Are you taking the plunge and buying a house? Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned pro, being prepared and informed will boost your confidence. We’ve gathered common real estate questions and asked Calgary realtor Shaun Sweetnam of Popowich & Company EXP Realty (@sweetnamshaun on instagram) for expert answers. He’s seen it all—from “I’ll take the one with the stained carpet” to “Can we talk about the weird smell in the basement?”

So grab your coffee, your best “I’ve got this” attitude, and let’s dive in!

Is there a “better” time of year to sell? Example: People say spring so people can move during the summer when kids are out of school… is that true? 

While homes sell year-round, timing can absolutely impact your sale price, days on market, and overall success. 

In Calgary, the Spring market (March to June) is traditionally the strongest. Buyers are out in full force, the weather is more cooperative for showings, and families looking to move prefer to do so before the new school year. This seasonal demand often leads to higher prices and faster sales. 

Fall (September to mid-November) is another solid window, especially for move-up buyers and downsizers who may have missed the spring market. Inventory tends to be lower than in the spring, meaning well-priced homes can still attract strong interest. 

Summer (July & August) can be slower as many buyers are away on vacation, and families who needed to move before the school year may have already done so. However, serious buyers remain in the market, and with less competition, your home can stand out. 

Winter (December to February) is typically the slowest, but there are advantages—fewer listings mean motivated buyers, and the holiday season can bring emotional purchases. Well-presented homes still sell, especially in competitive price points. 

That said, market conditions, interest rates, and local inventory levels can sometimes override seasonal trends. The best time to sell is ultimately when you’re ready and when we can position your home to maximize its value. 

How do I find a real estate agent where I live? What questions should I ask when sussing out a real estate agent? How do I know if they are any good? 

Ask for referrals. Friends, family, or colleagues who had a great experience can provide solid leads. 

Check online reviews. Look for consistent positive feedback. 

Interview multiple agents. Key questions: 

• How many homes have you sold in my area? 
• What’s your marketing strategy? 
• What’s your commission structure? 
• How do you handle negotiations?

Verify credentials. They should be licensed and a member of a reputable real estate board. 

A good agent should be knowledgeable, communicative, and have a strong track record in your market. 

Do I sign a contract to work with a real estate agent? 

Yes, Alberta requires a written service agreement to outline expectations, services, and commission terms. There are different types of representation agreements (exclusive or non-exclusive). 

***This is similar in most states and provinces***

How does a real estate agent get paid? 

Agents earn a commission, typically a percentage of the sale price. 

The seller usually pays the commission, which is split between the listing agent and the buyer’s agent. 

I already own a home. Should I sell my current property before buying a new one? Or vice versa? 

It depends on your financial situation and risk tolerance: 

• Sell first: Safer financially. No risk of carrying two mortgages, but you may need temporary housing. 
• Buy first: Avoids interim housing stress but requires financing certainty. Bridge loans or conditional offers can help. 

Market conditions also matter—in a seller’s market, buying first might be riskier since homes sell quickly.

How do I know what I need vs. what I want/can afford? 

Needs: Location, size, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, must-have features. 

Wants: Upgrades, finishes, extras that are nice but not essential. 

Affordability: Get pre-approved, factor in closing costs, and be realistic about ongoing expenses. 

Should I get pre-approved before I start looking? 

Absolutely. It sets your budget, strengthens offers, and speeds up the buying process.

What should I do to maximize my home’s value and showability when I sell? 

• Declutter & depersonalize—make it easy for buyers to visualize themselves in the space. 
• Minor repairs & fresh paint—small fixes go a long way. 
• Curb appeal—landscaping and exterior maintenance matters. 
• Professional photos & staging—first impressions count online and in-person. 

(Psst! We have a moving guide for that)

What should I look out for when looking at listings or showings that scream “this house is not what it seems”. Lipstick on a pig situations. 

• Fresh paint in odd areas (could be covering damage/mold). 
• Sloping floors or cracks in foundation (structural issues). 
• Musty smells or excessive air fresheners (could indicate mold). 
• DIY electrical/plumbing work (code violations). 
• Lack of permits for renovations (future legal or resale issues). 

What’s your scariest house showing story? Have you ever shown a house that was disgustingly dirty, full of cats or in such bad shape that you said NOPE and got you and your client out of there. 

From personal experience—homes with massive hoarder conditions, aggressive pets, aggressive tenants or extreme neglect (including a home with a hole in the roof and mold-covered walls). 

What other expenses do I need to consider when buying a home? ie: home inspection, lawyer fees at closing, HOA fees, etc? 

• Home inspection ($400–$800). 
• Legal fees ($1,000–$2,500). 
• Property taxes & insurance (varies). 
• HOA/condo fees (if applicable). 
• Moving costs & utility setup fees.

What is a realistic timeline to have between offer and closing? 

Typically 30–60 days, but cash offers can close faster. Financing and conditions can extend timelines. 

Is it worth it to pay someone to stage your home? 

Yes. Staged homes sell faster and for more money. Even partial staging (decluttering, professional photos) can help. 

If I am building a home, do I need to take a Realtor with me when I go to the Showhome for the very first time, or can they join when we decide on a specific Builder? 

Yes! Bring your Realtor on your first visit or the builder may not allow them to represent you. A Realtor ensures you get fair terms and incentives. 

Will my realtor be able to help me sell my current home and buy my next home at the same time? 

Yes. Many agents coordinate both transactions, ensuring smooth timelines and financing options. 

Why do interest rates affect my mortgage? 

Higher rates increase borrowing costs and reduce buying power, while lower rates make mortgages more affordable. 

How long do we stay on the market before we consider a price reduction?

• In hot markets, reassess after 2–3 weeks with little interest. 
• In slower markets, monitor after 30–45 days. 

Pricing should reflect feedback, market conditions, and competition. 

What types of marketing do Realtors do for selling my current home?

• MLS exposure (biggest platform). 
• Professional photography & video tours. 
• Social media & online advertising. 
• Networking with agents & buyers. 
• Open houses & targeted campaigns. 

How do realtors know how to price my home for my community? 

• Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) using recent sales. 
• Local market trends & demand. 
• Home condition & unique features. 
• Competition & pricing strategy.

And there you have it. Buying a home doesn’t have to be a stressful rollercoaster if you’ve got the right knowledge and the right realtor by your side. We hope this answered some of your questions and calmed your nerves. This should be a fun and exciting time so stop stressing and enjoy it. Make smart choices, and treat yourself to a glass of wine after signing all that paperwork. You’ve earned it!

See our moving guide here, and watch our Top 10 Move In Cleaning Essentials below:

Happy House Hunting!

Lana @GoCleanCo