Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest
Copy Link
Navigating the home-buying journey can be as confusing as trying to assemble Ikea furniture – that’s where I come in. With well over a decade of experience, and a former construction background, I can be your Real Estate Guru. I’ll make house hunting feel less like a finding a needle in a haystack, and more like an epic adventure. Of course the key to every great adventure is a well thought out plan. This step by step guide will turn the process into a memorable and enjoyable experience.
LET’S TALK MONEY
First things first, get your money in order. Look at what you want in a home, and how much you’d like to spend. Now get pre-approved! Go to a mortgage professional and have them cross your t’s, dot your i’s, and tell you what you can afford.
WHO-WHAT-WHEN-WHERE-WHY
Time to ask yourself the BIG questions – # of bedrooms, square footage, location, nearby amenities, specific features. Break this down to NEEDS (hello school catchment) vs WANTS (goodbye indoor sauna).
ADVENTURE TIME
Let the fun begin! With the help of yours truly, we can meet, assess and narrow down the potential suitors. **HOT TIP: act quickly; the good ones don’t last long** This is the time to ask the serious questions about what you’re seeing.
PLAY YOUR CARDS
You have found the perfect place; let’s make it yours! Together we will determine the best amount to offer, and the conditions to keep you protected. I strive to keep you informed, so ensuring you fully understand the paperwork as well as the typical series of events during this process is of the utmost importance.
DEAL OR NO DEAL
There can be some back and forth with offers. The goal is to negotiate the best possible terms for you and the seller. This is not a win or lose situation; it’s what works best for everyone. Once we have come to a mutual agreement, it’s time to sign the dotted lines, and start working through those conditions (if any).
THE THIRD WHEEL(S)
Fulfilling conditions, such as financing, home inspections, etc., typically involve third parties. You will have an agreed upon amount of time to work through these. Once fulfilled, or waived, the deal is firm and you kind of, almost own a house!
KEEP IT LEGAL
Now’s the time to introduce the real estate lawyer of your choosing (check out this list). Their job is to conduct title searches, review contracts, and ensure a smooth closing process. My job is to provide them with all the information to make this possible.
MISSION COMPLETE
Closing day!! Hand over that phat cheque to your lawyer. Be prepared for additional closing costs. Time to sucker your friends/family/orthodontist into helping you move into your new home! Ensure all agreed upon chattels and fixtures are in the home, and nothing else.
As you may be realizing, the journey through real estate is a lot like a roller coaster – full of twists, turns, and the occasional stomach-dropping moment. My hope is that this guide provides some comfort and predictability, but if there is ever any doubt or confusion, just consult with this guy.
