How to buy a property
When you make that choice to buy real estate, whether you are a first-time buyer or looking to move somewhere new, it is always a time of mixed feelings. It is of course exciting, it is the biggest purchase of our lives in all probability and represents a new start, but for most of it is also a little bit frightening, mainly because it is the biggest purchase of our lives! Understanding the buying process can help make things more manageable for new home buyers, and make sure that even those who have purchased before do not forget anything. To help with that we have put together a comprehensive real estate buyers guide that will take you through the steps you need to take, and how to avoid any costly mistakes along the way.
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.
There are many different types of mortgages. If you don’t have the 20% down payment for a conventional mortgage, you can get a high ratio mortgage, combined with mortgage default insurance, that allows for a smaller down payment. You should be preapproved for a mortgage before you start house hunting.
Your realtor will play a vital role in your homebuying experience. The best realtor will be a combination of a personal advisor, consultant and negotiator. He/she will show you homes that match your criteria, guide you through the homebuying process, negotiate the best possible price for your home and deliver your closing documentation.
It’s important to hire a lawyer who specializes in real estate. You could 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.
Create a wish list: House hunting can be a lengthy process. To save yourself time, know exactly what you want in a home beforehand. Think about your immediate needs, 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, the surroundings. How close is the home to facilities and services important to you?
Bring your checksheet: When you’re ready to begin shopping for a home – often called “house hunting” You may end up seeing multiple homes in one day. This checksheet will help you compare and keep track of the homes you visit. And help you remember the features you did or didn’t like.
Your agent presents the offer to the seller. This document includes the price, conditions, deposit and closing date. The seller either accepts, rejects or counters the offer (also called “signing back” the offer).
Hiring an inspector is voluntary, but it’s a smart idea for resale homes. You can choose to make your offer to purchase the home conditional on the outcome of your inspection. If your inspection reveals major problems, you can negotiate those repairs with the seller before your deal closes, or legally withdraw your offer. What is a New Home Warranty? New Home Warranties are typically used when you buy a brand new home. 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 will include the final approval of your mortgage, a meeting with your lawyer to finalize details like insurance and conditions, and the results of a title search.
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.
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!
If it is now the time for you to begin the search to find your dream home, we are here to assist you in every step along the exciting journey. We will be happy to place your name and contact information on a priority list and send you new listings via email as soon as they are available. Any one of these listings might just be your Dream Home! We exclusively collect the personal information from you that is necessary to properly and ethically market and sell real estate property; to identify, evaluate, and qualify residential properties for purchasers; and to provide a wide range of professional real estate services to our clients. We do not sell, rent, transfer, trade, or exchange this personal information with any other party. We truly appreciate your confidence in our professional services.