Buying A Home

A mortgage lender will be able to take your financial information and determine what amount you will be able to borrow. Having your preapproval letter in hand before we start searching will save us time and make sure we don't miss out on the perfect home opportunity. If you are unsure of where to start, I can refer you to some great local lenders.

Once you've gotten your finances in order, the fun of looking for the perfect home begins! I have a list of questions that I will ask before we start searching for a home. I want to track down listings that meet your criteria and network with other agents to find soon-to-market listings that may be just right. I will set you up on an automatic search through the MLS (Multiple Listing Service), which is the database that Realtors use to list and search for homes, and share info about current market trends that affect your potential offer.

This is where we lock down a price and negotiate favorable terms. I will explain the process to you and let you know what to expect in the current market. If you want a smooth journey to homeownership, you want to work with a down-to-earth buyer's agent like myself!

During the negotiation process, we can include a building inspection clause. They can be valuable in determining if there are any significant issues with the home. Paying for a home inspection can sometimes yield information regarding potential problems that may surface in the near future and cost thousands to fix.  Buyers may choose to opt out of getting a home inspection, though, as they can be costly and can take several days or weeks to complete, depending on scheduling.  This can be intimidating, but don't worry, I've got you covered. I can walk you through the process to make the best decision.

Additional fees will arise as part of the cost of transactions, especially lawyer fees and broker/bank fees (depending on your lender). Other important fees to consider are purchase adjustments, property transfer tax, and GST on new homes. BC offers some great First Time Home Buyers Incentives if you qualify.