Is acreage living in Alberta your dream—or a reality check in disguise?

Thinking of leaving the city for space, serenity, and sunsets? You're not alone. More and more homebuyers are exploring the idea of living on an acreage near Calgary—and for good reason. The appeal of wide-open space, privacy, and a slower pace is real.

But before you pack up for the foothills or rural Alberta, it’s important to understand what acreage living really involves. As a Calgary-based REALTOR® with 15 years of experience—and a rural upbringing—I help buyers make this transition with confidence and clarity.

Let’s break down the real pros and cons of acreage life so you can decide if it’s truly the lifestyle for you.

✅ Why People Love Living on an Acreage Near Calgary

There’s a reason acreage living is on the rise, especially as remote work becomes more common and families seek more room to grow.

Here’s what makes it so attractive:

• Space to breathe: Say goodbye to shared fences and city noise. Enjoy larger lots and true privacy.

• Stunning natural views: From foothills to open skies, you’ll enjoy scenic backdrops year-round.

• Freedom to create: Outbuildings, gardens, horses, chickens, shops—you name it. With fewer restrictions, the land is yours to shape.

• Peace and quiet: No constant traffic or noise pollution. Just you, your space, and the great outdoors.

• Connection to nature: Daily walks, stargazing, and wildlife sightings become part of everyday life.

⚠️ What to Expect When Buying an Acreage in Alberta

Acreage living also comes with a learning curve and unique responsibilities that city dwellers don’t usually face. Here's what you need to know:

💧 Water & Septic Systems

Unlike city homes, acreages typically rely on private wells and septic systems. These require maintenance, occasional inspections, and a basic understanding of how they work. If something goes wrong—it’s your responsibility to fix it.

❄️ Snow Removal

That long gravel driveway may look charming in summer—but come winter, you become the snowplow. Expect to invest in equipment, hire a contractor, or plan time for clearing snow yourself.

🚗 Commuting & Services

Living outside Calgary means longer drives for groceries, school, and work. Emergency services, deliveries, and even garbage pickup may be delayed or handled differently. Make sure your daily routine is compatible with a more rural setup.

📶 Internet & Utilities

Some rural areas still experience slow or spotty internet and cell service. That said, satellite and rural broadband options are improving—just confirm serviceability before buying.

🧰 More Self-Reliance

There’s no condo board or landlord to handle things. From fixing fences to troubleshooting your well pump, acreage life rewards independence and a can-do attitude.

🧡 The Hidden Perk: A Stronger Sense of Community

Despite all the space, acreage communities often have a surprising upside: tight-knit, supportive neighbors. People wave. They help each other. It’s less anonymous than the city, and more personal.

🤔 Is Living on an Acreage Near Calgary Right for You?

If you’re dreaming of more freedom, more space, and a quieter way of life—acreage living in Alberta might be exactly what you need.

But it’s not for everyone. It takes planning, awareness, and the right support to make it work—especially if you're also selling a home in the city or managing a complex transition.

That’s where I come in.

As a local expert with deep rural knowledge and a track record of guiding clients through buy/sell transitions, I can help you make a confident move—without surprises.

📋 Free Download: Acreage Buyer Checklist

Ready to explore acreage properties near Calgary?
📩 Download my free Acreage Buyer Checklist for everything you need to know before you start shopping.

Whether you’re looking in Foothills County, Rocky View, Cochrane, Okotoks, or Chestermere, I’ll help you find a property that fits your lifestyle—without the guesswork.

👉 DM me “ACREAGE” on Instagram and I’ll send it your way!

🔍 Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of living on an acreage near Calgary?

You’re responsible for your own water, septic systems, snow removal, and property maintenance. Commute times are longer, and internet may not be as reliable. It's a more independent lifestyle.

Is acreage living worth it in Alberta?

If you value privacy, outdoor space, and the freedom to create your own lifestyle, acreage living can be incredibly rewarding. Just be prepared for a different pace and more hands-on responsibility.

📞 Want to Talk About Acreage Life?

Let’s connect. I’d love to hear about your dream lifestyle and help you figure out if an acreage is truly the right move.
📲 Book a consultation, follow me on Instagram @KristenEdmunds.RealEstate, or shoot me a DM with “ACREAGE” to get started.

Figuring out how much house you can afford can be challenging, but it is one of the most important steps when planning to buy a home. Understanding your budget ensures you do not become "house poor"—a term used for individuals who buy a home beyond their financial reach and struggle to cover other living expenses. This guide will help you make informed decisions and balance buying a home with maintaining a healthy budget.

