Below is a 10 step guide designed to familiarize you with the home buying process. I can navigate you through the entire process of buying a home, utilizing the following steps:

Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage:

Why should you get pre-approved? Simple – to determine what you can comfortably afford. It also allows us to move quickly when we find the right house. If you have not yet been pre-approved, I will be happy to connect you with a trusted mortgage professional.

Step 2: Start your Search:

The first step in buying a new home is for us to identify the neighbourhoods you want to live in. Save your favourite homes, then add them to a collection – where we can comment and collaborate to determine which ones we want to view in person.

Step 3: Tour Homes:

Together we will schedule and arrange to visit the homes you are most interested in, together and in-person, to determine the best fit for you. I can show you any home that is listed on MLS, and most privately listed homes as well.

Step 4: Make an Offer:

Once you’ve narrowed down your list and have a clear favourite, we’re ready to make an offer on a home. I can advise you on key conditions and clauses in your offer such as offer price, deposit amount, closing date, inclusions, and clauses to protect you in regards financing, inspection and/or the sale of your current home.

Step 5: Execute the Contract:

Once an offer is made, I can assist in negotiating the best terms for you. If your offer is accepted, together we will work through the conditions and requirements of your offer during what is called a conditional phase. This typically can take 1-2 weeks and if any amendments are needed, we will execute those during this time. I would also correspond and send the necessary documents to your mortgage specialist and lawyer to ensure all conditions are met on time.

Step 6: Secure Financing:

Once your mortgage specialist or bank is able to obtain an approval for your financing, they will review the terms and payments with you and provide a finance approval letter.

Step 7: Conduct a Home Inspection:

A professional home inspection, which discovers vital information about a home, is highly recommended before finalizing your purchase. A professional home inspector will inspect all systems of the house including foundation, roof, windows, electrical, plumbing, heating, and more. This inspection will reveal any areas of concern, and will also provide you with plenty of general information required to ensure your home is kept in top condition after you move in.

Step 8: Obtain Home Insurance:

Once your financing is secured and inspection is done, we will need to ensure that your home is insurable for property insurance. A comprehensive home insurance policy will offer you peace of mind against unforseen circumstances such as flooding, fire, theft and more.

Step 9: Arrange for Moving and Service Connections:

As closing day approaches, you will need to coordinate plans to move your personal belongings, either on your own or with the help of professional movers. You will also need to schedule connection of services such as electricity, phone, internet, etc.

Step 10: Close on your New Home:

The big day is finally here! There are a lot of moving pieces on closing day and I would stay in with you as needed. Shortly before closing, you will need to meet with your lawyer to finalize signatures on all the legal documents, including your mortgage documents. You will also deliver your closing costs to your lawyer and will do a “pre-closing walkthrough” with me to ensure the house is in the same condition as when you last viewed it, and the items you’ve asked to have included are still there.

Once the closing package is exchanged between the lawyers representing you and the seller, the property is considered closed and you can get your new keys from either me, your lawyer, or from a lock box left at the property.