A REVOLUTION IN REALTY!
2% Realty, #400 909 17 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2T 0A4
BUYER'S CHECKLIST
Buying a home is a big decision – whether it’s your first home or a vacation home. To help you make smart decisions, it’s important to think with your head and not your heart. 2% Realty and Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) shares their tips for being home smart when you’re in the market to buy.
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Building Your First Calgary Home Wish List: Must-Haves, Nice-to-Haves, and True Deal Breakers
Buying your first home in Calgary is exciting and it can get overwhelming fast once you start touring properties. The quickest way to stay focused (and avoid regret) is a clear wish list that separates what you need from what you simply want. I help first-time buyers create that list early so your search stays efficient, your offers stay confident, and you don’t waste weekends on homes that were never a fit.
- Start with your real life, not a Pinterest board
Think about how you actually live day to day. Do you cook often? Work from home? Need space for hobbies, kids, guests, or a pet? Write down your “non-negotiable” lifestyle needs first (layout, room count, storage, outdoor space), then add preferences that would be great but aren’t essential. - Location is the biggest decision you can’t renovate
In Calgary, neighbourhood choice shapes everything: commute time, school options, walkability, transit access, parks, noise, and long-term resale. Identify the areas you’d realistically live in, then narrow by what matters most to you: proximity to work, quick access to major routes, nearby amenities, and the feel of the community. - Define your deal breakers before you fall in love with a house
Deal breakers are the items that will cost too much, create daily frustration, or limit resale later. Examples: no parking when you need it, a layout that doesn’t work, too many stairs, major structural concerns, or a location you won’t enjoy. If it’s truly a “no,” write it down now—so emotions don’t drive the decision later. - Build a budget that reflects today’s reality
Your purchase price is only part of affordability. Consider mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, condo fees (if applicable), insurance, maintenance, and immediate upgrades. A mortgage pre-approval (or at least a strong pre-qualification) helps you shop with confidence and protects you from stretching past what feels comfortable. - Separate your list into three categories
Instead of one long list, use a simple framework:
Must-haves: requirements to function well (bedrooms, bathrooms, parking, location range).
Nice-to-haves: features you’d love (updated kitchen, finished basement, larger yard).
Deal breakers: items you won’t accept (major repairs, poor layout, unsafe location, no natural light, etc.).
This structure keeps your search disciplined and makes showings faster and more productive. - Plan for the next 3–5 years
Your first home should fit you now—and still make sense soon. Think about likely changes: new job, family growth, caregiving needs, working from home, or buying a vehicle. Add “future-proof” items where needed (extra room, flexible space, accessible entry, basement potential). - Stay flexible on style, firm on fundamentals
Many first homes need minor updates. If the fundamentals are strong—location, layout, condition, and long-term value—cosmetic items can be improved over time. The goal is balance: protect your must-haves, avoid your deal breakers, and keep an open mind on things that are easier to change.
A clear wish list is more than a checklist it’s your decision-making tool. If you’d like, I can help you build a Calgary-specific wish list, prioritize it based on your budget, and match it to the neighbourhoods and property types that best fit your goals.
Data is supplied by Pillar 9™ MLS® System. Pillar 9™ is the owner of the copyright in its MLS® System. Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by Pillar 9™. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA. Used under license.'