Buying or Selling Homes in Alberta: 2025 Expert Guide

The CMHC MLI Select program has revolutionized multifamily property financing in Alberta, offering qualified buyers access to extended amortization periods and competitive mortgage insurance rates. With recent program updates effective November 2024, Alberta's real estate market presents unique opportunities for investors and first-time buyers willing to understand the detailed application...

MLI Select mortgage loan insurance represents Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's premium mortgage insurance product designed for creditworthy borrowers seeking enhanced flexibility and competitive pricing. Unlike traditional mortgage insurance with standardized rates, MLI Select uses sophisticated risk assessment to provide individualized premium pricing that can save qualified Alberta homebuyers...

MLI Select mortgage insurance has revolutionized how Alberta homebuyers access competitive mortgage rates with down payments as low as 5%. This innovative mortgage loan insurance product from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) offers unique flexibility that traditional mortgage insurance cannot match, potentially saving qualified borrowers thousands in premium costs over their mortgage...

CMHC's MLI Select program requirements for 2025 have introduced enhanced qualification standards that reward creditworthy borrowers with premium savings up to 25% compared to traditional mortgage insurance. The updated requirements reflect Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's commitment to risk-based pricing while maintaining accessibility for qualified Alberta homebuyers seeking competitive mortgage...

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...