FAQ

In Canada the minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 of the purchase price and 10% of the portion between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Homes priced at $1.5 million or more need at least 20% down. With less than 20% down, the mortgage has to be insured (CMHC or a private insurer), and the premium is added to your loan. The best first step is a mortgage pre-approval, so you know your budget before you start viewing homes.

Yes. First-time buyers can save for a down payment tax-free in a First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and may withdraw RRSP savings under the Home Buyers' Plan. Insured mortgages for first-time buyers can also be amortized over up to 30 years. Rules and limits change, so confirm the current details with your bank or mortgage specialist; Kateryna can introduce you to trusted local professionals.

Alberta has no land transfer tax. Instead, buyers pay Land Titles registration fees for the transfer and the mortgage, which are much lower. Also plan for legal fees, a home inspection, title insurance if your lender requires it, property tax and condo fee adjustments, and moving costs. Many buyers set aside about 1.5% of the price for closing costs; Kateryna will help you estimate the numbers for a specific home.

In most Calgary resale transactions the buyer's agent is paid from the commission agreed with the seller, so buyers usually do not pay their agent directly. Before you start, Kateryna goes over a written service agreement with you, so the terms are clear from day one and there are no hidden fees.

With a pre-approval in hand, many buyers find the right home within a few weeks, depending on the market and how specific the wish list is. After an offer is accepted there are usually several business days to remove conditions such as financing and inspection, and possession typically happens 30 to 60 days later, as agreed between buyer and seller.

Most buyers include financing and a home inspection condition. Condo buyers also add a review of the condominium documents: bylaws, financial statements, the reserve fund study and board minutes. Kateryna will advise which conditions make sense in the current market so your offer is both safe and competitive.

With a condo you own your unit and share ownership of the common property with other owners. Monthly condo fees cover building maintenance, insurance of the building and contributions to the reserve fund. Reviewing the condo documents before your offer becomes firm helps you spot special assessments, underfunded reserves or rules (pets, rentals) that may not fit your plans.

Kateryna prepares a comparative market analysis: recent sales, active and expired listings of similar homes in your community, adjusted for the condition, size and upgrades of your home. Pricing correctly from day one attracts the most buyers and usually leads to a faster sale at a stronger price.

Declutter, deep-clean, fix small things like dripping taps or loose handles, and consider fresh neutral paint where needed. Most buyers see your home online first, so professional photos matter. Kateryna will walk through your home with you and suggest the few improvements that give the best return.

It depends on the community, the price range and the season. When you meet, Kateryna shares current days-on-market figures for homes like yours, so you can plan your move with realistic timelines.

It depends on your budget, commute, schools and lifestyle. Newer southern communities such as Mahogany, Legacy and Sundance are popular with families for their lakes, parks and schools, while inner-city areas like the Beltline and Eau Claire suit buyers who want to walk to work, restaurants and the river. Kateryna can prepare a shortlist of communities that match your priorities.

Book a free consultation. Kateryna will listen to your plans, explain the process step by step and prepare a clear plan for buying or selling. There is no obligation.