If you’re thinking about buying your first home in Fort McMurray, summer is the perfect time to get serious. With more listings on the market, flexible schedules, and a few months before winter sets in, the season offers a great window of opportunity—especially if your goal is to move in before fall.

At Charlene Elliott Mortgages, we help first-time buyers across Fort McMurray navigate the mortgage process with clarity and confidence. If you’re ready to make homeownership a reality, here are five summer-specific mortgage tips to help you get there.

1. Get Pre-Approved Early

Before you even start browsing homes, getting pre-approved should be your first step. A mortgage pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can afford, locks in a rate for up to 120 days, and shows sellers you’re serious.

Why summer matters:
Homes can move fast during the warmer months. Having your pre-approval in hand helps you act quickly and confidently when the right property comes up.

2. Take Advantage of Lower Competition Mid-Summer

While spring is the busiest season for real estate, mid to late summer can be a sweet spot. Some buyers take a break for vacations, which means less competition—and more negotiating power for you.

Local tip:
In Fort McMurray, inventory tends to stay steady into August, giving you more options with fewer bidding wars compared to the spring rush.

3. Use Your Summer Schedule to Your Advantage

If your schedule is more flexible during the summer—thanks to time off, lighter workloads, or school breaks—it’s the perfect time to get organized, meet with us, and attend showings without feeling rushed.

Take time now to:

  • Review your credit score
  • Gather income and tax documents
  • Explore your budget and monthly comfort zone

Being prepared gives you a major edge when it’s time to submit an offer.

4. Understand the First-Time Home Buyer Incentives Available

As a first-time buyer in Alberta, you may be eligible for:

  • The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (a shared equity program)
  • RRSP withdrawals under the Home Buyers’ Plan
  • Land transfer tax exemptions (while Alberta has no land transfer tax, some local costs may apply)
  • CMHC-insured mortgage options with lower down payments

At Charlene Elliott Mortgages, we’ll walk you through every option you qualify for—and help you stack them for maximum benefit.

5. Work With a Local Mortgage Broker Who Knows the Fort McMurray Market

The mortgage process isn’t one-size-fits-all. When you work with a local team like Charlene Elliott Mortgages, you’re getting more than just rate comparisons—you’re getting personalized support based on local experience.

We understand the unique housing landscape in Fort McMurray, including how to navigate lender requirements, property types, and market trends that national banks may overlook.

Ready to Be in Your First Home Before Fall?

With the right guidance and preparation, buying your first home can be a smooth and exciting process. Summer is the time to act—and Charlene Elliott Mortgages is here to help every step of the way.

From your initial questions to final approvals, we’re committed to helping Fort McMurray buyers make informed, confident decisions.

Want to learn more? Contact us at 780.792.0009 or charlene@charleneelliot.ca