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Showing posts from February, 2026

Title Insurance vs. Real Property Reports (RPR): Understanding Risks and Availability in Alberta Real Estate

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When you are close to finalizing a home purchase in Alberta, the paperwork can become overwhelming. Two terms often cause confusion for buyers and sellers alike: the Real Property Report (RPR) and Title Insurance. While often presented as an "either/or" option during a time crunch, they serve very different purposes. Based on guidelines from the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA) and standard Alberta contracts, here is what you need to know about availability, risks, and protection.   The Gold Standard: The Real Property Report (RPR) According to the RECA Home Buyer's Guide, a Real Property Report is a legal document prepared by an Alberta Land Surveyor. It is essentially a map of the property that shows property boundaries and the location of improvements (structures) relative to those boundaries. However, the document alone isn’t enough. To be fully effective for a transaction, an RPR usually requires evidence of municipal compliance. This is a stamp from the municip...

Ready to Write an Offer? Here is Your Essential Due Diligence Checklist

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You’ve found "the one." The kitchen is perfect, the location is ideal, and you can already picture your furniture in the living room. The excitement is high, and the urge to sign the Residential Purchase Contract immediately to secure the property is strong. But hold on. An Offer to Purchase is a legally binding roadmap for your transaction. Once accepted, it creates significant rights and obligations. As an Associate at eXp Realty serving Edmonton, Leduc, and Beaumont, I have seen how overlooking the "fine print" can turn a dream home into a stressful liability. Before you put pen to paper (or digital signature to screen), here is the essential checklist you need to review to protect your deposit and your future.   1. The Real Property Report (RPR) and Compliance In Alberta, land surveying is critical. Do not assume the fences are on the property line or that the deck was built with a permit.   What to check: Does the seller have a current RPR with evidence of mun...