Ask a lender
Your lender is the right source for anything about borrowing, rates, mortgage rules and your monthly payment. Ask them before you tour.
- What can I borrow, and what should I borrow? Those are different numbers.
- What is the minimum down payment at the price I am considering, and does mortgage insurance apply?
- Which first-time buyer rules apply to my mortgage right now, and does a new home change anything?
- Can you give me an estimate that includes property tax, insurance and utilities, not just the mortgage?
- How long is my rate held, and what happens if the build runs past it?
- How do you want a withdrawal from a savings program documented, if I am using one?
- If an offer or incentive is attached to a home, what does the payment look like with it and without it?
Ask a lawyer, and an accountant
In Alberta a lawyer reviews your purchase agreement and handles possession day. An accountant can confirm which rebates and programs you qualify for.
- What does this agreement say about deposits, inclusions, and what happens if the possession date moves?
- Is the price GST-included, and how is any rebate handled?
- What will my closing costs be, and does your quote include the registration fees?
- Do I qualify as a first-time buyer for each program, given my history and my closing date?
Ask us
Our sales team answers anything about the home, the community and the process.
- Which communities and home types are selling now, and which have quick possession homes?
- Does this price include GST?
- What is included in this home, and what is a design centre option? Is landscaping, fencing or a deck included?
- What is the deposit schedule, and when is each payment due?
- How long will this home take, and what are the stages?
- Is there a pre-drywall walkthrough, and when is the pre-possession walkthrough?
- On a condo, what is the current fee on this unit and what does it cover?
- What does the warranty cover, for how long, and how do I request service?
[to confirm: that the Alberta sales team is comfortable fielding each of these, and the agreed answers for deposits, inclusions and condo fees]
Ask the city or the condominium corporation
A few answers come from public offices and published documents. They are free, and worth a look before you sign.
- The city or town: the property tax rate, how assessment works, and how a supplementary bill is handled on a new home.
- The condominium corporation, if you are buying a condo: the current fee, what it includes, the bylaws, and the latest reserve fund study and budget.
- An insurance broker: what home insurance will cost on this address, and what it covers.
Your next step, by stage
| Where you are | Your next step |
|---|---|
| Just starting | Talk to a lender and get pre-approved. Then read what it costs, so you know the lines to ask about. |
| Narrowing down | Pick two communities that fit on area and home type. Visit both, walk the show homes, and ask what each price includes. Where to start. |
| Choosing new or resale | Compare one specific new home against one specific resale listing on total monthly cost, not price. The comparison. |
| Signing | Have a lawyer review the agreement. Confirm deposits, inclusions and GST before you sign. The process. |
| Under contract | Book the design appointment, keep your lender updated, arrange insurance for possession day, and put the walkthrough dates in your calendar. |
| Moved in | Keep the warranty certificate handy, learn your home's systems, and set money aside for the supplementary tax bill. |
[to confirm: whether a printable version of this checklist will be produced, and whether it is gated]
Questions first-time buyers ask
What if I do not have a lender yet?
Any bank, credit union or mortgage broker can pre-approve you. Choose one who works with first-time buyers often, and ask them the questions above. Our sales team can tell you how buyers in our communities typically finance a new home. [to confirm: whether the Alberta team refers buyers to lenders, and how to describe that]
Do I need a realtor?
You are welcome to work with one, and many first-time buyers do. With or without a realtor, have a lawyer review the purchase agreement before you sign. [to confirm: Cardel Alberta realtor policy]
Why do you send me to an accountant for rebate questions?
Because the first-time buyer rebates and savings programs have eligibility tests that depend on your own history and your closing date. We can tell you whether a price includes GST. Whether you qualify for a rebate is a question for the people who can see your whole picture.
Ready for the first conversation?
Pick a community, bring your questions, and let the sales team walk you through a specific home.
Internal review notes — what must be confirmed before this page publishes
- [to confirm] That the Alberta sales team is comfortable fielding each question under 'Ask us', and the agreed answers for deposits, inclusions and condo fees.
- [to confirm] Whether the Alberta team refers buyers to lenders, and how to describe that.
- [to confirm] Cardel Alberta realtor policy.
- [to confirm] Whether a printable checklist will be produced, and whether it is gated. This page replaces the former 'Guide & checklist' download page.
- [to confirm] The Alberta contact URL. The CTA currently points at the regional page.