🏡 Buying a Home – FAQs
1. Do I need to get pre-approved before looking at homes?
Yes — pre-approval gives you:
A clear budget
Stronger negotiating power
Confidence when making an offer
In a competitive market like Greater Edmonton Area, this is especially important.
2. How much do I need for a down payment in Alberta?
In Canada, the minimum down payment is:
5% for homes up to $500,000
10% for the portion between $500,000–$999,999
20% for $1M+
If your down payment is under 20%, mortgage insurance is required.
3. How long does it take to buy a home?
Typically 30–60 days from accepted offer to possession.
The home search itself can take anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on your criteria, market conditions and your wish list. We recommend refining your wish list and being open to wants vs needs.
4. What other costs should I budget for?
In addition to your down payment:
Legal fees
Home inspection
Property taxes (adjustments)
Utility setup
Moving costs
Plan for 1.5–4% of the purchase price in closing costs.
5. Should I buy new or resale?
New builds offer warranties and customization.
Resale homes often provide mature neighbourhoods, established landscaping, and better value per square foot.
It depends on your goals — we help clients compare both.
🏠 Selling a Home – FAQs
1. How do you determine my home’s value?
Our team prepares a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on:
Recent sold properties
Active competition
Market trends in your specific neighbourhood
Pricing strategically is key in any market.
2. When is the best time to sell in Edmonton?
Spring is traditionally busiest, but homes sell year-round in Edmonton.
The right time depends more on your goals and market conditions than the season. This is why it is important to stay in touch with us to help build the right strategy for you.
3. Do I need to stage my home?
Not always professionally — but presentation matters.
We provide:
Pre-listing prep guidance
Room-by-room recommendations
Professional photography
Small improvements often lead to higher sale prices.
5. How long will it take to sell my home?
This depends on:
Price
Condition
Location
Market conditions
Proper pricing and strategic marketing significantly reduce time on market.
6. What commission do you charge?
Commission varies depending on the services provided and marketing strategy but it is typically 7% of the first $100,000 and 3% of the balance of the sale price and then that amount is split with the buyer's agent. Our team does not charge anything up front for you to list your home. We get paid based on results!
We're happy to walk you through exactly what’s included so you understand the full value.
💼 General Real Estate Questions
1. What’s the difference between assessed value and market value?
Assessed value is used for property taxes.
Market value is what a buyer is willing to pay in today’s market.
They are rarely the same.
2. Can I buy and sell at the same time?
Yes — but strategy matters.
We can discuss options like:
Selling first
Buying first
Bridge financing
3. Do you work with first-time buyers?
Absolutely. We guide clients step-by-step through:
Financing
Offers
Conditions
Closing
No question is too small.
4. What happens if the market shifts while I’m buying or selling?
Markets change — strategy adjusts.
We continuously monitor trends in the Greater Edmonton Area to help you make informed decisions.
5. How do I get started?
The first step is a quick, no-pressure consultation.
We’ll talk about your goals, timeline, and next best step
👉 [Book Your Free Consultation] https://taharealtygroup.com/digital-coffee