Buyer FAQ's

Pre-qualification is just an estimate of what you might afford, usually based on self-reported income and debt. Pre-approval is more serious. A lender reviews your credit, income, and documents. In Inner-City Calgary, pre-approval is crucial because homes often attract multiple offers, and sellers see pre-approved buyers as stronger candidates.

That depends on your income, debt, and down payment. Lenders use something called the gross debt service and total debt service ratios to calculate affordability. In practical terms, detached infills in places like West Hillhurst or Mount Pleasant often range from about $700,000 to $1.2M. Condos in Beltline or East Village can fall anywhere from $250,000 to $450,000. Getting pre-approved will show you exactly where you stand.

It really comes down to your lifestyle. If you want trendy cafes and nightlife, look at Mission, Beltline, Sunnyside, or Hillhurst. If schools and green space matter most, Altadore or Scarboro may be better. If you want walkability and culture, Inglewood or Bridgeland are great options. A good REALTOR® will help match your budget and lifestyle to the right inner-city neighborhood.

Don’t get distracted by finishes or staging. Focus on what you can’t change: location, lot size, or the way the home faces the sun. If you’re looking at condos, review the building’s upkeep, whether the developer has had any issues, and the amenities. Remember that more amenities usually mean higher condo fees. In Inner-City Calgary, you should also consider zoning and redevelopment potential because those can affect long-term value.

There isn’t a set number, but most buyers see between five and ten homes before making a decision. In fast-moving areas like Altadore, South Calgary, or Hillhurst, waiting too long can mean missing out. Trust your pre-approval, your REALTOR®, and your gut. If a property fits your lifestyle and budget, it may be worth moving on quickly.

Your REALTOR® will write up an offer that includes the price, deposit, possession date, and any conditions such as financing or inspection. In competitive neighborhoods like Altadore, making your offer stronger can mean being flexible on possession, keeping conditions short, and putting down a larger deposit.

Once your offer is accepted, the home is under contract. You’ll have to meet any conditions such as securing financing, completing the inspection, or reviewing condo documents. Once those conditions are removed, the sale is considered firm. After that, you simply prepare for possession. In Inner-City Calgary, possession usually happens within 30 to 60 days, depending on the negotiations.

A home inspection helps identify potential issues with the property, such as problems with the structure, plumbing, electrical systems, or the roof. Keep in mind that inspectors can only assess what they can see, so it’s a visual inspection. In older inner-city neighborhoods like Renfrew or Ramsay, inspections are especially valuable because of things like older wiring, foundations, sewer lines, or additions. Even with new infills, an inspection helps ensure the construction was done properly.

You have a few options. You can negotiate repairs, ask for a price reduction, or walk away if your offer was conditional on inspection. I usually recommend a price reduction instead of letting the seller handle repairs because their standard of work may not match yours.

Yes, in most cases you do. While it isn’t legally required, most lenders want it. Title insurance protects you from things like fraud, defects in the property title, or problems with surveys. In Inner-City Calgary, where infills, laneway homes, and rezoning are common, title insurance gives you important peace of mind.