Buyers

Choose A Realtor®

Your REALTOR® will play a vital role in your home buying experience. The best REALTOR® will be a combination of a personal advisor, consultant and negotiator. Also, he/she will show you homes that match your criteria, guide you through the home buying process, negotiate the best possible price for your home and deliver your closing documentation.

Investigate Mortgage Options

Your lender will go over with you different mortgage options, and what you can afford. Because of this, it is always best to have a pre-approval before you begin the search for your new home.

Build a Budget

An effective budget will map out your plan to set aside money for your down payment and additional costs. It will also help determine the price of home you can afford.

Choose A Lawyer

It’s important to hire a lawyer who specializes in real estate. You could also find yourself in a bidding war for the home you want, and it doesn’t hurt to have a lawyer look over any offer to purchase before you submit it. A real estate lawyer will also conduct a title search and check for outstanding taxes and liens on the property.

House Hunting

Create a wish list – House hunting can certainly be a lengthy process. To save yourself time, know exactly what you want in a home beforehand. Think about your immediate needs as well as future plans and lifestyle. When you look at homes, you may be tempted to concentrate on the home, but don’t forget to look at the whole property: the lot, the neighbourhood, and the surroundings. Additionally, how close is the home to facilities and services important to you?

Make The Offer

When you find your perfect house it’s time to place an offer! Your agent presents the offer to the seller. This document includes the price, conditions, deposit and closing date. Afterward, the seller either accepts, rejects or counters the offer (also called “signing back” the offer).

Home Inspection

Hiring an inspector is voluntary, but it’s a smart idea for resale homes. You can also choose to make your offer to purchase the home conditional on the outcome of your inspection. 

What is a New Home Warranty?

New Home Warranties are typically used when you buy a brand new home. Additionally, the builder provides a New Home Warranty to cover things like deposits and completion dates, along with labour and materials for at least one year after the home was built. It also protects you against structural problems for a minimum of five years.

Finalizing The Deal

Finalizing the deal will include the final approval of your mortgage, and also a meeting with your lawyer to finalize details like insurance and conditions, and the results of a title search.

Moving Preparations

There’s a lot to do before you move. Line up utilities and other services like phone, cable and internet. If you rent, you must give your landlord notice. Also, forward your mail to your new address and hire a moving company. Preparing these things well in advance will help you make a smooth transition to your new home.

Closing Day!

​This is the day you legally get possession of the house. Your lawyer completes the paperwork (so the home is in your name), payments are finalized and you receive the deed and the keys. Congratulations on your new home!