Understand Your Financial Picture

Before you start browsing listings, getting clear on your financial situation is crucial. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Calculate Your Income
   Add up all sources of income, including salary, bonuses, rental income, and any other earnings. This gives you an idea of what you have to work with every month.

2. Review Your Expenses
   Look at all your regular expenses, such as groceries, transportation, entertainment, and savings contributions. Understanding these will help you identify how much you can spare for a mortgage payment.

3. Check Your Credit Score
   Your credit score impacts the mortgage rate you can secure. A higher score can lead to a lower interest rate, saving you thousands over the loan's life.

The Importance of the Down Payment

A down payment is the lump sum you pay upfront when buying a home. It affects your loan amount and whether you'll need mortgage insurance. Here's what to know:

• Homes Up to $500,000:
  A 5% down payment is required. This means saving $25,000 for a $500,000 home.

• Homes $500,000 to $999,999:
  You need 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of any amount over that. For instance, a $750,000 home requires $25,000 on the first $500,000 and $25,000 on the remaining $250,000, totaling a $50,000 down payment.

• Homes $1 Million or More:
  A 20% down payment is standard. This equals $200,000 for a $1,000,000 home.

First-time buyers might not have a large down payment. However, they should remember that putting down less than 20% requires mortgage loan insurance.

Budgeting Beyond the Purchase Price

Buying a home involves more than just paying the sale price. Budget for extra costs:

1. Closing Costs:
   These include lawyer fees, land transfer taxes, and other administrative charges, typically ranging from 1.5% to 4% of the purchase price.

2. Moving and Setup Expenses:
   Consider costs like hiring movers, utility setup fees, and initial purchases such as furniture or appliances.

3. Emergency Fund:
   Set aside funds for unexpected repairs or costs that may arise after moving in.

Choose the Right Mortgage

Securing the best possible mortgage is vital. Here's how:

1. Shop Around:
   Compare rates from different lenders to find the best deal. Even a small difference in interest rates can greatly affect the total amount you pay over time.

2. Consider Different Types:
   Look into fixed-rate and variable-rate options. Understand how each works and their pros and cons based on your financial outlook.

3. Get Pre-Approved:
   A pre-approval gives you a better idea of what a lender might offer and shows sellers you're serious, making your bid more attractive.

Assess What You Can Comfortably Afford

When deciding what you can afford, think about your daily life, not just the mortgage payment.

1. Use the 28/36 Rule:
   Experts suggest that your housing costs should not exceed 28% of your gross monthly income. Additionally, your total debt payments should not surpass 36% of your income.

2. Prioritize Needs Over Wants:
   Understand the difference between essential features (like number of bedrooms) and nice-to-haves (like a pool). Focus on what adds real value to your family life.

Location Matters

Knowing where you want to buy is as important as what you want to buy.

1. Neighbourhood Insights:
   Research the best neighbourhoods for safety, schools, and convenience. Location can impact property value and growth potential.

2. Property Types:
   Decide what suits you best—a single-family home, condo, or townhouse. Each has unique costs tied to its property type, like HOA fees for condos.

Utilize Professional Guidance

Working with a real estate expert can significantly ease the home-buying process. Here’s what they offer:

1. Buyers Agent Expertise:
   They provide access to listings, honest advice, and negotiation experience ensuring stress-free transactions.

2. Financing Connections:
   Agents often know mortgage brokers who can offer guidance suited to your needs.

3. Market Knowledge:
   Agents familiar with your area can offer insights that save you money and help you find a home that fits well with your life goals.

Take Advantage of First-Time Buyer Programs

For starters, there are government programs that aim to make this journey easier.

1. First Home Savings Account (FHSA):
   This account lets you save specifically for a down payment, with some tax advantages that can make it faster to reach your goal.

2. Tax Rebates:
   Look into available tax rebates for first-time buyers that can add extra savings when buying your home.

Conclusion

Knowing how much home you can afford involves thoughtful planning and budgeting. By following these steps, you can find a home that meets your needs and remains within your financial reach. With the right information and support, the path to homeownership can be a rewarding journey. Always remember, being prepared and informed is the best way to enjoy your new home with peace of mind.

