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🔍 Planning to attend an open house? Learn 8 essential open house tips to make the most of your visit, avoid costly mistakes, and ask the right questions before making an offer.

Why Open Houses Matter for Homebuyers

An open house is more than just a casual walkthrough—it’s your chance to assess a property in detail before making an offer. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or an experienced investor, knowing how to prepare for an open house visit can help you make an informed decision.

In this guide, we’ll cover key open house tips, from what to look for in a home to the questions to ask the listing agent. Let’s dive in!

1. Research the Property Before You Go

Before attending an open house, research the listing online to understand:
✅ The asking price and market trends in the area
✅ The home's size, layout, and unique features
✅ Property history (previous sales, price changes, and days on market)
✅ Neighborhood insights (crime rate, schools, nearby amenities)

🔎 Pro Tip: Use Google Street View to explore the area before visiting in person!

2. Plan Your Open House Route

If you’re touring multiple homes in a day, plan an efficient route to maximize your time. Use Google Maps or real estate apps to avoid unnecessary backtracking.

🚗 Bonus Tip: Drive by the neighborhood at different times of the day to check for noise levels, traffic congestion, and overall vibe.

3. Dress Comfortably (and Respectfully!)

You don’t need to dress up, but wearing comfortable shoes is a must—especially if you’re visiting multiple homes. Some sellers may request you to remove your shoes, so be prepared!

4. Bring These Essential Open House Tools

To get the most out of your visit, bring:
📒 Notebook or app for taking notes
📏 Measuring tape to check furniture fit
📸 Phone for photos/videos (ask the agent first!)
📝 List of questions for the Realtor

5. Inspect the Home Like a Pro (Beyond the Staging!)

Sellers often stage their homes to highlight strengths and hide flaws. Look beyond the décor and check:
✅ Walls & ceilings: Any cracks, water stains, or peeling paint?
✅ Floors & windows: Are they in good condition or need replacing?
✅ Smells: Musty odors could indicate mold or leaks.
✅ Noise levels: Can you hear traffic or loud neighbors?

🛠 Pro Tip: Turn on faucets, flush toilets, and check water pressure. Small signs of neglect can signal bigger hidden issues.

6. Ask the Right Questions

A good buyer asks smart questions at an open house. Here are some must-ask questions:

• Why is the owner selling?

• How long has the home been on the market?

• Are there any offers already?

• What are the average utility costs?

• Have there been any recent repairs or renovations?

7. Observe the Neighborhood

A great home in a bad neighborhood might not be a great deal. Before you leave, take a walk and check:
🏡 Neighboring homes – Are they well-maintained?
🛑 Street traffic – Is it quiet or busy?
🚗 Parking – Is it easily available for guests?

8. Take Notes and Compare Homes

If you visit multiple open houses, details can blur together. After each visit, write down:

• Pros & cons of the home

• Overall condition & repair needs

• Vibe of the neighborhood

This helps you compare properties later when making a decision!

Final Step: Follow Up with Your Realtor

An open house is just the beginning. A skilled real estate agent can:
✅ Set up a private showing
✅ Help you analyze property value
✅ Negotiate a strong offer

📩 Ready to find your dream home? As a top Realtor, I help buyers navigate the real estate market with confidence.

📞 Contact me today for expert guidance and access to exclusive listings!

In Calgary’s competitive real estate market, homes with basement suites offer an attractive opportunity for rental income or multi-generational living. However, not all basement suites are legal, and purchasing a home with an illegal suite can lead to financial, legal, and safety risks.

With the City of Calgary's recent rezoning changes, it’s more important than ever for buyers to understand how these policies affect basement suites, rental opportunities, and future property values.

If you’re considering a home with a basement suite, this guide will help you navigate the legal implications, costs, and the impact of Calgary’s new zoning bylaws.

1. What is an Illegal Basement Suite in Calgary?

An illegal basement suite is a secondary dwelling unit that does not comply with the City of Calgary’s zoning, building, or fire safety regulations. This could mean:

✅ No permits were obtained.
✅ The suite lacks proper fire safety measures, such as separate egress (exit) windows and fire-rated walls.
✅ It does not have a separate entrance or dedicated parking, as required by city bylaws.
✅ The property is not zoned to allow for a secondary suite.

