The answer

The offer deposit is paid according to the contract and is generally credited within the transaction; the down payment is the buyer's total equity contribution required for financing; cash to close is the amount the lawyer requires after accounting for the deposit, mortgage advance, adjustments, legal costs, and other closing items. Timing, payee, trust handling, source evidence, transfer limits, and refund or forfeiture questions require contract, lender, and legal confirmation.

Calgary-specific context

A competitive offer deposit, gifted funds, sale proceeds, investment transfers, bridge financing, remote signing, or a short condition and closing window can create different Calgary cash-path risks.

What to do next

Create one dated funds ledger showing amount, source, evidence, account, access date, verified payee instructions, transfer method, deadline, receipt, and remaining reserve.

Related guides

buyer guideDeposit vs Down Payment CalgaryThe practical difference between deposit money, down payment funds, and closing cash.buyer guideCalgary Offer Deposit and Delivery Readiness GuideChoose deposit amount and timing with transaction-specific advice; confirm accessible and traceable funds, remaining down payment and closing cash, payee, trustee, accepted method, deadline, independently verified instructions, receipt, contract implications, fraud response, and the reserve that remains after delivery.buyer articleCalgary Closing Costs ExplainedClosing costs are manageable when planned early. The painful version is discovering them after writing an offer at the top of your approval.Interactive toolCalgary Closing and Possession PlannerPlan Calgary closing and possession readiness across lawyer file, cash to close, insurance, utilities, walkthrough, condo move-in rules, RPR/title items, keys, movers, sale proceeds, and post-possession repairs.

Verify before relying

Official sources for this topic

These sources explain the rules and records relevant to this topic. Check the current requirements for your property.

RECA consumer informationAlberta real estate consumer guidance.CMHCOfficial mortgage loan insurance, minimum down-payment, premium, and eligibility education.FCAC mortgage pre-approvalOfficial federal guidance on mortgage pre-approval, documents, rate holds, costs, and why pre-approval is not final approval.OSFI mortgage qualifying rateOfficial current minimum qualifying-rate policy for uninsured mortgages at federally regulated lenders.Bank of Canada ratesInterest-rate context for affordability discussions.Alberta King's PrinterOfficial Alberta legislation source for source-linked legal topics.

Check the current information at the linked source. Ask the appropriate professional how it applies to your property.

Important

This is general information, not mortgage, tax, or financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

RELATED GUIDES / Buying & financing

Check your financing for the specific property.

A pre-approval is not final financing. Confirm the property, appraisal, insurer, cash to close and lender conditions before deciding whether to remove a financing condition. A planning score cannot authorize a purchase.

Official verification: FCAC: getting pre-approved for a mortgage ↗

Affiliated network resources provide context. Confirm rules, approvals and property records with the responsible authority.