Buying a Home in Calgary or Edmonton?

Find your next home with Brilliant Realty. Our Calgary and Edmonton REALTORS® help home buyers search properties, explore communities, arrange private showings, evaluate homes, prepare offers and navigate the buying process from your initial search through possession.

Whether you're a first-time home buyer, moving to a new community, relocating to Alberta or looking for your next property, Brilliant Realty can help you make an informed move.

Buying a Home in Calgary

Looking for homes for sale in Calgary? Brilliant Realty helps home buyers explore Calgary real estate across a wide range of communities, property types and price ranges.

From established inner-city neighbourhoods to newer communities throughout northwest, northeast, southwest and southeast Calgary, the right location depends on your lifestyle, budget and priorities.

A Brilliant Realty Calgary REALTOR® can help you compare communities, search MLS® listings, arrange private showings and understand recent comparable sales and current market conditions before you make an offer.

Whether you're a first-time home buyer, relocating to Calgary, moving to a larger home, downsizing or purchasing your next property, Brilliant Realty can help you navigate the Calgary home-buying process.

Buying a Home in Edmonton

Searching for homes for sale in Edmonton? Brilliant Realty REALTORS® help buyers navigate Edmonton real estate and find properties that fit their needs, budget and lifestyle.

Edmonton offers a wide range of housing options across established neighbourhoods, newer communities and surrounding areas. Brilliant Realty can help you search Edmonton MLS® listings, compare communities, arrange private showings and evaluate properties before making an offer.

Whether you're a first-time home buyer, relocating to Edmonton, purchasing a larger home, downsizing or looking for your next property, a Brilliant Realty Edmonton REALTOR® can guide you through the buying process from your initial property search through possession.

Brilliant Realty also serves buyers in Edmonton and many surrounding communities.

Why Buy a Home With Brilliant Realty?

Buying real estate involves more than finding a property you like. A Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can help you understand the Calgary or Edmonton real estate market, evaluate potential properties and navigate the decisions that come with purchasing a home.

Search Calgary & Edmonton Homes for Sale

Brilliant Realty can help you search MLS® listings based on your preferred communities, property type, price range and other criteria. We can also set up personalized property searches so you can stay informed when new homes matching your needs enter the market.

Local Real Estate Knowledge

Real estate is local. Property values, inventory, amenities, development and buyer competition can differ from one community to another. Brilliant Realty REALTORS® serve Calgary, Edmonton and surrounding communities and can help you evaluate the areas you're considering.  

Private Home Showings

Found a property you're interested in? Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can arrange private showings and help you look beyond the photos to consider the property's condition, location, features and potential resale considerations.

Offer Strategy & Negotiation

When you find the right property, Brilliant Realty will help you review comparable sales and current market conditions before preparing your offer. Your REALTOR® can explain the price, deposit, conditions, possession date and other terms and negotiate with the seller's representative on your behalf.

Guidance Through Conditions

Depending on the property and transaction, an offer may include conditions such as financing, a professional home inspection or condominium document review. Brilliant Realty can help you understand the process, important deadlines and the professionals you may need along the way.

From Accepted Offer to Possession

Our involvement doesn't end when your offer is accepted. Brilliant Realty will help you navigate the transaction through conditions, conveyancing and possession so you understand what happens next.

How to Buy a Home With Brilliant Realty

1. Meet With a Brilliant Realty REALTOR®

We'll start by learning what you're looking for, including your preferred location, property type, budget, timeline and priorities. We'll also discuss the home-buying process, your expectations and the applicable representation agreement.

If you require financing, obtaining a mortgage pre-approval early in the process can help establish a realistic price range before you begin seriously viewing homes.

2. Search Calgary or Edmonton Homes for Sale

Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can help you search for properties that match your criteria and set up personalized MLS® listing notifications.

As you explore different properties and communities, we can refine the search based on what you like, what you don't and what matters most to you.

3. Tour Homes & Explore Communities

Once you identify properties you're interested in, your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can arrange private showings.

This is your opportunity to evaluate more than the home itself. Location, lot, neighbourhood, property condition, nearby amenities and future plans for the area may all be relevant to your buying decision.

4. Prepare an Offer to Purchase

When you find a home you want to buy, Brilliant Realty can help you review relevant comparable sales and market conditions and discuss an appropriate offer strategy.

Your REALTOR® will prepare the offer based on your instructions and explain important terms including price, deposit, conditions, inclusions, exclusions and possession.

5. Negotiate the Offer

The seller may accept your offer, reject it or make a counteroffer. Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® will communicate with the seller's representative and negotiate based on your instructions.

The goal isn't simply to get the lowest possible price. Price, conditions, possession, inclusions and other contractual terms can all affect the strength and suitability of an offer.

6. Complete Your Conditions

If your accepted offer contains conditions, this is the time to complete the required due diligence within the timelines specified in the contract.

Depending on the transaction, this could include finalizing financing, arranging a professional home inspection or reviewing condominium documents.

Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® will help you keep track of the contractual deadlines and navigate this stage of the transaction.

First-Time Home Buyers in Calgary & Edmonton

Buying your first home can come with a lot of questions. How much can you afford? When should you get pre-approved for a mortgage? How much deposit do you need? Should you get a home inspection? What conditions should you consider? What happens after an offer is accepted?

A Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can walk you through the home-buying process before you start viewing properties so you understand what to expect.

We'll help you search for homes within your criteria, arrange showings, understand comparable sales, prepare and negotiate an offer and navigate the transaction through conditions and possession.

If you're a first-time home buyer in Calgary or Edmonton, start with a conversation with Brilliant Realty before you begin your home search.

Home Buying Resources for Calgary & Edmonton Buyers

8 Mistakes to avoid when buying a home

8 Mistakes to avoid when buying a home

Learn about common mistakes home buyers can avoid while searching for and purchasing a property in Alberta.

Buy or sell first?

Buy or sell first?

Already own a home? Explore some of the considerations involved in deciding whether to sell your current property before purchasing your next one.

Buying a home: What expenses to expect

Cost of Buying a home in alberta

Learn about some of the expenses home buyers should plan for beyond the purchase price, including closing costs and other transaction expenses.

Hire the right agent: 8 Questions to ask

How to Choose a REALTOR®

Questions to consider when selecting a real estate professional to represent you when buying a home.

Home Inspections: Top 10 Problems

Home Inspections: Top 10 Problems

Learn why a professional home inspection may be an important part of your due diligence when purchasing a property.

How To Set An Offer Price

How Much Should I Offer on a House?

Learn about some of the factors that can influence an offer price, including comparable sales, competing properties and current market conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Buying a home in calgary or edmonton

How do I buy a house in Calgary?

Buying a house in Calgary typically starts with determining your budget and obtaining a mortgage pre-approval. From there, a Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can help you search Calgary homes for sale, compare communities, arrange private showings and evaluate properties that meet your needs.

Once you find the right Calgary home, your REALTOR® can review comparable sales and current market conditions with you, prepare an offer based on your instructions and negotiate with the seller's representative. If your offer is accepted, you will then work through any applicable conditions, such as financing or a professional home inspection, before the transaction becomes firm.

Your lawyer and lender will complete their respective requirements before closing, and your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® will continue guiding you through the process as you prepare for possession.

Whether you're a first-time home buyer, relocating to Calgary or purchasing your next property, Brilliant Realty can help you navigate the Calgary real estate market from your initial home search through possession.

How much money do I need to buy a home in Alberta?

The amount of money you need to buy a home in Alberta depends on the purchase price, your financing and the expenses associated with your particular transaction.

For an owner-occupied home, Canada's minimum down payment requirements generally start at 5% for homes priced at $500,000 or less. For homes priced above $500,000 and below $1.5 million, the minimum is generally 5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the portion above $500,000. Homes priced at $1.5 million or more generally require at least 20% down. Mortgage qualification and insurance requirements also apply and individual circumstances can affect the amount required.

Home buyers should also budget for expenses beyond the down payment. These may include a deposit when making an offer, legal fees and disbursements, property inspection costs, condominium document review where applicable, adjustments, moving expenses and other closing costs.

Before searching Calgary or Edmonton homes for sale, Brilliant Realty recommends speaking with a qualified mortgage professional so you understand your purchasing power and have sufficient funds available for both the purchase and associated expenses.

Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes?

Getting a mortgage pre-approval before seriously searching for a home is generally a good idea.

A mortgage pre-approval can help you understand the price range you may qualify for and gives you an opportunity to discuss your down payment, estimated mortgage payments and financing options with a mortgage professional before making an offer.

This allows your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® to focus your Calgary or Edmonton home search on properties that are more likely to fit within your budget.

However, a mortgage pre-approval is not the same as final mortgage approval. Your lender will still need to approve the specific property and confirm that you continue to meet its lending requirements.

If you plan to finance your purchase, speak with your lender or mortgage broker about your financing before beginning your home search.

How do I buy a house in Edmonton?

The process of buying a house in Edmonton generally begins by establishing your budget and speaking with a mortgage professional about financing. A Brilliant Realty Edmonton REALTOR® can then help you search Edmonton homes for sale based on your preferred neighbourhoods, property type, price range and other priorities.

As you find properties you're interested in, your REALTOR® can arrange private showings, help you evaluate the homes and provide relevant real estate market information. When you're ready to make an offer, Brilliant Realty can help you review comparable sales, discuss an offer strategy and prepare and negotiate the purchase contract based on your instructions.

After an offer is accepted, you'll need to satisfy any applicable conditions within the timelines specified in your contract. Your lawyer and lender will also have important roles before closing and possession.

Brilliant Realty REALTORS® serve home buyers throughout Edmonton and surrounding communities and can guide you through each stage of the Edmonton home-buying process.

What conditions should I consider when buying a house?

The conditions appropriate for an offer depend on the property, your financing, your circumstances and the transaction.

