Tina Joa

You’ve found the one—the house of your dreams. Your heart says “BUY IT NOW!” but your brain whispers, “Maybe check if it’s about to collapse first?”

In Alberta’s competitive market, many buyers feel the pressure to make unconditional offers—waving financing and home inspections to win the deal. But skipping these protections isn’t just bold—it can be bank-account-draining, anxiety-inducing, and potentially life-altering.

Conditional vs. Unconditional Offers – A Buyer’s Reality Check

Why Skipping Conditions Can Cost You BIG

🔎 Surprise! More than 60% of inspected homes in Alberta have issues—ranging from faulty wiring to major structural problems. (spiremortgage.ca)

💰 The average home inspection costs $450–$750—pocket change compared to the $30,000+ it might save you in unexpected repairs. (findcalgaryhome.ca)

🚨 Unconditional offers mean your deposit is at risk. If financing falls through, you could lose tens of thousands of dollars. (reca.ca)

The Bottom Line

Is winning a bidding war worth the sleepless nights, empty savings account, and unforeseen disasters? That’s up to you. But before making an unconditional offer, ask yourself:

✔️ Do I have extra cash to cover unexpected repairs?
✔️ Am I 100% sure I’ll get the mortgage?
✔️ Do I really want to risk it all just to skip a few conditions?

A home should be your biggest investment—not your biggest regret. So take a deep breath, think it through, and remember: a little patience now can save you a LOT of headaches later.

Let’s talk about home inspections. Specifically, let’s talk about why skipping one—especially in the winter—can be a huge mistake. Sure, skipping the inspection might save you a few bucks upfront, but is that really the best way to approach the biggest purchase of your life?

Think about it this way: would you buy a pair of shoes just because they look nice? Without trying them on? Without making sure they fit? That they don’t pinch, rub, or fall apart after a week? No! You check them out, walk around in them, make sure they actually work for you.

Now apply that logic to a house.

When the ground is frozen and covered in snow, you can’t see the grading—how the land slopes around the house, which is crucial for drainage and preventing future foundation issues. You can’t get a good look at the roof either, and replacing one of those is no small expense. But these things matter. They can be the difference between a solid investment and a money pit.

New Build? Still Get an Inspection.

I hear it all the time: “It’s a new build—what could go wrong?”

Plenty. Just because something is new doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Mistakes happen, corners get cut, and sometimes things don’t get finished quite as they should. A home inspector can catch those issues before they become expensive headaches for you.

Not All Inspectors Are Created Equal

I’ve had sellers say, “Well, our inspector didn’t find that issue when we bought the place.” That’s why it’s important to hire the right inspector—not just the cheapest one. Experience, trade knowledge, positive reviews, and industry awards all matter. A thorough, skilled inspector can save you thousands in unexpected repairs.

Why Do I Recommend Inspections?

Let’s clear something up: when I, as your realtor, suggest getting an inspection, I’m not getting a kickback. I have nothing to gain except knowing I’ve done my job in protecting your best interests. My goal is to make sure you know exactly what you’re buying—because surprises are great for birthdays, not for homeownership.

As the market heats up, you might feel pressured to go unconditional on your offer. But ask yourself: what could be hidden beneath the surface? And is skipping the inspection really worth the risk?

Buyer beware. I always recommend an inspection—because peace of mind is priceless.

At some point, every homebuyer dreams of a brand-new home. A sparkling kitchen, untouched floors, and that fresh paint smell—it’s like new car smell but with a much bigger price tag. You visit a show home, fall in love with the design, and imagine yourself living in a magazine spread.

But here’s the reality: new builds can be more work than you signed up for. I’ve worked with plenty of buyers who ran straight to a builder expecting a dream home, only to move in and find out their "brand new" house has surprises—like a game of hide and seek with missing electrical outlets. The worst part? Many thought they didn’t need a realtor because, hey, it’s a new house—what could go wrong? (Spoiler: a lot.)

Why You Need a Realtor for a New Build

Some folks think buying from a builder is like ordering a burger—point at what you want, pay, and enjoy. Nope. This is more like ordering a burger and getting a bun with no patty. The builder’s sales reps work for the builder. Their job? Protect the builder’s interests. My job? Make sure you don’t end up in a house with more problems than a reality TV show.

Hidden Issues in New Builds

New homes go through a construction process that involves multiple subcontractors. Translation: there are a lot of hands in the cookie jar, and sometimes, people forget to actually bake the cookies. I’ve seen buyers move in and discover:

• Vents that don’t connect to anything (Great for heating the inside of your walls!)

• Missing electrical outlets (Surprise! You didn’t actually want to plug in your lamp, did you?)

• Doors that don’t close properly (Because who needs privacy, right?)

