When You’re Buying Or Selling A Home In Calgary Don't Overlook Critically Important Questions
Buying a home in Calgary’s inner city isn’t just about bedrooms and bathrooms.
It’s about context, history, pricing, and risk, and I love every bit of it.
My name is Tom Albrecht, and I help people buy homes. One of my favourite places to do that is inner-city Calgary, where the real estate is as complex as it is fascinating—and the people even more so.
Before writing an offer, I run through a detailed 75-point checklist (think flood risk, zoning overlays, heritage protection, resale trends, even supply pipes,you name it).
Below are four items I check almost every time. I grabbed them nearly at random, because honestly, they’re all important:
Flood risk mapping (provincial + local)
is your dream home in a flood zone?
This map from the City of Calgary shows the updated floodway and flood fringe zones. We use tools like this every day to help our clients make informed decisions (and avoid expensive surprises)
Heritage overlay protection
If the home is under Heritage Overlay Protection, you're not dealing with a true heritage designation—but you’re also not buying into a free-for-all. The City still wants you to play nice with the neighborhood’s historic vibe.
Subdivision-level benchmark pricing
Benchmark pricing reflects a modelled price for a typical home in a specific area and property category.
Why does this matter?
Because when you're buying in, say, Maple Ridge, the city-wide benchmark doesn’t tell you much. But a benchmark specifically for detached homes in Maple Ridge? That’s gold.
Key questions worth asking before we commit
- Why are the sellers selling?
- Pet-free home? For buyer clients with allergies
- Utility Bills
- Ever flooded?
- Sewer Scoped?
- Sprinklers last serviced?
- Inquiry as to natural death in/or property
- Inquiry as to unnatural death in/on property
- Inquiry as to grow op in/or on property
- Inquiry as to pro_pertv being former drug house
- Inquiry as to any former health orders
- Inquiry as to a stigmatizing quality lg the property
- Sex offenders
- Builder
- Insurance claims
- Smoking in the house
- Robbed?
Over the years, this diligence has helped clients avoid buying former grow-ops, dodge encroaching developments, and negotiate prices that reflect true market value. I put my stats background to good use, and I take real pride in communicating insights in a clear, friendly, and honest way.
Another thing I love is the opportunity to learn (both from errors/omissions, but also from clients). For example, I just added something to the checklist today (thanks to my latest architect client!).
If you (or someone you care about) is buying in Calgary—or selling with Breanna—we're here to help.
Thank you!