The City of Calgary has strict rules for secondary suites, and owning an illegal one could result in fines, tenant eviction orders, or forced removal.

2. Calgary’s New Rezoning Changes: How They Impact Your Decision

The City of Calgary has recently approved blanket rezoning for all residential properties to allow secondary suites and backyard suites (laneway homes) in more areas than ever before. Here’s how this impacts buyers:

🔹 More Homes Will Be Eligible for Legal Basement Suites

Previously, many homes in Calgary were zoned R-C1 (Residential Contextual One Dwelling), which did not allow secondary suites without a lengthy rezoning application. Now, all properties will automatically be rezoned to allow secondary suites. This means:

• More homes can legally add basement suites, increasing investment potential.

• The legalization process for existing suites may be faster and less expensive.

🔹 Increased Competition for Rental Properties

With more legal secondary suites entering the market, the rental market could become more competitive, possibly affecting your ability to charge premium rental rates.

🔹 Future Value & Resale Implications

Homes with legal basement suites will likely see higher resale value and more demand in the future, as they offer legitimate rental income potential.

3. How an Illegal Basement Suite Can Hurt Your Resale Value

Even with the new zoning changes, an illegal suite still presents serious resale challenges:

• Appraisal Issues – Lenders and appraisers may not count an illegal suite in the home’s valuation, potentially lowering your selling price.

• Limited Buyer Pool – Future buyers may hesitate to take on the liability of an illegal unit.

• Legal Risks for Future Owners – Buyers may be required to remove or upgrade the suite, making the property less attractive.

To maximize resale value, consider legalizing the suite before selling.

4. You Can’t Rent It (Legally) or List It on Airbnb

Many buyers assume they can rent out an illegal suite for extra income, but in Calgary:

❌ Illegal suites cannot be legally rented – If discovered, the city can issue eviction orders and fines.
❌ Airbnb and short-term rentals are prohibited – The city enforces rules against short-term rentals in illegal units.
❌ Complaints can trigger inspections – If a neighbor reports an illegal suite, the city could issue a cease-and-desist order.

If rental income is your goal, verify the suite’s legal status before making an offer.

5. Insurance Risks: Higher Premiums & Denied Claims

Owning an illegal basement suite can increase your insurance costs and risks:

🚨 Higher Insurance Premiums – Many insurance companies charge higher rates for homes with secondary dwellings.
🚨 Claims Could Be Denied – If a fire, flood, or injury occurs in an illegal suite, your claim may be rejected.
🚨 Personal Liability – If a tenant is injured, the homeowner could be personally sued for damages.

Before buying, speak with your insurance provider to understand the risks and costs.

6. How to Check If a Basement Suite is Legal in Calgary

Before making an offer, follow these steps to verify if a suite is legal:

✔️ Check Calgary’s Secondary Suite Registry
✔️ Request Permits from the Seller – If they cannot provide permits, assume the suite is illegal.
✔️ Work with a Realtor & Lawyer – A knowledgeable professional can guide you through the legalities.

If a suite isn’t registered with the city, it is likely illegal.

7. Final Thoughts: Protect Yourself Before You Buy

Buying a home with a basement suite can be a great investment, but only if it’s legal. Before making an offer:

✅ Check Calgary’s zoning & suite registry.
✅ Consult with a home inspector, realtor, and lawyer.
✅ Budget for potential legalization costs.

With Calgary’s new rezoning rules, more homes will qualify for legal secondary suites, making it easier to invest in a rental property legally.

Looking for a Home with a Legal Basement Suite? Let’s Find You the Right Property!

As a local Calgary real estate expert, I can help you find homes that meet the city’s latest zoning regulations and offer legal, high-value rental opportunities.

📩 Contact me today to start your home search!

⚠️ Important Disclaimer

This article does not constitute legal, financial, or professional real estate advice. The information provided is for informational purposes only and may not reflect the latest regulatory changes. Buyers and sellers should always consult:

• A licensed real estate professional for property advice.

• A real estate lawyer for legal guidance on zoning and compliance.

• The City of Calgary for updated regulations on basement suites.

• A qualified home inspector to assess safety and building standards.

Your real estate decisions should be based on expert advice from licensed professionals.