Mel Star REALTOR®

e of Calgary’s most experienced Real Estate professionals, Mel Star has developed a stellar reputation based on his comprehensive knowledge of the local Real Estate market, unrelenting dedication to his clients, and a solid team who shares his commitment to client's care.

Born and Raised in Calgary

Born and raised in Calgary, Mel has personally experienced the city’s growth and lived through its economic ups and downs. He’s worked with first-time home buyers, growing families looking to upsize, seniors downsizing to a smaller space, and everyone in between. With over 40 years of local experience, Mel has the expertise to help you find the right home in the right neighbourhood.

Working With Clients To Find Their Dream Home

“My team and I have one goal - to guide our client to their ideal home with minimal stress and maximum value,” says Mel. “We are able to do this consistently as a result of our team’s deep knowledge of the Calgary Real Estate market, cutting-edge digital marketing strategies, expert advocacy and negotiation skills, and our vast network of Real Estate-related service professionals.”

Award-Winning Real Estate Agent

Mel is a recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award and the Circle of Legends Award. He has also been inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame. If you want to work with an award-winning team of Calgary Real Estate professionals, put the Mel Star Team at the top of your list.

Foreclosures in Calgary: Top 10 FAQs for 2026

1. How does foreclosure work in Calgary (Alberta)?

Alberta uses a judicial foreclosure process, meaning the Court of King’s Bench supervises every step. Proceedings usually start after a homeowner misses two to three mortgage payments. The lender files a Statement of Claim, and you typically have 20 days to respond. If you do not resolve the issue, a redemption period of up to six months follows, during which you can pay the full arrears plus fees to keep your home. If the home is not redeemed, the court orders a judicial sale or, in some cases, transfers ownership to the lender. An overwhelming majority of Calgary foreclosures are judicial, with an average timeline of six to twelve months from start to finish.

2. What are my rights as a homeowner facing foreclosure?

Alberta law provides several key protections for homeowners facing foreclosure. You have the right of redemption, which allows you to pay all arrears and costs up until a final court order is issued. You have the right to file a Demand of Notice, ensuring you are informed of all court hearings. You also maintain the right to sell the property yourself during the foreclosure process, even after a Statement of Claim has been filed. Furthermore, if a judicial sale generates more money than your total debt, you have a right to that surplus. Lenders are legally required to provide you with written notice at each stage of the process.

3. How can I stop a foreclosure in Calgary?

There are several immediate options available to stop a foreclosure in Calgary. You can reinstate your mortgage by paying all missed payments plus any legal fees before the redemption period expires. You can also negotiate directly with your lender to establish a repayment plan or modify your loan terms, as lenders often prefer this to court proceedings. If you have equity in your home, refinancing with a private or alternative lender is another viable option. Selling the home yourself, often called a power sale, can yield a better price and protect your credit more than a court-ordered sale. Taking no action is the most detrimental choice, as it allows legal fees to accumulate and you lose control of the situation.

4. How long does the foreclosure process take?

From the first missed payment to the final court order, the foreclosure process in Calgary typically takes six to eighteen months. After two to three missed payments, you will likely receive a demand letter. A Statement of Claim is usually filed three to five months later. The subsequent redemption period generally lasts three to six months, though it can be as short as 24 hours if there is no equity in the property. The final court order and sale typically occur one to three months after the redemption period ends. Delays can occur if you file a defence or due to court backlogs.

5. Can I buy a house after foreclosure in Calgary?

Yes, it is possible to buy a house after a foreclosure, but it requires a waiting period and rebuilding your credit. A foreclosure will remain on your credit report for six to seven years in Alberta. Traditional banks usually require a waiting period of two to four years after the foreclosure, along with a down payment of at least twenty percent and a stable income. Alternative or private lenders may be willing to lend after just twelve months, but interest rates are typically higher, often between eight and twelve percent, and they will likely require a down payment of twenty-five percent or more. Rebuilding your credit with secured credit cards and consistent, on-time payments is crucial during this period.

6. Is buying a foreclosure a good deal?

Buying a foreclosure can potentially be a good deal, but it is essential to understand the associated risks and caveats. The average sale price for a foreclosure in Calgary can be significantly lower than the city's average home price. However, these properties are sold "as is, where is," meaning there are no warranties and they often require repairs. The purchasing process is also different, as offers need court approval, which can take weeks, and you risk being outbid even after an offer is accepted. Securing financing can be trickier, as some lenders avoid properties that need extensive repairs. It is always recommended to get a home inspection if possible and to work with a real estate agent experienced in judicial sales.

7. What’s the difference between Power of Sale and judicial foreclosure?

In Alberta, judicial foreclosure is the standard process, where the sale is supervised by the court. This provides homeowner protections such as a redemption period and the right to any surplus from the sale. A Power of Sale, where the lender sells the property without court supervision, is very rare in Alberta. It would only be possible if a specific clause allowing it is written into the mortgage contract, which is uncommon. This differs from provinces like Ontario, where Power of Sale is the more common method.

8. What costs will I owe if my home is foreclosed?

If your home is foreclosed, you are liable for all missed mortgage payments and accumulated interest. You will also be responsible for the lender's legal fees, which are added to your debt and can amount to thousands of dollars. Additional costs may include appraisal fees, court filing fees, and any expenses for maintaining the property if it becomes vacant. Crucially, if the judicial sale price is less than the total amount you owe, you may be liable for a deficiency judgment for the remaining balance, unless the lender agrees to waive it.

9. Where can I find official foreclosure listings in Calgary?

Judicial sale properties are typically listed by court-approved real estate agents on the MLS® system. The best resource is REALTOR.ca, where you can search for listings and filter by keywords like "foreclosure" or "court order," though they are not always explicitly labelled. You can also find official notices of sale published by the Alberta Court of King's Bench. Working with a Calgary real estate agent or team that specializes in foreclosures and judicial sales is often the most effective way to access these listings and navigate the process.

10. Are there government or non-profit resources for foreclosure help?

Yes, several free and low-cost resources are available in Calgary for those facing foreclosure. Calgary Legal Guidance offers free summary legal advice. You can also find general information through Alberta's Residential Tenancies and Consumer Contact services. Speaking with a mortgage broker who specializes in default situations can provide options for refinancing. Additionally, real estate lawyers often offer initial low-cost consultations to help you understand your rights and options. The Provincial Court of Alberta also provides self-help guides related to the foreclosure process. It is important to verify all contact details, as they may change.