Home Buying 101!
A step-by-step guide to buying your Calgary home.
First Things First: Your Money Matters
Money Basics
"Let's Talk About Your Money Situation!"
Just like planning a dream vacation, buying a home starts with knowing your budget! Let's break it down:
Savings Check
• How much money have you saved up?
- For homes under \$500,000: You need at least 5% saved
- For a \$400,000 home, that's \$20,000
- Remember: More down payment = Lower monthly payments!
Monthly Budget Time
• Write down what you spend each month:
- Rent/current housing
- Car payments
- Phone/internet
- Groceries
- Entertainment
- Credit card payments
- Other regular bills
• This helps us know how much you can comfortably spend on a house payment!
Don't Forget Extra Costs!
• Just like vacation spending money, you'll need extra for:
- Home insurance
- Property taxes
- Utilities (power, water, heat)
- Maintenance fund
- Emergency savings
Quick Tip!
Most lenders say your monthly home payment should be no more than 32% of your monthly income. So if you make \$6,000 per month, think about a payment around \$1,920 or less.
Need Help Crunching Numbers?
Let's chat! I can help you figure out what's comfortable for your budget and connect you with great mortgage specialists who can give you exact numbers.
Remember: The perfect home is one you can afford and still enjoy life! Just like a vacation, you don't want to spend all your money on the hotel and have nothing left for fun activities!
Getting Pre-Approved! Your Ticket to House Shopping!
Think of pre-approval like getting a VIP pass - it shows sellers you're serious and ready to buy! Let's break down how it works:
What is Pre-Approval?
• It's like getting permission to spend a certain amount
• The bank checks your finances and says "Yes, we'll lend you up to this much!"
• Usually good for 90-120 days (like a long shopping pass!)
What You'll Need
• Your Money Story:
- Pay stubs or proof of income
- Tax returns (last 2 years)
- Bank statements
- List of what you own (assets)
- List of what you owe (debts)
- Down payment proof
The Process is Easy!
1. Pick a bank or mortgage broker
2. Share your documents
3. Quick review of your credit
4. Get your pre-approval letter
(Usually takes 2-3 days!)
Why It's Important!
• Sellers take you seriously
• You know exactly what you can spend
• No falling in love with homes out of your range
• Faster offer process when you find "the one"
• Current interest rate gets locked in
Quick Tip!
Don't make any big purchases or apply for new credit cards while house hunting - it can affect your pre-approval! Think of it like keeping your VIP pass clean and ready to use.
Need Help Getting Started?
I work with great mortgage specialists who make this super easy! Let me connect you with someone who can guide you through the process and find you the best rates.
Remember: Getting pre-approved is like having a golden ticket - it makes the whole home buying process smoother and shows sellers you mean business!
House Hunting Time! Now For The Fun Part!
Just like trying on clothes, you need to see homes in person to know if they're the perfect fit! Let's make your house hunting adventure organized and fun!
Make Your Wish List
• Must-Haves (Your Non-Negotiables):
- Number of bedrooms
- Minimum bathrooms
- Garage or parking
- Main floor laundry?
- School district
- Maximum commute time
• Nice-to-Haves (Your Bonus Features):
- Walk-in closets
- Finished basement
- South-facing backyard
- Extra storage
- Mountain views
- Ensuite bathroom
Start Window Shopping!
• Browse homes online
• Save your favorites
• Check out virtual tours
• Look at neighborhood photos
• Drive by properties you like
• Research nearby amenities
Time For "Try-Ons"!
• Book viewings for your favorites
• Take notes at each house
• Snap photos (ask first!)
• Check out the neighborhood
• Visit at different times of day
• Notice things like:
- Natural light
- Traffic noise
- Storage space
- Room sizes
- Parking situation
- Yard space
Quick Tips!
• Don't see too many homes in one day (3-5 is perfect!)
• Take photos of things you want to remember
• Make notes about what you liked/didn't like
• Pay attention to your gut feeling
• Check out the neighborhood amenities
House Hunting No-No's!
• Don't get emotionally attached too quickly
• Don't ignore red flags
• Don't forget to check the neighborhood
• Don't skip the important questions
• Don't rush your decision
Ready to Start Looking?
Let me help you find your perfect match! I know all the best neighborhoods and can help you spot things you might miss. Plus, I can set you up with automatic listings that match your wish list!
Remember: Finding your perfect home is like finding the perfect outfit - when you try it on and look in the mirror, you just know it's the one!
Making an Offer!
Found 'The One'? Let's Make an Offer!
