The Ultimate 2026 Homebuyer’s Guide: Your Roadmap to Buying a Home in Calgary

Q: What is the minimum down payment required in Canada?

The minimum down payment in Canada is 5% of the home's total purchase price. If your down payment is less than 20%, you will be required to purchase mortgage loan insurance.

Q: What are closing costs?

Closing costs are legal and administrative fees associated with finalizing the purchase. They are additional to the purchase price and usually cannot be included in the mortgage loan.

Q: What is the difference between a deposit and a down payment?

A deposit is paid when an offer is accepted to prove you are serious. A down payment is the total cash amount paid upfront to secure the mortgage. The deposit is usually applied toward the down payment at closing.

Q: What is the Homebuyer's Plan?

The Homebuyer's Plan (HBP) allows first-time buyers to withdraw funds tax-free from their RRSPs to buy a home. The funds must be repaid within 15 years.

Buying a home is likely the largest purchase you will ever make, but it doesn’t have to be the most stressful. Whether you are a first-time buyer looking for a condo in the Beltline or upgrading to a single-family home in the suburbs, preparation is everything.

We are excited to share the official 2026 RE/MAX Homebuyer’s Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to guide you through the experience from start to finish.

What’s Inside the 2026 RE/MAX Homebuyer’s Guide

This guide isn't just a brochure; it is a step-by-step manual for navigating the current real estate landscape. Here are the essential takeaways you will find inside:

1. The 10 Steps to Purchasing a Home The guide breaks down the complex process into manageable milestones, starting with choosing the right agent and ending with moving day.

Budget & Pre-Approval: Learn why you need to know your numbers before you browse.
The Search: Tips for identifying your "must-haves" vs. "nice-to-haves".
The Deal: Understanding offers, home inspections, and closing costs.

2. Mastering the Mortgage Process Getting pre-approved puts you ahead of the pack. The guide explains exactly what lenders look for, including your credit score (300-900 scale), employment history, and debt-to-income ratio. It also demystifies terms like "Amortization," "High-ratio mortgage," and the "Homebuyer’s Plan".

3. Digital House Hunting Tips In 2026, your first showing is almost always online. The guide offers specific tips for analyzing listing photos and 3D tours.

Furniture check: Use photos to mentally place your own furniture in the space.
Outdoor space: Don’t forget to check balconies and yards for maintenance requirements like snow clearing.

4. A Checklist for Every Viewing Never walk into a showing unprepared. The guide includes a printable checklist to track bedrooms, bathrooms, potential renovations, and essential features like central air conditioning or a home office space.

Why You Need a RE/MAX Agent

Real estate is local, and it is personal. A dedicated agent - like Jeff Mikolajow - does more than open doors; we help you navigate market ups and downs, manage confusing paperwork, and negotiate on your behalf. As the guide notes, we are here to ensure you find a home that complements both your lifestyle and your income.

Download Your Free Copy

Don't start your home buying journey without a map. Click the link below to download the full PDF guide and keep it on your phone or print it out for your next showing.

Download the 2026 Homebuyer's Guide (PDF)

Ready to Start Your Calgary Search?

If you have read the guide and are ready to get pre-approved or see homes in person, we are here to help.

Have questions about the 2026 market?

Contact Jeff Mikolajow

Frequently Asked Questions from the 2026 RE/MAX Homebuyer’s Guide

What is the minimum down payment required in Canada? According to the 2026 Guide, the minimum down payment in Canada is 5% of the home's total purchase price. However, if your down payment is less than 20%, you will be required to purchase mortgage loan insurance to protect the lender.

What are "Closing Costs" and are they included in my mortgage? Closing costs are fees associated with finalizing the purchase, such as legal and administrative fees. These costs are additional to the purchase price of the home and generally cannot be rolled into your mortgage, so you must budget for them separately.

What is the difference between a deposit and a down payment?A deposit is an up-front payment made when your offer is accepted to show the seller you are serious. This money is held in trust until closing. The down payment is the total lump sum you pay up-front to secure the mortgage. Your deposit usually counts toward your final down payment amount.

Should I get a home inspection if the house looks fine? Yes. The guide recommends getting a home inspection because it can bring to light major issues or concerns that are not visible during a showing. If the inspection reveals problems, you may be able to withdraw your offer or negotiate repairs.

What is the "Homebuyer's Plan" (HBP)? The Homebuyer's Plan is a federal program that allows first-time buyers to withdraw funds tax-free from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to purchase or build a qualifying home. You must repay these funds into your RRSP within 15 years to avoid penalties.

Ready to start your search?