Welcome to our comprehensive guide designed to make your home buying journey smooth, informed, and stress-free. Whether you're purchasing your first home or your fifth, these steps will help you navigate the process with confidence.
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Step 1: Define Your Needs
Determining exactly what you want in a home is the foundation of a successful purchase. Start by narrowing your focus with three key questions:
Where do you want to live? Consider communities, proximity to schools, shopping, recreation, or transit.
What type of home suits your lifestyle? Detached, townhouse, condo, new or old, and ideal lot size.
What are your must-haves and deal breakers? Think number of bedrooms, features like a garage or fireplace, and deal-breakers like stairs or no yard.
Use our Finding My Dream Home Worksheet in our Buyer’s Guide for a detailed checklist of considerations.
Step 2: Get Pre-Approved
Pre-approval strengthens your offer and helps you set a realistic budget.
Connect with a lender or let us introduce you to one of our trusted partners.
Complete a financial application to determine your affordability.
Submit supporting documents like proof of income, down payment, and debts.
Secure a rate-lock and pre-approval letter to give sellers confidence in your offer.
This step is crucial, especially for first-time buyers.
Step 3: Work with a Realtor
Our team is committed to representing your best interests.
Save time, energy, and money: Sellers typically pay commission, and we streamline the process for you.
Get market insights to make informed decisions about pricing and offers.
Receive dedicated representation to protect your interests.
Negotiate the best possible terms and price on your behalf.
Manage all the details, from coordinating with lawyers and inspectors to ensuring smooth communication.
Step 4: Start the Search
Let’s find your perfect home:Explore properties both online and off-market, including homes not yet listed.
Leverage our network to access exclusive opportunities.
Gain insider insights to fully understand each property and make confident decisions.
Explore properties both online and off-market, including homes not yet listed.
Leverage our network to access exclusive opportunities.
Gain insider insights to fully understand each property and make confident decisions.
Our approach is thorough and informed, ensuring no stone is left unturned.
Step 5: Make an Offer
We’ll help you craft a strong offer that balances your needs and market realities.
Determine price strategies using comparable sales and market analysis.
Negotiate closing dates that work for you.
Include well-worded conditions to protect your interests, particularly in complex transactions like commercial or investment properties.
Leverage our connections to trusted service providers for thorough due diligence.
Handle amendments if any issues arise, ensuring a smooth transaction.
Step 6: Remove Conditions
Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to satisfy all conditions.
Schedule a home inspection, finalize mortgage approvals, appraisals, and document reviews.
Manage timelines to ensure everything is completed on schedule.
Coordinate with your lawyer for paperwork, insurance, down payment, and adjustments.
Step 7: Prepare for Closing
You're almost there! Let’s get you ready to move in.
Arrange final down payments and coordinate utilities and service changes.
Organize moving logistics and secure property insurance.
Handle change of address notifications and finalize all legal paperwork with your lawyer.
Our team is here to support you every step of the way, even after the keys are handed over.
