Thinking about buying a home? Whether you are a first time buyer, or this is your 5th home, we believe an informed buyer is an empowered buyer!
You may have questions about the process, from considering homeownership to finalising the sale. Our Buyer’s Journey guide sheds light on each step.
This will help instill the confidence needed for well-informed decisions, turning what might seem complex, into a journey marked by clarity and ease.
Our guide will break down the Buyer’s Journey into manageable steps, emparting you with knowledge and transparency from start to finish!
Regardless of your timeframe, if you are thinking of buying or selling a home, talking to a mortgage broker should be your first step! It is never too early to speak to one. They will determine the price range you should be looking at.
Ideally you should interview a few, to find the right fit for you. There is no fee to speak to a Mortgage Broker to receive this information. In fact, they do not get paid until the end of your buying transaction.
If you need a referral, please look at our partners page. I have no financial relationship with these choices, and do not benefit financially from your choice.
Once you have chosen one, they will ask for certain documentation to determine your price range, go over down-payment options, and possible lenders with their interest rate offers.
Talking to a mortgage broker will take the guesswork out about where you stand financially, if you need to work on credit repair and other crucial personal factors that will determine the path of your home buying journey.
1. What are my deal breakers? What do you absolutely NOT want in a home? I consider this to be one of the most important questions when selecting a home. It’s also the most overlooked question. The ideal home should have the fewest compromises.
2. What area of the city do I want to live in? Consider your work commute, proximity to family and friends, and the things that are important to you such as designated schools, shopping centers, places of worship and other amenities.
4. What are my must haves? What features are most important to you? Would you like a garage? Finished basement? How many bathrooms or bedrooms?
Looking At Homes Online
Regardless of your timeframe, we encourage people to use HappyHouseHunting.ca as a valuable resource!
Once you have registered as a site user, you will receive two emails per week with custom property alerts, tailored to your initial search criteria. This can be fine tuned and updated at any time by reaching out to us.
These emails include new listing activity tailored to you - for sold & active homes.
I try to focus my clients on the sold homes until it's time to write offers. The sold homes are factual – this home, with these options, was worth this much on this day. Period.
By prioritizing SOLDS, you'll pinpoint the home with the fewest compromises and you'll be more comfortable with regards it's price when making an offer. We are of course here to guide and advise, but ultimately an informed buyer and/or seller is always our goal!
STEP FOUR
Mortgage Pre-Approval
Once you have chosen a Mortgage Broker they will “pre-approve” you for a certain price range. This is based on your income, and other financial factors.
This crucial step in the process ensures you are looking in the appropriate price range.
We Are Here to Look After Your Best Interests,
When You Are Ready!
• Take the stress out of buying with transparency and honesty
• Foster your autonomy through pressure free interactions
• And guide you thoughtfully, and strategically with our expertise.
Booking a No-Obligation Consultation
STEP SIX
Searching for your Happy Home: Ready to Make Offers!
You’ll get an en-hanced pre-approval from your mortgage broker, allowing you the best footing for negotiations. This is a wonderful time to start saving homes you love on the website, and contact us to book home viewings.
At this stage, your property alert emails will focus on newly listed and off market homes, and they will be sent on an instant (or near instant) basis.
When you see the home you want, we're here to champion your best interests and support you throughout the intricacies of offer negotiations. Together we decide on price, terms and conditions, and prepare, review and present the offer.
Accepted Offers, Contracts and Home Inspections
Upon offer acceptance, the Realtor oversees and manages the intricacies of home inspections, sale conditions, deposits, and Lawyer and mortgage broker coordination. This ensures a seamless transition to the final stages of your home-buying journey.
STEP EIGHT
Closing Day
Typically you will have between 30-90 days before closing day. Baring the legal details and paperwork, you will arrange for insurance, down payment information, and other documents your lawyer and mortgage broker may request.
You will also have to arrange property insurance, property taxes, utility set up, moving arrangements, school registrations etc.
To ensure a smooth process, we will send you a detailed 42 step "Firm Sale Checklist" to ensure you don't miss any crucial information leading up to your key possession!
STEP NINE
Getting the Keys to your Happy Home!
