Q.What is the first step in buying a house?
Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This shows sellers you are a serious buyer and helps determine your budget. I Have Great Mortgage Brokers that I have Personally Vetted and I will connect you to them. 

 

Q.How long does it take to get pre-approved for a mortgage?

Getting pre-approved usually takes 1–3 days, depending on how quickly you provide your financial documents and how fast the lender processes them. Some lenders can give pre-approval almost instantly online, while others may take longer if they need to verify income, credit, and employment.

 

Q: I don't have a 20% down payment, can I still buy a home?

A: Yes! There are options available for buyers with less than 20% down. Let's discuss mortgage/ default insurance and how it can help you achieve your homeownership goals.

 

Q: I'm worried about the cost of Mortgage /default insurance, how much is it going to cost?

A: The cost of default insurance depends on the size of your down payment and the mortgage amount. I can provide you with my trusted Mortgage brokers that will  help you understand the costs involved.

 

Q.What is the best time of year to sell a house?Spring and early summer are often ideal because buyers are more active, but a well-priced home can sell any time.

 

Q. How do I avoid my home sitting on the market too long?
Price it competitively, stage it, ensure it’s clean, and work with an experienced agent to market it effectively.

 

Q. How do I price my home to sell quickly?
Analyze comparable sales, consider current demand, and price slightly below market value to attract more buyers and generate offers quickly.

 

Q. What if I don’t know any of the professionals I need to buy a home? Where do I even start?

That’s a common concern, and it’s why working with a knowledgeable realtor can make all the difference. A realtor who values their business and client experience typically has a network of vetted professionals :like mortgage brokers, home inspectors, lawyers, condo document reviewers, and contractors who they trust to provide top-quality service. Using these professionals ensures your transaction is smooth, communication is clear, and nothing falls through the cracks. Of course, you’re always welcome to use any professionals you prefer, but leveraging your realtor’s trusted network can save time, reduce stress, and make the process much more seamless.

 

Q. What is an RPR and do I need to get it prior to selling my home ?

A Real Property Report (RPR) is a legal survey of your property that shows exactly where your home, garage, deck, fences, and any other structures sit in relation to your property lines. In Calgary, it also needs a municipal compliance stamp confirming everything meets city bylaws. If you’re selling your home, having a current RPR with compliance is extremely important and in many cases, expected. It can absolutely make or break a deal. Without it, buyers may feel uncertain about potential issues and could walk away altogether. While title insurance can sometimes be used instead, most lawyers don’t recommend relying on it alone, and many buyers will still insist on a compliant RPR for peace of mind. The key is timing if your RPR is outdated or non-compliant, you may need to apply for a development permit or relaxation, which can take weeks. That’s why I always advise my clients to start this process early so we avoid delays, stress, or losing a great offer. 

Q. How do I get a RPR?

To get a Real Property Report (RPR), you’ll need to contact a licensed land surveyor there are many great companies right here in Calgary and surrounding areas. Make sure you confirm that they not only complete the RPR but will also submit it to the city for compliance on your behalf, as that’s a key part of the process.

In terms of cost, most homeowners in Calgary can expect to pay roughly $500 to $950 for a new RPR, depending on the size and complexity of the property, with an additional municipal compliance fee (for example, Calgary is about $189).
If you already have an older RPR, sometimes it can be updated for a lower cost but only if no major changes have been made.

If you have any questions about compliance issues, development permits, relaxation permits, or bylaws, your best resource is always your local municipality. In Calgary, you can simply dial 311, and they’ll guide you in the right direction.

Here are the main contacts for Calgary and surrounding areas:

• Calgary: 311
• Airdrie: 403-948-8400
• Chestermere: 403-272-9878
• Cochrane: 403-851-2500
• Okotoks: 403-938-8954
• Strathmore: 403-934-3133
• High River: 403-652-2110
• Rocky View County: 403-230-1401

Every municipality has slightly different bylaws and processes, so it’s always worth calling early—especially if there are any concerns with decks, fences, garages, or additions. Getting ahead of it can save you weeks of stress and can truly be the difference between a smooth sale and a delayed or collapsed deal.

 

 

Have questions about buying or selling a home? Email me with anything on your mind, and I’ll make sure to respond with helpful answers. I’m here to guide you every step of the way!