In real estate, few things feel more disappointing than when a home you’ve bought doesn’t meet the level of cleanliness you expected at possession. Recently, I represented both the buyers and sellers in a transaction where we encountered a challenge that many agents are familiar with: differing opinions on what “clean” truly means. Here’s a look at why cleaning standards are so important to clarify in purchase contracts and what lessons this experience reinforced.

Setting Expectations: Why One Person’s Clean Is Another’s Concern

In real estate transactions, the expectation for a “clean” property at possession is often assumed but rarely defined clearly. Most standard contracts don’t actually include a specific term for property cleanliness, leaving it up to individual interpretation. This can lead to misunderstandings, as one person’s idea of “clean” may be quite different from another’s.

To avoid ambiguity, many agents add a specific cleaning term to the purchase contract. In this case, we aimed to set clear expectations by including a clause that the home and outbuildings should meet a particular cleanliness standard 24 hours before possession. I also discussed with the sellers what the buyers expected, suggesting a professional cleaning to ensure a baseline quality. However, the sellers ultimately preferred to handle the cleaning themselves and did not agree to the professional cleaning clause.

Without a standard term, it’s crucial to communicate expectations and outline clear cleaning requirements, yet even then, the subjective nature of “clean” can still lead to different interpretations, as we saw in this transaction.

The Walkthrough: When Standards of Clean Differ

The day before possession, the buyers and I walked through the property. Despite our discussions and the agreed standards, several concerns stood out:

• Many outbuildings still contained items left behind, and floors were unswept.

• The poultry coop hadn’t been cleaned.

• The garage had debris and visible leakage that could have benefitted from a thorough clean.

• Although the sellers stated the house was cleaned, closer inspection showed only a surface-level effort—dust remained on surfaces, doors had visible hand and paw prints, and it was clear the cleaning was minimal.

The buyers were understandably disappointed. I empathized with them, as I also value a high level of cleanliness, especially when expectations have been outlined clearly.

When Subjective Terms Fall Short

This situation underscores why using subjective terms like "clean" in a contract can lead to disputes. The buyers’ idea of “clean” included dust-free surfaces, a swept garage, and waste-free outbuildings, while the sellers felt that their clean-up effort was sufficient. Even with contract terms specifying that cleanliness should meet a particular standard, the interpretation remained open to each party’s perspective. The discrepancy led to legal involvement, and while the sellers returned to make additional clean-up efforts, their work didn’t fully meet the buyers’ expectations or the contract timeline.

Professional Cleaning Clauses: A Worthwhile Solution

In situations like these, a clause requiring professional cleaning with a receipt can help prevent disputes. A receipt provides proof that an effort was made, even if cleaning companies vary in their standards. While not foolproof, this objective measure adds clarity and reduces subjective interpretation. When sellers resist a professional cleaning clause, it’s important to communicate the risk of varied expectations and, if possible, negotiate for a specific checklist that can be agreed upon by both parties.

Closing Despite Unmet Conditions: Limited Remedies for Buyers

Ultimately, buyers must balance their desire for a clean property with the practicalities of closing on time. In this case, the buyers faced a dilemma: either close on schedule or risk penalties and delays. They chose to proceed, knowing their only recourse might be small claims court to recover cleaning expenses. While the contract included a holdback provision if the property wasn’t cleaned within 24 hours of possession, this became challenging to enforce due to the subjective nature of the agreed-upon term.

Lessons Learned: Clear and Objective Terms Protect All Parties

This experience highlights the importance of clear contract terms, particularly for subjective issues like cleanliness. When drafting or accepting terms, here are a few best practices to consider:

• Opt for Objectivity: If possible, specify professional cleaning with a receipt, even if there’s pushback. This provides tangible evidence of effort and makes expectations clearer.

• Discuss Details in Advance: Having open discussions about what “clean” means can reduce misunderstandings. While not a guarantee, explaining the desired standards to both parties can at least set realistic expectations.

• Consider a Holdback for Cleaning: If professional cleaning isn’t feasible, a holdback provision can be a backup measure—though, as seen here, it isn’t always easy to enforce.

Real estate transactions come with numerous moving parts, and cleanliness expectations are just one piece of the puzzle. By striving for objective terms, agents, buyers, and sellers can ensure that possession day is as smooth as possible and that everyone’s expectations are met to the best extent possible.

Final Thoughts

Buying or selling a home is a significant transaction, and setting clear, objective expectations for every part of the process—especially for details like cleaning—can make all the difference. If you’re planning a real estate transaction and want guidance on avoiding similar pitfalls, I’d be happy to help.