Buying Tips

You've made an offer on a Calgary home. The seller accepted. Your mortgage broker is moving fast. And then, somewhere in the process, someone mentions a "home appraisal," and suddenly there's a new number on the table that could change everything.

What is a home appraisal? Why does your lender need it? And what happens if it doesn't come back the way you hoped?

Here's what every Canadian homebuyer, seller, and homeowner refinancing should know.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick Facts About the Appraisal Process

• Your lender bases your mortgage on the lower of the appraised value or the purchase price
• Appraisals

Moving is genuinely hard. Researchers have studied this for decades, and the conclusion is always the same: relocating disrupts nearly every part of your daily life at once, and that’s stressful even for people who normally thrive on change.

The good news is that most moving stress is manageable. This guide covers practical steps to reduce stress at every stage of your move, from the first cardboard box to settling into your new neighbourhood. Much of it comes down to timing, planning, and knowing what to expect.

How to Cope With the Stress of Moving: A Checklist

Screenshot this or send it to whoever you're moving with.

• Start planning at least 8 weeks out. A moving timeline and checklist help.
• Declutter before you pack—less stuff

Buying or selling a home is probably the biggest financial transaction of your life. And somewhere in that process, tens of thousands of dollars quietly change hands in the form of real estate commissions—money many buyers and sellers don't fully understand.

Here's everything you need to know about how real estate commissions work in Canada.

10 Key Facts About Real Estate Commissions

• Commission is a real estate fee that pays for the services of a listing agent and/or buyer's agent.
• Total commission for both agents varies by province, but is often in the 4–5% range.
• Commissions are subject to GST or HST, depending on the province.
• The total commission is split between both agents and their respective brokerages.
• The commission

Thinking about buying your first home, or looking to simplify after years of shovelling driveways and patching roofs? For many Canadians, buying a condo is the answer. But it's also a purchase that surprises people in ways they didn't expect.

Monthly fees. Condo board rules. Reserve fund shortfalls. These may or may not be dealbreakers, but they're definitely things you need to understand before you sign anything.

This guide walks you through everything: what condo ownership actually means, how it compares to buying a house, what to watch for financially, and how to figure out whether condo life fits your situation.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate

You found a house you love. The listing looks right. But how do you know whether the price is fair or if you're about to overpay by $40,000?

That's exactly what real estate comps are for.

Whether you're buying your first home in Calgary, pricing a property to sell, or just trying to make sense of what your neighbourhood is worth, real estate comps are the most grounded tool you have. They replace guesswork with real data.

Here's what comps are, why they matter, and how to find them in Canada.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Quick Comps Checklist for Buyers and Sellers

• Comps = recently sold homes similar to the one you're

You found the perfect house. Your offer got accepted. But now you're staring at closing day on your calendar. You've never done this before—what actually happens at the closing table?

This guide walks you through the entire home-closing process in Canada, covering both buyer and seller perspectives. You'll learn what to expect, what to bring, what you'll pay, and how to avoid common problems that can delay your big day.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed real estate professional for advice tailored to your specific transaction.

Quick Closing Day Checklist (Save This)

For Buyers:

• Review your lawyer's statement of adjustments.
• Arrange closing funds (certified cheque or wire transfer).
• Schedule

Buying your first home is already expensive. Now the federal government is taking one big cost off your plate.

As of March 12, 2026, first-time homebuyers in Canada can officially get a GST rebate on new homes worth up to $1.5 million. That's up to $50,000 back in your pocket, just for being a first-time buyer.

Already bought? This new law is retroactive and applies to any home sale entered on or after March 20th, 2025.

Here's what you need to know: what the First-Time Homebuyer GST rebate is, how it works, and who can apply.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with an attorney, tax, or financial advisor before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

What Is the GST Rebate, Exactly?

When you buy a brand-new home, you

In Calgary, the minimum down payment for a home depends on its price: 5% for properties up to $500,000, 10% for any portion above that, and 20% for homes over $1.5 million. Additionally, buyers making a down payment of less than 20% must also obtain mortgage insurance, typically through CMHC. Here's what you need to know about making a down payment on homes for sale in Calgary.

For informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed mortgage or home loan professional before proceeding with any real estate transaction.

Down Payment Overview

• In Calgary, the minimum down payment is 5% for homes up to $500,000, increasing to 10% for amounts above that and 20% for homes priced at $1.5 million or more.
• Mortgage loan insurance is

Moving to a different home is both exciting and stressful, and when people decide to pack up and move, they can quickly get overwhelmed. Fortunately, with a proper timeline and a good calendar, it's possible to take much of the stress out of relocating or buying a new home. Here's a moving timeline that can help.

Start Preparing As Early As Possible

You can start preparing for a move even before you have a firm moving date. As soon as you know you're going to move, complete tasks like:

• Locating important documents
• Returning borrowed items
• Settling outstanding bills at local businesses
• Starting an item inventory
• Discarding items you know you won't be taking, selling, or giving away
• Donating/selling items you know

Your property tax bill probably isn't your favourite piece of mail, but understanding how it works can save you money and help you spot mistakes before they cost you.

Property taxes fund the services that keep the city of Calgary running—from snow removal and fire protection to parks and public transit. Every property owner pays, but not everyone knows how their bill gets calculated or what to do if something looks wrong.

Here's what you need to know about Calgary property taxes, from how they're calculated to when you should consider an appeal.

For general informational purposes only. If you have questions about your specific assessment, call the City of Calgary before the review period deadline.

Calgary Property Tax Rates (Tax Year 2025)