• Plumbing issues that turn your dream home into an indoor water park

And let’s not forget the classic: uneven flooring—because every home should come with a built-in funhouse effect.

The Smart Move: A Home Inspection

Yes, you heard me right: get a home inspection on a new build.

I know, I know, it sounds counterintuitive—like checking a brand-new car for rust. But trust me, a fresh build doesn’t mean a flawless build. A professional inspection can catch the hidden oopsies before you move in, saving you from expensive repairs down the line.

Negotiating Repairs and Timelines

As your realtor, I don’t just point out potential problems—I make sure they actually get fixed. I negotiate repairs before you take possession, or at the very least, within a set timeline so you’re not waiting around for things that should have been done right the first time. You should be unpacking boxes, not chasing down contractors.

You’re Not Saving Money by Skipping a Realtor

Some buyers think skipping a realtor means saving money. Nope. That’s like thinking you can save on medical bills by diagnosing yourself on the internet. The builder isn’t going to offer you a discount because you went solo—in fact, without a realtor, you could end up paying more with none of the perks.

The Bottom Line

A new build can be an amazing investment, but it’s not all sunshine and sparkles. Having a realtor on your side means fewer surprises, better negotiations, and a smoother experience overall. So before you sign that builder’s contract, let’s chat. Your dream home should stay a dream—not turn into a DIY horror story.

When I first dipped my toes into the deep waters of real estate, I felt like a minnow among sharks. The industry was vast, competitive, and frankly, a little terrifying. But looking back, I see how fear has morphed into something much more powerful—resilience, strength, and a dash of wit to keep things interesting.

Lifelong Learning: My Secret Weapon

In the early days, I was scared of just about everything—making mistakes, the unknown, and even the idea of failure. But guess what? Those fears became my best teachers. I’ve realized that being a forever learner is my superpower. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s my badge of honor. Each day, I’m sharpening my skills and gaining the kind of confidence that only comes from knowing there’s always more to learn.

Finding Comfort in Discomfort

Remember those two news interviews that would have sent early-me into a panic? Now, they’re just another day at the office. I’ve learned to view these opportunities as stages to share my insights and passion. It’s like learning to enjoy the spotlight rather than fearing it. I’m growing more comfortable with being uncomfortable, and that’s where the magic happens.

Swimming with the Sharks (And Loving It)

Let’s be real—the real estate world often feels like a "survival of the fittest" scenario. But here’s the twist: I’ve discovered that collaboration beats competition every time. By teaming up with my peers, we all rise together. It’s not about being the lone wolf; it’s about creating a pack that’s unstoppable. Together, we’re redefining what it means to succeed in this industry.

The Strength in Asking

One of the biggest lessons I’ve embraced is that asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s pure, unfiltered strength. When I’m unsure, I reach out, tap into the collective wisdom around me, and come out stronger. It’s like having a cheat code for real estate—why go it alone when you can learn from the best?

Redefining Success

Success used to be a numbers game for me, but now it’s so much more. It’s about loving what I do and finding joy in the journey. Sure, the financial rewards are nice, but the real win is the fulfillment I get from my work. Collaboration brings a kind of "smartification" that enriches both my career and my life. It’s about thriving, not just surviving.

Conclusion

So here I am, no longer a minnow but a confident swimmer in a sea of sharks. I’ve embraced my strengths, learned to collaborate, and discovered that the real treasure lies in the journey. This transformation from a fearful newbie to a seasoned professional is proof that resilience, humor, and a willingness to learn can take you anywhere. And trust me, I’m just getting started.

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of growth, challenges, and self-reflection. More than ever, I’m coming into my own as a realtor, finding my voice and the confidence to explain my worth. I can now say, with conviction, that I bring value to the table, and I’m not shy about showing how.

For a while, I worried too much—about targets, perception, and how I fit into this field. But I’ve realized that the best thing I can do is be the authentic me. Real estate isn’t just about transactions; it’s about relationships. My role is to be a key for my clients—a trusted guide who listens, provides solutions, and makes the process smoother.

I’ve had clients who feel comfortable enough to share their problems with me. That trust isn’t something I take lightly. I make it a point to be an ear, not a weight. When challenges arise, my clients won’t hear a litany of problems from me; they’ll hear the solutions I’ve worked hard to uncover.

What’s also been an eye-opener is realizing that many of my opportunities aren’t coming from my immediate sphere. Instead, they’re coming from lead generation—those initial conversations where strangers get to know me for the first time. Building trust is like dating (sometimes blind dating!), and I’ve learned to approach each connection with curiosity, honesty, and my authentic personality.

This career isn’t just a job—it’s a reflection of who I am. I work hard to bring my best self forward every day, balancing the demands of family, clients, and a busy life. And while the road isn’t always easy, I know that my dedication and authenticity will continue to build a foundation for success.