For most, it’s the largest financial investment you will ever make, so it’s important to do it right. I will take the time to understand each of your wants and needs, gather useful, tailored information to help you make a well-informed decision, and when it comes to purchasing, I will negotiate the best possible price on your behalf.

 

Whether you’re looking at a new build, a resale home, or a condo, my services are free. I will save you time and money that you can put towards your new home, and I will help you avoid major pitfalls throughout your home buying experience.

 

When buying, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

 

Know the Total Cost of Buying:

It’s important to be informed of all the costs involved with buying. I can help you properly budget for all the costs involved: from land transfer taxes, mortgage insurance, legal fees, appraisals, utility start ups, home inspectors, and movers.

 

Be Realistic:

Location, layout, amenities, finishes, and upgrades all factor in to determine value. Unless you have an unlimited budget and the perfect building lot, some sacrifices will need to be made. It’s important to determine what is most important to you (Needs) and what would be nice but isn’t necessarily a deal breaker (Wants) to help stream line and narrow your search.

 

Have Pre-Approved Financing:

Be sure to have pre-approved financing before you start your search. Talk to a mortgage specialist to determine what you can afford, and more importantly, what you feel comfortable paying. Together, your mortgage specialist and I can help you understand the total cost of buying, factoring in property taxes, land transfer taxes, CMHC fees, and additional closing costs that are often overlooked.

 

Hire a Great Lawyer:

It’s important to hire a real estate lawyer to protect your investment. They should:

 

• Help you understand the purchase contract, including how you will take title on the property
• Check for covenants, easements, liens, etc. registered against the property that could impede your use of it
• Prepare and register all of your legal documents
• Scrutinize the adjustments, including taxes owing and utilities costs paid, prior to the transaction closing
• Attend the closing and review all of the paperwork that you are required to sign
• Arrange title insurance protection to protect you from losses due to title defects
• Ensure that you receive a valid, registered ownership subject only to the liabilities you have accepted

 

Have a Home Inspection:

Before being bound by an Agreement to Purchase, it’s important to have your investment inspected by a qualified home inspector. A home inspector works independently and can identify any ‘red flag’ problem in the past, things that are unsafe, or things that can be costly down the road. I always recommend a home inspection because a few hundred dollars now ($250-$500 varies depending on the inspector & type of property) can save you thousands later.

 

Meet with an Insurance Broker:

An insurance broker can help you with your insurance needs, including property insurance and mortgage life insurance. Lenders insist on property insurance because your property is their security for your loan.