House Hunting: 5 Tips to help with the Homebuying Process

As we head into the spring market in Edmonton, I get a lot of questions around this time about when to start the homebuying process. Starting early is the secret.

And I know that may sound like tired advice, but it’s the truth. I recently shared this on my Instagram, but the people who get ahead aren’t the ones who have the most money…it’s the ones who actually know their numbers.

Here are five essential house-hunting tips to help you get started and make the process easier in 2026:

1. Get Pre-approved

The first step in the homebuying process is to know how much you can afford. 

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage gives you a clear budget and strengthens your position when making an offer. 

Remember, there’s a difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved. 

Pre-qualification is a general estimate based on your income and net worth, while pre-approval means your credit and supporting documents of income and down payment are reviewed.

Pro Tip: Just because you are approved for a certain amount doesn’t mean you should try to spend it all. Part of our pre-approval budget determines whether the monthly mortgage payments, including interest, taxes, and insurance, align with your overall budget. Buying at the top end of your pre-approval limit may strain your current finances and leave you with little room for unexpected expenses.

2. Get Help With Your Research

I am absolutely not opposed to using AI for researching your mortgage, exploring home listings, neighbourhoods, schools, and commute times. Researching early helps you identify the best areas and properties that fit your needs.

That said, AI tools are not going to have access to the knowledge that I have as a broker (not everything is publicly available or accessible by AI products).

There have already been so many stories about people who have used AI for their mortgage and gone in to make an offer, only to find they do not meet financing conditions.

I like it when clients have done some initial research but want to verify what they find online through my experience and professional connections.

3. Work with a Professional Realtor

Contact a realtor. That’s it! That’s the advice.

I know there’s a growing popularity of trying to buy a home without a realtor, but unless you have previous experience in this, do not do it.

A realtor can filter what is in the market to meet your needs. Realtors also have exclusive listings of properties that you may not find by searching only online. They are also your representative when it comes to negotiating the price and conditions of the house you wish to buy. Leveraging their expertise will make the process faster and less stressful.

4. Get a Home Inspection

“Should I get a home inspection before making an offer?”

I cannot overstate how important it is to get a home inspection! When the market moves quickly, as we’ll see coming into Spring, people think that removing this condition is going to make it easier to buy.

But this is your safety net for your investment…a couple of hundred thousand dollar investment. You don’t want that investment turning into a money pit years later.

A professional inspection can reveal needed repairs and give you leverage in negotiations. 

Pro Tip: Did you know that there are mortgages available that can include the cost of renovations (including HVAC and roof upgrades) into your mortgage? We have mortgage options to fit nearly every situation without putting you at greater risk.

5. Prepare for Closing Costs

The one part of the process that a lot of people forget is the end of the mortgage and the closing costs.

A good rule of thumb is budgeting about 1 - 3% of the purchase price of the home for closing costs. The following are estimates of closing costs. Depending on your situation, you are likely not paying for all these items.

• Legal Fees and Disbursements: $1,000–$2,000 for a real estate lawyer, plus several hundred dollars for title searches and registrations.

• Land Title Registration Fees: $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of the property value (and the same for the mortgage amount).

• Title Insurance: $200–$400 (one-time premium).

• Home Inspection: $400–$700.

• Property Appraisal: $300–$500 (if required by lender).

• Property Tax Adjustments: You may need to reimburse the seller for prepaid taxes ($300–$2,000, depending on timing).

• Moving Expenses: Varies widely, from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars.

So, the answer to when you should start the homebuying process is NOW! If you want to get started on your plan, please reach out and I’d love to help you find your home this year.