Just like negotiating for your dream car, making an offer is all about strategy! Let's make it happen!
What Goes in Your Offer?
• The Important Stuff:
- Purchase price
- Deposit amount
- Possession date
- What's included (appliances, window coverings, etc.)
- Conditions to protect you
Common Conditions
• Subject to:
- Home inspection
- Financing approval
- Property insurance
- Review of condo documents (if applicable)
- Sale of your current home (if needed)
The Offer Dance!
• What Might Happen:
- Seller says YES! (Woohoo!)
- Seller says NO (Let's try again!)
- Seller counters (Let's negotiate!)
- Multiple offers (Time for our best offer!)
Quick Tips!
• Don't get emotionally attached to the number
• Remember your pre-approved amount
• Stay within your comfort zone
• Be ready for some back and forth
• Keep your cool - it's just business!
Need Offer Advice?
I'll help you craft the perfect offer based on market conditions and recent sales. Let's make it competitive but comfortable for your budget!
Home Inspection Time!
Let's Check Under the Hood!
Just like test-driving a car, we need to know what we're buying! A home inspection is your chance to learn all about your potential new home.
What Gets Checked?
• The Big Stuff:
- Roof and foundation
- Electrical systems
- Plumbing
- Heating/cooling
- Windows and doors
- Insulation
- Structure
During the Inspection
• What to Do:
- Be there if you can!
- Ask questions
- Take notes
- Take photos
- Learn about your new home
- Think about future maintenance
What Happens Next?
• Three Possible Outcomes:
- All good! (Proceed with purchase)
- Minor issues (Maybe negotiate repairs)
- Major problems (Time to decide: fix or walk away)
Quick Tips!
• Don't skip this step to save money
• Choose a licensed inspector
• Keep emotions in check
• Think long-term
• Budget for suggested repairs
Need an Inspector?
I work with trusted professionals who do thorough inspections. Let me help you book someone reliable!
Legal Time!
Almost There: The Paperwork Part!
Think of this like the security check before a flight - necessary steps to reach your destination!
Your Lawyer's Job
• They Handle:
- Title search
- Property tax details
- Utility arrangements
- Mortgage instructions
- Final payments
- Land transfer
- Legal documentation
What You Need to Do
• Your Tasks:
- Choose a lawyer
- Provide ID
- Arrange home insurance
- Plan utility transfers
- Prepare down payment
- Sign documents
- Get ready to move!
Timeline Tips
• Usually Takes:
- 2-3 weeks for legal work
- Several meetings
- Final signing day
- Key pickup arrangement
Quick Tips!
• Book your lawyer early
• Ask questions if confused
• Keep all documents organized
• Stay in touch with your team
• Plan ahead for moving
Need a Lawyer?
I can recommend experienced real estate lawyers who make this part smooth and stress-free!
Moving Day!
Welcome Home!
The big day is here! Like Christmas morning, but better - you get a whole house!
Before the Move
• Remember to:
- Book movers/truck
- Start packing early
- Change your address
- Schedule utilities
- Arrange insurance
- Pack an essentials box
Moving Day Checklist
• Don't Forget:
- Photo ID
- Bank draft
- Phone charger
- Basic tools
- Cleaning supplies
- Toilet paper!
- Snacks and water
- Camera for first moments!
First Day Tips!
• Priority Tasks:
- Check all utilities work
- Locate water shut-off
- Test all keys
- Check appliances
- Take photos
- Order pizza!
Quick Tips!
• Label boxes clearly
• Keep important docs with you
• Take photos of electronics before unplugging
• Have kids? Pack their rooms last!
• Celebrate - you did it!
Need Moving Help?
I can recommend reliable movers and share my moving day survival guide!
Remember: This is the exciting part - your new chapter begins! Time to make this house your home!
Ready to Start Your Home Buying Journey? Let's Make It Happen!
Now that you know the steps, I'm here to help make your dream home a reality! Whether you're ready to start looking or just have questions, let's chat.
How Can I Help? 🏠
• Ready to see some homes?
• Want to know more about neighborhoods?
• Need help getting pre-approved?
• Have questions about the process?
Let's Connect!
• Call/Text: 403-818-1546
• Email: admin@aimeemanser.com
• Instagram: @aimeeyyc
"With over 35 years of Calgary knowledge, I'm here to guide you home!"
Quick Tip! 💡
Save this guide for future reference - and feel free to share it with friends or family who are thinking about buying too!
Have Questions?
I'm here to help!
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.