How much do I need for a down payment on a condo in Calgary?
In Canada the minimum down payment is 5 percent of the first $500,000 of the price and 10 percent of the portion above that, for homes under $1.5 million. Anything under 20 percent down needs mortgage default insurance, which your lender adds to the loan. Budget separately for closing costs such as legal fees, a home inspection and title insurance.
Do I need to be pre-approved before we start viewing homes?
Yes, get pre-approved first. A pre-approval tells you a realistic price range and shows sellers you are ready, which matters when a good condo gets more than one offer. It is free, it does not commit you to that lender, and it usually takes a few days.
How long does it take to buy a condo in Calgary?
Plan on four to eight weeks from accepted offer to getting your keys. The condition period for financing, inspection and condo documents is usually one to two weeks, and possession dates are negotiated with the seller. The search itself can take a weekend or a few months depending on what you want.
Are condo fees worth it compared to a house?
Condo fees replace costs you would otherwise pay yourself, such as building insurance, exterior maintenance, snow removal and often heat or water. Compare the fee to what it covers, not to zero. A low fee with a thin reserve fund can cost more later than a fair fee in a well run building.