, the cost might be higher. We can provide you with a local lawyer if you don't already have a relationship with one.
TITLE INSURANCE
Title insurance is yet another type of insurance you will require. Your lawyer will advise you of this type of protection, which insures you against any defects of title to the property. For example, if the previous owners undertook major renovations of the property without proper permitting, you would be protected against any costs required to bring the house up to code.
Typically, at the time of putting together our buyers guide this one-time premium costs less than $500.
MOVING EXPENSES & SERVICE CONNECTIONS
When you're totalling up all the costs of buying your first home, don't forget to include moving expenses and connection fees and deposits for services, such as phone, electricity, and other utilities.
Moving expenses vary widely, depending on your personal circumstances and possessions. Reliability is key, and we can suggest a proven moving service that many of our clients have used.
If you do contract a moving company, do your homework well in advance, get referrals from ourselves or friends and do your own research. Rates and levels of service can vary widely among moving companies, as can insurance coverage, so give yourself lots of time to look into these matters.
SERVICES AND UTILITIES
Including your phone, electricity, cable TV, and other connections — make sure they are up and running for move-in date. Make sure you call well in advance to make these arrangements, and ask about all associated fees. For example, some utility companies may require a deposit, or charge other fees for new customers with whom they have no billing history.
It is likely you will need the services of a lender when purchasing your home. Once we understand your home purchase requirements we will recommend that you talk to a lender to determine your price range. Your lender will begin the process to pre-approve you for a mortgage, which will include verification of income and down payment (among other details).
Searching to find the right home is a process with us that you should undertake thoroughly and carefully, and you should be just as diligent in sourcing the best loan for you.
Over the past few years mortgage interest rates were historically low—but mortgage rates are now beginning to go up, so get to know your mortgage costs
Should you lock in a rate, or is a variable rate the better option? We have affiliate Mortgage companies we can suggest, who our clients have used before and were happy with their service and rates.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PRE-APPROVAL
Taking the important step of getting pre-approved affords you knowledge and confidence: you’ll know in advance exactly how much financing you qualify for, and you’ll be confident during your search knowing where you stand.
This is also likely the time when you will first be introduced to the often intimidating and complex world of mortgages. It’s critical you understand your options so you can make an informed decision that suits your personal circumstances.
When you meet with your financial representative, if there’s anything you don’t understand, ask. Ask lots of questions, and If you still don’t get it, ask again. This is not an area to take chances or to be shy, since how you structure your mortgage could amount to tens of thousands of dollars over the term of your loan.
If during this process you sense your lender representative isn’t patient in answering your questions, move on. The financial services industry is very competitive and, assuming you qualify for a mortgage, if one company doesn’t want your business, someone else will.
FIXED OR VARIABLE MORTGAGES
A fixed mortgage involves a fixed rate of interest over a specified period of time, known as the term. This provides a certain level of peace of mind, since you’ll know exactly what your monthly payments will be, which allows you to budget accordingly.
A variable mortgage, on the other hand, is just like it sounds: the interest rate fluctuates based on the market rates. This can be a good arrangement if rates are on the way down, but it also tests one’s nerves if rates begin to rise.
With rates being as low as they have been over the last couple of years, more and more home buyers are locking into fixed mortgages to take advantage of the low rates.
LONG VS SHORT TERM
The term of the mortgage refers to the life of the mortgage contract, typically anywhere from one to five years. At the end of the term, the mortgage becomes due and payable. In most cases, however, the lender and borrower negotiate a renewal for a new term, which also provides you the opportunity to change the terms of the mortgage if your circumstances change.
So, long versus short term is pretty self-explanatory. Generally speaking, if rates are low it might be a good idea to lock in for a long term. If rates are high, it may be advisable to choose a shorter term until you know how the rates are trending. If they begin to rise, you can consider locking in for a longer term.
OPEN vs CLOSED
This refers to how much flexibility you have to repay the mortgage, in full or with large lump-sum payments, at any time over the term without penalties.
However, you do pay for the flexibility. For example, open mortgages are usually available only for short terms, and the interest rate is often higher. The benefit is you have the freedom to make a large payment when you can.
Closed mortgages, on the other hand, often have lower rates, but you don’t offer the flexibility to make large one-time payments.
AMORTISATION
This is the period over which your mortgage is paid in instalments. In June 2012, the Canadian government outlined new rules limiting the maximum amortisation period at 25 years. For many first-time buyers, the period is usually 25 years. Generally speaking, the shorter your amortisation, the less interest you have to pay, but the larger your monthly payments will be. Most first-timers go for a long amortisation to keep payments as low as possible, since it’s their first experience with a mortgage.
With all of the above mortgage considerations, what you choose really depends on your own personal circumstances, preferences, and comfort level. Your mortgage specialist can walk you through a number of different scenarios with these variables, so you can see exactly what each change will cost you.
