Last weekend, I hosted three open houses in Edmonton and Calgary, and the same question came up at each one: "How do these actually work in Alberta?" Here's what's really happening in our province's open house scene right now - and why 73% of Alberta home buyers still visit them before making offers. An open house is a scheduled time when a home for sale is open to the public without appointments,...
What Does "No Money Down" Home Buying Really Mean? How to buy a house with no money down is a strategy that allows homebuyers to purchase property without using their own savings for the down payment. Zero down payment mortgages are technically illegal—Canadian parliament outlawed them in 2008. However, there are still ways you can have something similar to a zero down payment mortgage. As of June...
Understanding Mortgage Notes in Alberta Real Estate A mortgage note is a legal document that represents a borrower's promise to repay a loan secured by real estate property. As of June 2025, approximately 68% of Alberta homeowners carry mortgage notes, with the average mortgage amount reaching $420,000 according to recent provincial data. These financial instruments serve as the foundation of real...
What is an Open House? An open house is a scheduled period when a property for sale is open for viewing by potential buyers without requiring individual appointments. As of June 2025, approximately 78% of real estate transactions in Alberta involve at least one open house viewing, with weekend open houses generating 43% more foot traffic than weekday showings according to Alberta real estate market...
What is a Certificate of Occupancy? A certificate of occupancy is an official document issued by local municipalities in Alberta that confirms a building or structure meets all applicable building codes, zoning requirements, and safety standards before occupancy. As of June 2025, Alberta municipalities issued over 45,000 certificates of occupancy annually, with processing times averaging 5-10...
Smart property investment starts with understanding numbers. Whether you're eyeing a Toronto condo or a Calgary rental, knowing your returns is key. Real estate offers two profit streams: steady cash flow and long-term value growth. Investors often compare property returns to traditional options like the S&P 500. This index has averaged 10% annual gains over decades. Well-chosen real estate can...
In Canada, a real estate partnership lets two or more people own property together. They do this for shared financial goals. CRA rules say they can split profits, losses, and tasks. Partners can buy investment properties or develop land. They use their combined money and skills. This way, they can tackle bigger projects together. These deals can be either formal or informal. While some provinces...
Real estate paperwork can be overwhelming, even for first-time buyers. In Alberta's fast-paced housing market, it's key to understand your closing documents. These documents outline your rights, what you must do, and the details of your property deal. New Homes Alberta makes it easier by breaking down complex contracts. They explain everything from purchase agreements to title transfers. For instance,...
Managing rental properties in Alberta comes with unique challenges. Landlords often face difficult situations, from late payments to property damage. They must navigate tenant rights under local laws. It's important to balance fairness and firmness to protect your investment without breaking the law. Alberta’s rental regulations differ from other provinces like Ontario. For example, eviction...
Dealing with landlord-tenant issues needs clear rules. Alberta has a fair system that works fast. It helps both landlords and tenants understand their rights. In Alberta, there are two main types of notices. One is for serious problems like damage, and the other for issues like unpaid rent. This makes solving problems quicker than in many places. But, you must follow strict rules to prove your...
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