The Buying Process

Step 1 – Select Your Real Estate Agent

This is your most important first step. You should choose an agent who works in real estate full time, is competent, experienced, is well acquainted with the areas you’re looking in, has great negotiation skills, understands your unique needs and puts your priorities first.

Step 2 – Get Pre-Approved

I recommend getting pre-approved for your financing before we actively start looking so that you’re clear on how much you can afford. You’ll receive written confirmation on the terms of your pre-approval which will lock you into an interest rate for a specified period of time.

Step 3 – Discuss Criteria, Needs, etc.

The next step is a Buyer Consultation in which we’ll sit down and review all aspects of your new home criteria and I’ll fill you in on everything you need to know about the buying process (buying costs, financing, home operating costs, etc).

Step 4 – Sign a Buyer Representation Agreement

This should be signed early on in the buying process. It gives me permission to work exclusively on your behalf to find a property and sets out that my legal fiduciary duties are to you and your best interests.

Step 5 – See Properties

I’ll set you up to receive automatic email notifications of new listings on the market that meet your criteria. We’ll review them on a daily basis and I’ll schedule showings for the properties that you’d like to see.

Step 6 – Preparing An Offer

Once you find a house that you love, we’ll sit down and review the offer paperwork and prepare an offer based on the current market value of the home. Some things to consider are: is the house taking offers anytime or are they holding back? There are different strategies for both so I’ll review those with you as well.

Step 7 – The Firming Up Period

There may be a conditional period in your offer for standards conditions such as home inspection and financing and/or, in the case of condo’s, the condominium status certificate. I’ll organize these as needed, ensuring that everything is completed within the stated conditional period.

Step 8 – Getting Ready For Closing

Prior to taking possession of your new home your bank and lawyer will need all of the applicable paperwork and you should arrange all of the utility hook ups at your new property and hire movers for your closing date. I’ll provide contact information for all of the above and assist in this process.

Step 9 – Moving In

The move-in day has finally arrived. I’ll provide you with information on what to expect on the closing day and, if you’re planning reno’s, help arrange trades people to make sure the renovation/decorating process goes as smoothly as possible.