“Let’s discuss your lifestyle needs to find a home that truly fits you”

10 STEPS TO BUYING A HOME


1. DETERMINE WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD
Are you prepared both financially and emotionally? Buying a home entails both one-time costs and ongoing monthly expenses. The largest one-time expense is the down payment, usually ranging from 5% to 25% of the property’s total price. Many new home buyers are surprised to discover that there are also closing costs. Closing costs encompass various fees paid towards the end of the transaction, such as legal fees, land transfer tax, property tax adjustments, home insurance, etc. How much do all these fees usually cost? I recommend budgeting 3-4% of the total purchase price of the home for these costs.

2. GET A MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL
Obtaining a pre-approval letter from your chosen lender will help you determine the loan amount you qualify for. Additionally, you may be able to lock in a favorable interest rate for a set period while you search for your home. It will also demonstrate to sellers that you are a serious buyer.

3. MAKE A LIST
I suggest sitting down and making a list of what you’re looking for in a home. Examples might include a house versus a condo, new construction versus a resale property, or a move-in ready home versus a fixer-upper. Additionally, I recommend listing your wants, needs, must-haves, and deal-breakers.

4. WORKING WITH BEN
Working with a qualified real estate agent offers a significant advantage when buying a home. An agent can help you navigate the home-buying process and provide expert advice. I can answer your questions and address any concerns you may have throughout the process. With your best interests in mind, I will help you find a home that meets your criteria and negotiate the most favorable terms possible for you in the current market.

5. START THE SEARCH
Now the fun begins. We’ll review your list together, and I’ll start sending you listings that match your criteria. It’s important that we maintain honesty and good communication throughout the process. Sharing your thoughts on the properties you’re viewing, including the pros and cons, will help me narrow down our search effectively.

6. SHOWINGS
When a property catches your eye and you would like to see it, I’ll organize a showing that works on your timeline. Also feel free to visit open houses that you’re interested in and let me know how it went.

7. MAKING AN OFFER
Congratulations! You’ve found a home that suits your needs, and you’re ready to make an offer. Submitting an offer can be a nerve-wracking process, but fear not—I will be here to explain every step. I’ll coach you on how to position yourself to write an appealing offer in the current market and negotiate favorable terms and conditions to protect you as a buyer.

8. THE CONDITIONAL AND UNCONDITIONAL STAGE
Most offers include conditions, with the most common being securing financing and conducting a home inspection. You will typically have 5-7 days to fulfill these conditions. It is extremely important to meet these deadlines. The date the conditions are removed, you now have a firm and binding contract. Congratulations, the property is SOLD! If your offer has no conditions, you would have a firm deal as soon as the seller accepts it. This is more common in a hot market with multiple offers.

9. CONTACT YOUR LAWYER
A copy of the offer to purchase will be sent to the lawyer of your choice. They will arrange a meeting with you, conduct all necessary due diligence regarding the transfer of title, explain the closing costs, and detail how and when the funds will be transferred.

10. POSSESSION DATE
Congratulations! It’s time to collect the keys and prepare to move. The home-buying process is complete, and you’re ready to embark on this next exciting chapter in your life.

OFFICE LISTINGS