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Hey Jason: How to Buy a House in Calgary?
Published August 2026 · By Jason Todd, Calgary REALTOR® · Southeast Calgary
Fair question. Buying a home in Calgary is more than clicking through listings. Here is the checklist.
In July 2026, Calgary had 1,818 MLS® sales. The middle sale price was about $571,000. Homes took about 31 days on market (median). Know your budget before you start looking. It saves time.
Watch the buying process video
Buying checklist
□ 1. Get pre-approved
Call a mortgage broker first. Do not shop until you know your number.
- Go over your budget with your broker
- Send all the papers they ask for
- Get a written pre-approval letter
- The Mortgage Calculator is a starting point. Your broker gives you the real number
□ 2. Choose your REALTOR®
Look for reviews and a real website. Call a couple of agents. Go with the one that feels right.
□ 3. Sign the buyer papers
- Consumer Relationship Guide — how we work together
- FINTRAC — ID check (required by law)
- Exclusive Buyer Agreement — how your agent helps you buy
□ 4. Write your want-and-need list
Be clear before you tour:
- Beds and baths
- Garage or no garage
- School or work drive
- Must-haves vs nice-to-haves
I set up a saved search for areas like McKenzie Towne, Mahogany, Seton, Cranston, and Auburn Bay.
□ 5. Tour homes
Walk through as many as you can stomach. Seeing homes side by side helps you know what they are worth. Browse live listings on Calgary MLS Search.
□ 6. Write the offer
When you find the one, we write an Offer to Purchase. Common conditions:
- Home inspection
- Financing approval
Not sure what to offer? See What Is My Home Worth? for how sold comps work.
□ 7. Inspection and financing
Offer accepted? Book the inspection. Your lender finishes the mortgage. Lift conditions when both are good.
□ 8. Get ready for move-in
- Book utilities and internet
- Set up home insurance (send proof to your lender)
- Sign at the lawyer about 7–10 days before possession
- On possession day, funds clear and you get the keys
| Calgary sales | Sales | Median sold | Median days on market |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | 1,818 | $571,360 | 31 days |
| Aug 1–15, 2026 | 776 | $566,500 | 30 days |
Source: MLS® sold records, Pillar 9 / CREB®. Calgary citywide.
Jason's Take
Get pre-approved first. Tour enough homes that you know what to offer. Then write the offer.
Also selling? See How to Sell a House in Calgary? or the full How Selling Works page.
Want more detail? How Buying Works.
FAQ
Do I need a pre-approval before I look?
Yes. It saves time and makes your offer stronger. Send your broker every paper they ask for before you tour.
What papers do I sign with a buyer's agent?
Consumer Relationship Guide, FINTRAC, and an Exclusive Buyer Agreement.
What conditions are normal on an offer?
Home inspection and financing are the two most common. Your agent will explain what fits your deal.
When do I get the keys?
On possession day, after the seller's lawyer confirms your funds. Usually you sign at your lawyer about a week before.
Can I buy and sell at the same time?
Yes. Many people do. We plan timing, conditions, and possession dates so both sides line up.
More in the Hey Jason Series
How to Sell a House in Calgary?
Want help setting up a saved search? Tell me your budget and must-haves.