From “Someday” to “I’m Really Doing This”: First Time Home Buyers Checklist

For many, buying a home is the largest investment you can make. It is a milestone that is filled with excitement and expectations. But it also comes with a long list of questions that can be difficult to answer. ”What if I miss something? What if I make a mistake I can’t undo?”

There are plenty of unknowns; a laundry list of items that can be daunting without support or guidance.

Genesis Builder’s First-Time Homebuyers Checklist

At Genesis Builders, we believe homebuying is a process that shouldn’t require survival instincts. Taking the steps towards owning your first home should feel empowering, not discouraging. That’s why we created our First-Time Home Buyers Checklist: a resource to help you understand the buying landscape, and how you fit into it.

In our First-Time Home Buyers Checklist, we cover the following:

The Real Budget vs. The Bank’s Number

A lender might approve you for a maximum loan amount, but that doesn’t mean you should spend it all. Our checklist helps you calculate your “comfort number”—the monthly payment that leaves room for savings, travel, and life.

Uncovering Hidden Costs

Did you know closing costs in Alberta typically add another 2–4% to your purchase price?. On a $420,000 home, that could be over $16,000 you need to have ready upfront. Our checklist breaks down exactly what those costs are—from legal fees to land title adjustments—so you aren’t scrambling on possession day.

Defining Your “Must-Haves”

It’s easy to fall in love with a show home’s decor and forget about functionality. Our “Needs vs. Wants” worksheet helps you strip away the fluff and focus on what truly matters for your lifestyle—like whether you really need that second garage stall or if a home office is the actual priority.

Build Your Future with Confidence

Buying your first home shouldn’t just feel like paperwork. It should feel like the start of your future. Whether you are months away from buying or just starting to save, this guide meets you where you are.