What type of property do you want? A single-family detached home is attractive to many people because it typically provides more living space and land. On the other hand, a condominium may be a more appropriate choice for you, with an emphasis on maintenance-free living. Determine what type of home best suits your desired lifestyle and budget.

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How much do you want to spend? Just as importantly, how much do you have to spend? Note there are numerous additional expenses (detailed below) that you’ll pay to complete the purchase of a home .

As your Realtor I will use various tools to try and find properties that meet your specifications. The most important is a local Board’s MLS® (Multiple Listing Service® System)   I can quickly search through numerous properties available for sale in specific areas and price range to find suitable properties or homes that best match your needs .

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Things to consider when viewing homes: 

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When you select a property and decide to visit a house, there are many things to consider. Does it have all the features you want? Is the neighbourhood what you expected? Try to picture your favorite furnishings in a room. Remember all of the technical considerations, including:

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• What type of wiring does the house have?

• What type of heating system does it use? Heating costs can vary drastically by type.

• What is the age of the roof and  the condition of the foundation?

• What condition are the windows in?

• Home Inspection

 

There are numerous other things to consider as well. If you don't have time or don't feel comfortable doing it, home inspection services are available for a reasonable fee. Having a qualified home inspector look at the house is always a good idea. The older the home, the greater the need for professional inspection.

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Making an Offer :

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Once you find a house you want to make your home, I  can help you write an offer. In the offer, you should specify how much you're willing to pay. State when the offer expires and suggest a closing date for the transaction. You can also propose some conditions on the offer. Some common types of conditions are:

 

• Getting a suitable mortgage (include the amount, interest rates and any other figures you feel important);

• Selling your current home (the seller may continue to look for a buyer, but will give you the right of first refusal);

• The seller providing a current survey, or a "real property report," showing that there are no encroachments on the property;

• The seller having title to the property (your lawyer will check this out when she conducts a title search to see if there are any liens on the property, easements, rights of way or height restrictions);

• If there’s a septic system or a well. The seller will provide the appropriate certificate, stating that the system and the well  meets local standards;

• An inspection by a qualified engineer, should you have any doubts about the home's safety and construction; and

• Any inclusions of appliances and other items - basically, what you would liketo include and what goes.

 

You will need to present a deposit along with your offer. An appropriate deposit will show your good faith to the seller. Note that the seller's agent, if they are represented by one, is bound by law to bring all offers to the seller's attention.

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If Your Offer is Accepted...

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After your offer is accepted and all conditions met, the offer becomes binding on both sides. If you later refuse to honour the agreement, you may lose your deposit or might be sued for damages. Before signing, make sure you understand and agree with all terms of the offer.

Before the property can formally change hands, there are still a few things to do. Be prepared to furnish proof to your lender that you’ve insured your new house. On or before closing day, both side’s lawyers will arrange to transfer title of the property from the seller to you. The mortgage money will be transferred to your lawyer's trust account, and then to the seller, and your lawyer will bill you all additional expenses such as land transfer taxes or outstanding legal fees.

At this time, be sure to check with your lawyer that everything is as stated in the offer-to-purchase. 

Once you're satisfied and the keys to the front door are in your hands, there's nothing else to say, except welcome home!

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Extra Expenses:

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No matter what type of home or property you're buying, plan on some extra expenses. 

 

• A land transfer tax (a sales tax on property) in certain provinces

• A mortgage broker's fee

• An appraisal fee

• Surveying costs (if the seller couldn't come up with a current survey)

• A high-ratio mortgage insurance premium

• An interest adjustment. (Mortgages are normally calculated from the first of each month. If your closing date is the same as the beginning of your mortgage, there will be no adjustment. However, if your closing date is July and you move in on June 15, those last 15 days are the interest adjustment period. Your lender will expect you to cover the cost of the interest during that time.)

• Reimbursement to seller for the unused portion of any prepaid property taxes or utility bills

• Legal fees, and, if applicable, Realtor fee if applicable 

 

 

 

 

 

(The comments contained on this page are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice.)