There are many products and services available in the industry today, so be sure to take your time and explore all your options.
SELLING YOUR CURRENT HOME
Here we can also help, and we need to make sure the selling of your current home gives you enough time to move into your next home. We have to co-ordinate possessions on both properties. Use our Mortgage Evaluation form below.
MAKING AN OFFER YOU CAN AFFORD
This is where the rubber meets the road — and where we earn our stripes. After weeks or months of searching and showing you homes that fir your criteria, we have finally found a home for you which you are ready to make an offer on.
It’s an exciting time, to be sure, but also one where emotions can easily come into play, particularly if you’ve found a home you love and really want.
We will help you keep your emotions in check! , balancing against the realities of the market. Think of it as a game of poker — you don’t want to be so excited that you tip your hand to the seller. Nor do you want to be too conservative and bid so low that you lose out.
We will of already advised you of the important step of getting pre-approved for a mortgage, you know exactly how much you can afford, and are less likely to get caught up in a bidding war that will carry you above your price point.
KEEPING YOUR EMOTIONS IN CHECK
If you’ve done your research, received mortgage pre-approval, and looked at a good selection of homes with us, you’re going to feel well prepared and in control. Sure, you may really love this one house and desperately want it, but you should also remember that there are likely others just like it, or better, out there. And if that voice of reason doesn’t pop into your head at negotiation time, we will help caution you against letting your emotions get carried away!
Of course, the interest and potential competition for a property depends on market conditions. If it’s a buyer’s market, you hold the cards and you’ll be confident in knowing there are other options out there.
If, however, it’s a seller’s market, acting fast to make an offer that you can afford and is acceptable to the seller is a combination of instinct, preparation, and our experience.
AVOIDING BIDDING WARS
Several factors are at play come offer time: price, which speaks for itself; inclusions, which cover exactly what is included in the deal, such as appliances; and other conditions such as closing date.
There are human relations to. If you make an offer the seller see’s as a low ball, for example, they may refuse to negotiate. After all, this is their home you’re buying, and quite often sellers are still emotionally attached, even though they are moving.
One of the most important tools we have when it comes time to make an offer is the comparable's from the Calgary MLS. These are excellent snapshot reports into the recent sales activity of similar — comparable — properties in the same neighbourhood. You can see important information such as original and adjusted asking prices, number of days on the market, listing agent history, and actual sold prices.
As a buyer once you have this information, weighed against the details of the home you’re making an offer for, you will feel tremendously empowered to make an informed decision, and less likely to enter into a bidding war.
So you've made a successful offer to purchase with us on the home of your dreams — or at least taken that important first step toward home ownership. Now what?
Well, now there's usually a bit of waiting, as closing periods typically take anywhere from several weeks to a few months. But there are some important things that need to happen right away.
YOUR LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
Once your offer has been accepted, there's usually a 10-day conditional period (Approx) , during which time you take all the necessary steps with regard to financing, home inspection, and everything else that needs to happen, before you officially seal the deal.
Your mortgage lender will need a copy of your offer to purchase to make sure everything is still in order and in keeping with your pre-approved level of financing.
CONDITION PERIOD
And as we discussed in buyer costs this is when the home inspection takes place. You should accompany the inspector throughout the process, which takes about three hours, he will identify any red flags and show you as much as possible about the various systems in the home. These will range from heating and plumbing to electrical and roofing. Importantly, the inspection may identify some repairs that need to be made, which may allow us to negotiate a lower price or insist that the repairs be made at the seller's expense before closing.
At the completion of the conditional period, with any adjustments or repairs made to your satisfaction, we will finalise the deal and your lawyer will process the paperwork, including the mortgage documents with your lender.
All of this would point to a final date of actual legal possession — the real closing day, when:
1) Your Mortgage Lender will provide funds over to your Lawyer
2) You pay all remaining closing costs
3) Your layer pays the seller and registers the home in your name
4) You have all your Insurance in place.
Whether it's weeks or months between finalising the deal and actually moving in, it's just a matter of planning your move: hiring a mover or renting a truck and doing it yourself; arranging services such as electricity and cable; rerouting your mail; and other moving essentials.
AFTER THAT? CONGRATULATIONS!!!
You've done it! And Welcome home! We hope you found our buyers guide helpful, please contact us for an initial discussion on how to move forward, and help us understand your needs and lifestyle.
We can put a detailed search together, including homes with your criteria that are about to come on the market. We look forward to our initial talk and working together
Stewart J (Stu) Biography/ Experience
Stu Lowe
Text or Call Anytime:
Direct: 403.850.0669
info@CalgaryDreamHomes.com
* We have provided a brief to help our buyer clients as always we suggest they take Legal advice and Mortgage advice when thinking of buying a home with us. We have various professionals that we can suggest in those fields of expertise.
