Guide to Buying a Home in Edmonton

Read our step-by-step guide for everything you need to know about buying a home in Edmonton.

Buying a home in Edmonton can be an exciting experience. Whether you’re looking for a bedroom community with a rich sense of community, or looking to live closer to the city’s downtown and river valley area, you’re sure to find your dream home here. In this guide, we'll take a look at how to buy a house in Edmonton, step-by-step. From setting your budget to signing the final papers, we'll provide you with all the information you need to make a well-informed and confident decision.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget

Before you start looking at homes, it's essential to assess your financial situation. Buying a home is likely to be the most significant purchase you'll make in your lifetime, so it's crucial to create a budget that works for you. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Start by determining your monthly income, including your salary and any other income sources.
• Next, calculate your monthly expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, and other bills. Don't forget to leave room for unexpected expenses and savings.
• After you've determined your budget, it's essential to obtain mortgage pre-approval. This process involves getting pre-approved for a specific loan amount from a lender. Pre-approval will help you determine your price range and accelerate your home search.
• Improving your credit score can also help you obtain a better mortgage rate, which will save you money over the life of your loan.

Related Read: How to Save for Your First Home

Step 2: Determine Your Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves

Once you have assessed your financial situation, the next step is to determine your "must-haves" and "nice-to-haves" in a home. This list will help you focus your search and ensure that you find a home that meets your needs.

Difference between Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves

Your must-haves might include features such as location, square footage, number of bedrooms, and bathrooms. Think about what is most important to you and your family. Nice-to-haves might include features such as a balcony, den, or walk-in closet. Consider your lifestyle and what amenities or conveniences you would like your home to have. Remember to prioritize your needs versus wants to ensure you find the right home for your budget and lifestyle.

Step 3: Choose Your Ideal Location

Edmonton is a city with many diverse neighbourhoods, each with unique features and characteristics. Choosing your ideal location is an important step in the home buying process. When exploring different neighbourhoods, it's essential to consider factors such as proximity to work, schools, and amenities.

For those seeking a centrally located neighbourhood, Ritchie is an excellent option. Located just south of downtown, Ritchie is a walkable neighbourhood with a diverse mix of restaurants, shops, and parks.

On the other hand, those looking to have a larger property that is away from the hustle and bustle of the city may gravitate towards one of the many suburban family-oriented neighbourhoods in the area, such as Sherwood Park. Sherwood Park is a bedroom community located east of the city, offering larger properties and a quieter, more peaceful lifestyle. When deciding on a location, it's important to consider what you value most and what works best for your lifestyle.

Step 4: Find a Real Estate Agent

Finding the right real estate agent is an essential step in the home buying process. A knowledgeable and experienced agent can guide you through the buying process, help you find the right home, and ensure that you get the best deal possible. When choosing an agent, it's essential to look for someone with experience in the neighbourhoods you are interested in, who has an excellent track record of helping clients find the right home. You should also choose an agent who is responsive and easy to communicate with, as they will be an essential partner throughout the buying process. Referrals from friends and family or online reviews can help you find the right agent for you. 

Related Read: What’s the Difference Between a Real Estate Agent vs a Broker?

Step 5: Find Your Dream Home

When it comes to finding your dream home in Edmonton, there are many ways to start your search. Here are some other tips you can follow to find your dream home in Edmonton:

• Use online resources to search for homes that meet your criteria, including price range, location, and number of rooms.
• Attend open houses to get a feel for different neighbourhoods and properties.
• Drive around different neighbourhoods in Edmonton to see what areas you like and what areas you don't.
• Research the local housing market to get an idea of property values and trends.
• Consider working with a mortgage broker to help you find the best mortgage available to you.
• Don't be afraid to negotiate on the purchase price or contingencies to help ensure that you get the best deal possible.

By following these tips and working with a real estate professional, you'll be able to find a home that meets your needs and budget, and you'll be on your way to living your best life in Edmonton.

Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you've found the right home, it's time to make an offer. Making an offer involves submitting a written agreement to the seller that outlines the details of your proposed purchase, including the purchase price, closing date, and any contingencies. Your real estate agent will help you create an offer that is fair to both parties and include any necessary contingencies to protect your investment, such as financing, home inspection, or appraisal.

The seller may accept your offer, reject it, or counter your offer with different terms. Negotiations can take some time, but once you reach an agreement, you and the seller will sign a legally binding contract. Keep in mind that making an offer is a significant step in the home buying process, so it's essential to be prepared and work with your real estate agent to create an offer that is most likely to be accepted.

Step 7: Close the Deal

Once your offer has been accepted, it's time to move on to the final steps involved in closing the deal. During this process, you'll need to complete the home inspection and finalize the mortgage details. This is also when you'll have a final walkthrough of the property before closing. This walkthrough will give you the opportunity to verify that the home's condition hasn't changed since the inspection and to ensure that any repairs requested have been completed.

Before closing, you'll need to bring a down payment and any other required closing costs, such as lawyer fees or title insurance. Your real estate agent, lender, and attorney will help guide you through the closing process and ensure that everything goes smoothly. Once you've signed all the necessary paperwork and paid the closing costs, you'll receive the keys to your new home, and you can officially move in.