Free buyer guide · Calgary

Buying in Calgary? Here’s the order I’d do it in

Buying a home is the biggest purchase most people make, and it’s easy to get distracted by the fun part. Money first, homes second. Use what fits and skip what doesn’t.

Search Calgary homes → Call or text 403-710-1399

Your checklist

0of 0 done

Tick things off as you go. Start at the top.

A note from me

I’m Rana. I help people buy in Calgary, from first-time buyers to investors picking up legal suites and duplexes. The biggest mistakes I see aren’t about finding the home. They’re about the money, the paperwork and the things you don’t notice at a showing.

That’s what this page is about. If you’d rather talk it through, call or text me and we’ll figure out where you stand.

Rana MatturiREALTOR® · eXp Realty · Calgary

01 —

Start with the money

Before you fall for anything.

Get pre-approved firstA lender or mortgage broker tells you what you can borrow and holds a rate, often 90 to 120 days. It also tells sellers you’re serious.
Pick your own numberWhat the bank approves and what you’re comfortable paying each month are two different things. Work out yours, with tax, insurance and utilities.
Get the down payment confirmedThe minimum depends on the price and on federal rules. Ask your lender for the exact figure so you’re not guessing.
Plan for closing costsLegal fees, title insurance, inspection, appraisal, adjustments. Alberta has no land transfer tax, which helps, but plan for a few thousand dollars on top.
Ask about first-time programsFHSA, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, the GST rebate on new builds. Rules change, so check the current terms or ask me.
Keep your finances boringNo new car loan, no job switch, no big purchases until you have the keys. Lenders check again before they fund.

02 —

Figure out what you actually need

The list matters more than the listing.

Must-haves and nice-to-havesBedrooms, parking, yard, a basement suite. Know which ones are non-negotiable before you start looking.
Pick the property typeDetached, duplex, townhome or condo. Each one comes with different costs and rules. Condos add monthly fees and shared decisions.
Compare communities properlyCommute, schools, parks, transit, what’s being built nearby. The free Community Fit Finder on this site lets you compare them side by side.
Ask about the suiteA legal suite can help you qualify and bring in rent. A non-legal one might not. Ask for the permit, not just a promise.
New build or resaleNew gets you a warranty and today’s layout. Resale gets you an established street. Builder promotions can change the math, so ask.

03 —

Search like you mean it

Good homes go fast when they’re priced right.

Set up alertsNew listings land in your inbox right away. No need to refresh all day.
Look at sold pricesWhat similar homes actually closed for tells you what a fair offer looks like. I’ll pull them for any community.
Watch for dealsPrice drops, below-market homes, builder clearances, back-on-market listings. That’s often where there’s room to negotiate.
Book showings in batchesSee several homes in one trip so you can compare them while they’re fresh. Take photos and notes.
Look past the stagingRoof, windows, furnace, water stains, grading. In Calgary, ask about hail damage too.

04 —

Write an offer that wins

Price matters, but terms often decide it.

Know the market firstRecent sales, how long homes take, how many offers similar ones get.
Think about deposit and conditionsUsually financing and inspection, plus document review on a condo. Each one protects you, so don’t drop one just to look stronger.
Use the possession dateA date that works for the seller can be worth more than a small price bump.
Plan for multiple offersDecide your limit before you walk in, not in the room.
Read the condo documentsBylaws, financials, reserve fund study, estoppel certificate. They tell you how the building is run and whether special assessments are likely.

05 —

Inspect, close, move in

The offer is accepted. Now protect it.

Book the inspectionAsk about the roof, furnace, hot water tank, electrical, plumbing and any sign of past water or hail damage.
Let your lawyer check the title and the RPRThey confirm who owns it, what’s registered against it, and that the buildings match the survey and City compliance.
Arrange insurance earlyYour lender needs proof before closing. Ask about hail and water coverage.
Do the final walkthroughMake sure it’s in the condition you agreed to, repairs are done, and included items are still there.
Plan the moveUtilities, internet, change of address. Keep your closing funds ready with your lawyer before possession day.

Straight talk

Where I see buyers lose money

Shopping before pre-approval. You fall for a home you can’t finance, or lose it to someone who’s ready.
Stretching to the maximum. Approved and comfortable aren’t the same thing, especially once taxes and repairs show up.
Skipping the inspection or condo documents. A few hundred dollars saved can become a five-figure surprise.
Assuming a suite is legal. It can limit financing, insurance and resale. Always ask for the permit.

Next step

Let’s find your Calgary home

Tell me your budget and the areas you like. I’ll send you homes that fit and a clear plan for what comes next.

Search Calgary homes → Find my community Call or text 403-710-1399

Rana Matturi, REALTOR® · eXp Realty · 700 - 1816 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary, AB T2M 3Y7. General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Talk to your lawyer, accountant and lender about your situation. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers under contract with another brokerage.