Helping people buy homes is our passion and we want to make the process as stress free and enjoyable as possible. We truly want to be there every step of the way! But we also want to say that we are committed to being there even after moving day. If you have questions or concerns or just want to say hi, whether it’s a day after you move in or a year after, CALL US!
Step 1: What & Where?
What kind of home are you looking for? Consider what features are important Where do you want to live? Consider what area/neighborhood is best suited to your needs (proximity to work/transit/schools/shopping/recreation/family & friends)
Step 2: How much can I afford?
How much is your down payment? How much can you afford monthly for a mortgage payment? *Also remember to consider other costs associated with buying a home such as closing costs (ask us if you aren’t sure), as well as costs/expenses associated with owning a home such as property taxes, insurance, strata fees (where applicable), repairs and maintenance.
Step 3: Get Pre-Approved
Call your bank or mortgage broker and get pre-approved so you can be sure of what purchase price you can afford. If you don’t have a mortgage broker you’d like to use just ask us and we will be happy to connect you with one.
Step 4: Call us!
Call us and let’s get looking for your new home! We will compile a list of homes for you based on your specified criteria (what, where & how much) and arrange times to take you to view the homes you have selected. This may take some time and patience but we will work hard to find the right home for you!
Step 5: We found it! Time to write an offer!
We’ve found the one! Now we’re ready to write an offer! We will discuss what price, subjects & conditions and dates you would like to include in your offer. Once you are comfortable with those, we will prepare and present your offer to the listing agent and the sellers. Your offer may be accepted at that time, but more likely the sellers will respond with a counter offer. There may be a change in the price, dates or subjects; whatever the case may be, we will discuss the options with you and work diligently on your behalf to negotiate with the sellers and their agent. We will endeavour, to the best of our ability, to get your offer accepted but sometimes regardless of how hard we try, an agreement cannot be reached. It can be very discouraging and frustrating when this happens, but we will be with you every step of the way and continue to make it our goal to find your new home!
Step 6: Your offer has been accepted!
Hooray! Your offer has been accepted but is not a “firm offer” until all subjects are removed. We will discuss this process in detail with you as each offer is unique, but there are a few things that need to happen right away:
- Let your bank/mortgage broker know you have an accepted offer on a home. They will want a copy of the Contract of Purchase & Sale (we will provide you with one)
- We will obtain & review with you any necessary documents such as Title Search, Site Survey, Strata Documents, Property Condition Disclosure Statement (as per your offer)
- Depending on the subjects that were part of your offer, you may need to schedule an inspection. Your bank or mortgage broker may require an appraisal as well. We will assist you with this. In order for an offer to become firm, all subjects must be removed by the date specified on the Contract of Purchase and Sale. We will guide you through the process and ensure it goes smoothly!
Step 7: Subject Removal = Firm Offer
Once all subjects of your offer have been met and approved, we will prepare a Subject Removal form for you to sign. We will then forward the signed Subject Removal form to the seller’s agent. At this time you will also be required to provide a certified cheque or bank draft in the amount that was agreed upon as the deposit in your offer. Now it’s a firm offer!!
Step 8: Choose a Lawyer
You will need to choose a lawyer or notary that handles Real Estate transactions. There are numerous law offices that provide these services so you may want to shop around, however it is important to select a lawyer as soon as possible. If you are unsure of who to use, just ask us! We will be happy to provide you with some options. We will also handle getting the necessary paperwork over to the office you select.
Step 9: Tell Everyone You know Your Exciting News & Get Packing!
Start packing and arrange a moving truck and cleaners (if needed) as soon as possible, especially if your possession date is at the end/beginning of the month. This is also the time to start setting up and arranging your utility accounts (phone, Internet, cable, hydro, gas etc)
Step 10: Completion Date – Sign Papers at Lawyers
Your lawyer/notary will contact you to arrange a time for you to sign all of your paperwork, usually on or just before your Completion date. They will answer any questions you may have and advise what you will need to bring to your appointment.
Step 11: Possession Day! Welcome To Your New Home!
The best part is here – time to move! This is our favorite part too and we wouldn’t miss it for the world! We will arrange to get the keys and meet you at your new home on possession day.