Common conditions in an Alberta residential real estate purchase may include financing and a professional home inspection. When purchasing a condominium, buyers may also consider a condominium document review condition. Other conditions may be appropriate depending on the property and circumstances.

Conditions are important contractual terms and should not simply be added or removed because they are common in other transactions. Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can explain the real estate aspects of the available options and help prepare an offer based on your instructions. Your lender, lawyer, home inspector or other qualified professionals may also need to provide advice within their areas of expertise.

Before waiving or satisfying a condition, make sure you have completed the appropriate due diligence and are comfortable proceeding with the purchase.

How much should I offer on a house?

There is no universal formula for determining how much you should offer on a house in Calgary or Edmonton.

An appropriate offer depends on factors such as recent comparable sales, the property's asking price and condition, competing inventory, current market conditions, how long the property has been listed and whether there may be competing offers.

Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can research relevant comparable properties and discuss the available market information with you before you decide what you're prepared to offer.

Price is also only one part of an offer. The deposit, conditions, possession date, inclusions, exclusions and other contractual terms can affect both you and the seller.

Ultimately, you decide the price and terms you're prepared to offer. Brilliant Realty's role is to provide relevant information, explain your options, prepare the offer according to your instructions and negotiate on your behalf.

Do I need a REALTOR® to buy a house in Alberta?

You are not legally required to use a REALTOR® to purchase a home in Alberta. However, buying real estate involves significant financial and contractual decisions, and professional representation can help you navigate the process.

A Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can help you search for properties, arrange showings, research relevant property and transaction information, review comparable sales, prepare an offer based on your instructions, negotiate terms and conditions and help you comply with the purchase contract.

When you establish a client relationship with a real estate professional in Alberta, the brokerage and REALTOR® have specific responsibilities to you. Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® will explain the applicable consumer relationship and representation documents so you understand the services being provided, your responsibilities and how the brokerage is compensated before you enter into an agreement.

For buyers searching for a home in Calgary, Edmonton or surrounding communities, having your own Brilliant Realty REALTOR® means having a real estate professional representing your interests throughout the buying process.

What happens after my offer is accepted?

Once your offer to purchase is accepted, you have a binding real estate contract, subject to any conditions contained in the agreement.

If the contract contains buyer conditions, you'll need to complete the required due diligence within the specified timelines. Depending on the transaction, this may involve working with your lender to finalize financing, arranging a professional home inspection or having condominium documents reviewed.

If you're satisfied with your due diligence and decide to proceed, the applicable condition documents can be prepared. Once all conditions have been satisfied or waived in accordance with the contract, the transaction generally becomes firm.

Your lawyer and lender then complete their respective work in preparation for closing. Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® will continue helping you navigate the real estate side of the transaction and prepare for possession.

It's important to pay close attention to contractual deadlines after an offer is accepted. Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can help you keep track of the important dates associated with your purchase.

Do I need a home inspection when buying a house?

A professional home inspection is not legally required for every home purchase in Alberta, but many buyers choose to make an inspection part of their due diligence.

A qualified home inspector can examine many of the home's visible and accessible components and identify issues that may warrant further investigation. Depending on the property, this may include components such as the roof, foundation, electrical system, plumbing, heating systems, exterior and interior.

An inspection doesn't guarantee that a home has no defects, and an inspector may recommend additional investigation by a qualified specialist when appropriate.

If your offer contains a home inspection condition, make sure you understand the condition and its deadline. Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can help you navigate the contractual aspects of the inspection condition, while the home inspector provides professional advice about the property's condition.

For many Calgary and Edmonton home buyers, a professional home inspection is an important part of making an informed purchasing decision.

What are the closing costs when buying a home in Alberta?

When buying a home in Alberta, you should budget for costs beyond your down payment and purchase price.

Depending on your transaction, closing and purchasing expenses may include legal fees and disbursements, Land Titles registration charges, mortgage registration charges, property tax adjustments, a professional home inspection, condominium document review, title insurance if applicable, moving expenses and other property-specific costs.

Unlike some Canadian provinces, Alberta does not have a traditional land transfer tax. However, Alberta does charge Land Titles registration fees for registering the transfer of ownership and, where applicable, the mortgage.

The exact amount you should budget depends on the property, purchase price, mortgage and circumstances of the transaction. Before buying a home in Calgary or Edmonton, ask your lawyer and mortgage professional for estimates of the costs that may apply to your particular purchase.

Your Brilliant Realty REALTOR® can also help you understand the different stages of the Alberta home-buying process so you're better prepared for the expenses that may arise between your initial home search and possession.

Ready to Start Your Calgary or Edmonton Home Search?

Whether you're ready to start viewing homes or simply have questions about buying real estate in Alberta, Brilliant Realty is here to help.

Tell us where you're looking, what type of property you're interested in and what stage you're at in your home-buying journey. We'll connect you with a Brilliant Realty REALTOR® who can help you take the next step.

Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS®System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™.
The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.