Buyer’s Guide

Choosing to buy a home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in your life. It’s a complex ordeal that requires a lot of planning, and instating the help of a knowledgeable REALTOR® to make the process run smoothly. To ready you for this, here is a general overview of what to expect and prepare.

Get Your Finances In Order

The first thing you’ll need to do is put money aside for a down payment. This amount is (at minimum) 5% of the purchase price of the home you’re planning to buy. Second, you’ll need to meet with a mortgage broker to determine what you can afford. Shopping around for the best rate is highly recommended.

Visualize Your Dream Home

Once you’ve established a price range, it’s time to decide on the criteria of a home that best suits your lifestyle! Think about these things; access to schools, recreational facilities, and what neighbourhoods you like. Why and where you’re choosing to buy should help answer these questions think about it carefully. You may want to put this down in writing and create a needs v/s wants list.

Meet With a REALTOR®

It’s important to partner with a REALTOR® you feel completely comfortable with. A REALTOR® can help you find your dream home, one that meets your needs and your budget. They will set up viewing appointments, and help bring clarity to the complicated process of buying a home. You’ll want to go with an experienced and knowledgeable REALTOR® who you can be sure will represent your best interests.

The Search

Using the property search on this site and consulting with your REALTOR®, you will be able to find homes in your desired area. They’ll update you frequently regarding new listings and schedule you appointments with sellers.

Closing

Your REALTOR® will help you draft an offer that the seller will either accept, counter, or reject. After you’ve negotiated the offer, you’ll need to conduct a home inspection and deal with any repairs. Finalize your mortgage with a visit to your lender, and you’re ready to sign off on ownership. This typically takes place in a lawyer’s office.

Congratulations are in order! Becoming a new homeowner is one of the most liberating things you’ll ever experience. There are many benefits to home ownership — pride of ownership, the ability to make home improvements, building equity, appreciation — the list goes on.