Step 2: Financial Preparation
Before you start house hunting, it’s essential to understand your financial standing. We’ll introduce you to mortgage professionals who can help you:
- Assess your current financial position
- Determine your maximum purchase price
- Understand the difference between being pre-qualified and pre-approved
- Lock in a competitive mortgage rate
Getting pre-approved strengthens your position when making offers and shows sellers you’re a serious and qualified buyer. During this phase, you'll also gain clarity on other costs involved in homeownership, such as property taxes, insurance, and closing costs.
Step 3: Home Search
Now the fun begins! With your criteria and pre-approval in hand, we’ll set you up on an automated home search system that pulls directly from the MLS. You’ll receive instant notifications when homes that match your criteria hit the market. We’ll also:
- Schedule private viewings
- Evaluate the pros and cons of each property
- Offer honest feedback based on market trends and neighborhood data
This phase may take time as you explore your options, but we’ll guide you through it with clarity and patience. Our goal is to find the right home, not just any home.
Step 4: Making an Offer
When you find a home you love, we move quickly and strategically. We’ll:
- Review recent comparable sales to determine a fair market value
- Discuss offer terms such as possession date, deposit, and conditions (e.g., financing, inspection)
- Write a clean, professional offer designed to stand out in today’s market
- Negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible outcome
Our expertise ensures that you're not overpaying and that the offer you submit is backed by data and strategy.
Step 6: Transition Essentials
Before closing, it's important to handle all the practical details of moving into your new home. These may seem small, but they’re crucial for a smooth transition:
Insurance – Your mortgage provider may require proof of insurance before releasing any funds. When meeting with your lawyer, you’ll likely need to present a valid home insurance policy. Be prepared to provide details such as the age of the property, furnace, roof, and electrical systems. Having a copy of the listing can help when speaking with the insurance provider.
Utilities – Make sure to contact service providers to transfer or set up new accounts for water, electricity, gas, internet, cable, and phone. Schedule these changes in advance to avoid any interruption of service on move-in day. If you're leaving a previous residence, ensure those utilities are properly cancelled or transferred.
Mailing Address – Though often overlooked, changing your address is essential. Create a comprehensive list of all institutions, subscriptions, memberships, and services where your address is stored. Notify each one, and consider setting up a mail-forwarding service with Canada Post to catch anything you might miss.
Step 7: Closing the Deal
With conditions removed, we prepare for possession day. We’ll coordinate with your mortgage provider, lawyer, and the seller’s agent to ensure all legal and financial aspects are finalized. In this final stage, we:
- Guide you through signing the closing documents
- Confirm the down payment and legal fees with your lawyer
- Arrange for final walk-throughs, if necessary
- Celebrate handing over the keys to your new home!
Even after possession, we remain available for any questions or support. Our relationship doesn’t end at the sale, it’s just the beginning of your new chapter.
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