INSURANCE
Safeguarding the Purchase of a Lifetime
Whether you’re looking to buy or already have keys in hand, there are many ways to protect your new home.
By Allison Cross | Illustration by Tom Froese
Protect your new home with proactive maintenance and the right insurance for your needs. | PHOTO: PROSTOCK-STUDIO/ENVATO
Buying your first home is a big deal, and often the largest financial investment an individual or family will make over the course of their life. Here’s how to protect your investment. Be market savvy
Are you entering the Alberta housing market for the first time? Buyers searching for a new home in 2026 are navigating a market that looks different from previous years. Data from Statistics Canada indicates that Alberta remains a top destination for inter-provincial migration, even as the overall influx of residents has slowed from historical highs.
Calgary realtor Leah Hughson says she’s seeing price drops on apartment-style condos and condo townhouses, two common choices for first-time homebuyers.
“They are in a buyer’s market right now,” says Hughson, adding that first-time buyers are taking their time deciding if a property is a wise and affordable choice.
If you’re ready to take the leap to home ownership, a thorough review of condo documents (condo bylaws, annual financial statements, etc.) and a home inspection before closing the deal is one of the best ways to do that, Hughson says. Gaining insight into potential future issues such as hail damage, maintenance concerns or upcoming special assessments can help buyers make informed decisions about their investment.
In sought-after Calgary neighbourhoods, detached homes remain a commodity, Hughson says. But while detached home deals are happening faster than condo deals, buyers shouldn’t skip the home inspection. It can reveal underlying conditions that will help buyers make wise decisions and protect their investment down the line.
“I would never recommend giving up the home inspection… that is such an important condition to write into your offer,” Hughson says.
Seasonal tasks such as sealing windows and doors and doing a yard clean-up will help maintain your new investment. | PHOTOS: PHOTOVS/ENVATO; MONKEYBUSINESS/ENVATO
Mindful maintenance
The deal is closed, the home is yours, and that list of new-house to-dos is likely long already. What now?
To proactively care for your new investment, add to your new home’s value and reduce the number of future insurance claims, consider tackling these steps first.
Keep water out
Snowmelt is fast and furious in Alberta, and the sudden flow of water can sometimes end up inside your home. Shovel snow away from your foundation so that when it does melt, it flows away from your basement. Grading, the gradual slope around your home, should also be checked and built up regularly. If you’ve got a sump pump in the basement, check that it’s working properly and plugged into a reliable power source.
Choose seasonal tasks
No season is the same in Alberta, and each brings its unique set of challenges and tasks. In winter, inspect your windows and doors for leaks and air gaps. In spring, clear clogged gutters and downspouts. In summer, schedule an air conditioning inspection. In fall, clean up leaves and other debris and schedule a furnace inspection.
Prepare for severe weather
Alberta is known for its hail, and your roof and siding will bear the brunt of any damage. A variety of materials, including slate and rubber for your roof and stucco and brick for your siding, are hail-resistant options.
Do simple upgrades and maintenance A small amount of effort now will help you avoid a pricey surprise later. Re-caulk showers, tubs and sinks to prevent leaks. Clean the drains in your kitchens and bathrooms. Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors — add fresh batteries if necessary. And clean out the dryer vent — your clothes will dry faster and you’ll reduce the risk of a house fire.
Protect your home from wildfire
Most homes don’t ignite in a wildfire because of a wall of flames. According to FireSmart Alberta, they usually catch fire because of flying embers that land on or around the home. Ensure that 1.5 m around your home is clear of flammable materials (think debris, firewood, construction materials, propane tanks and leaf piles).
“I would never recommend giving up the home inspection… that is such an important condition to write into your offer.”
Insure your investment
Having home insurance for your property is important. But knowing exactly what your policy covers — and not simply how much you’ll pay each month — is just as crucial, says AMA claims manager Rony Mathews.
“A lot of people don’t realize what they have or don’t have [in their policy] until they have a claim,” he says. “I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to ensure that you have the right coverage in place before a loss occurs.”
Mathews says homeowners should review their documents closely and reach out to an advisor with questions about their coverage for damage caused by extreme weather.
The same applies to questions about how making renovations, renting out your property or travelling away from your home affects your coverage.
“Home ownership is probably one of the biggest financial investments people are going to make, and home insurance helps protect that investment when the unexpected happens,” says Mathews.
Coverage is crucial, but homeowners should also take a proactive approach to maintenance to make their homes more resilient to extreme weather, whether that’s choosing resistant siding, testing the sump pump or cleaning out the gutters, Mathews says. “It might mean an additional cost up front, but it can really minimize the amount of damage when you have a claim.” AMA
Protecting Your Home, Season by Season
A little seasonal maintenance can go a long way toward protecting your home, preventing costly damage and keeping your biggest investment in good shape year-round.
Put your AMA membership to work
Whether you’re itching to paint your new bedroom, purchase a few throw pillows or haul away the junk in your basement before a move, an AMA membership has rewards to help you manage those costs.
Earn 5% in AMA reward dollars when you purchase a HomeSense/Winners/Marshalls gift card or an IKEA gift card from AMA to shop for décor.
Earn up to $200 in AMA reward dollars on your move with AMJ Campbell.
Get 25% off paint and 3% AMA reward dollars with Dulux Paints.
Get rid of old stuff before your move with a 20% discount on Just Junk services.
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