Plain-English real estate.
The words that get thrown around in a transaction, explained simply — so nothing feels like a foreign language.
No jargon, no intimidation.
Real estate has its own vocabulary, and agents who use it to sound impressive aren't doing you any favours. I'd rather you understand every term than nod along.
Here are the ones that come up most in Calgary transactions. If anything's still fuzzy, ask me — that's what I'm here for.
Terms worth knowing
Terms that must be satisfied before a sale becomes firm — common ones are financing, home inspection and, for condos, document review. They're your safety net.
A conditional sale still has conditions to remove; a firm sale means all conditions are met and the deal is binding. 'Sold firm' means it's really gone.
Money you put down with your offer to show you're serious. It's held in trust and applied to your purchase at closing — it isn't an extra cost.
The day the home legally becomes yours and you get the keys. It's negotiated as part of your offer.
Recent sales of similar homes nearby. They're how we price your offer or your listing on evidence, not emotion.
A survey showing the property's boundaries and structures, usually with municipal compliance. Sellers typically provide a current one at closing.
The financial and legal records of a condo corporation — reserve fund, bylaws, minutes. Reviewing them protects you from inheriting someone else's problem.
The extra costs beyond the price — legal fees, land title, adjustments and possibly mortgage insurance. Budget roughly 1.5–2.5% of the price.
Still have questions?
There's no such thing as a dumb question in a purchase this big. Reach out and I'll explain anything in plain English.