BUYER’S ACTION PLAN

When you are ready to buy, I will:

• Help define the location, style and size you’re looking for in a new home.

• Do a computerized search of all current listings, to identify properties that meet your requirements.

• Show you the homes most likely to meet your needs and desires.

• Provide a comparative market analysis of recent similar property sales.

• Assist you in preparing the offer to purchase and negotiate the contract on your behalf.

• Assist you in getting the most favorable terms for the purchase.

• Assist you with the removal of subjects in the offer to purchase.

• Keep you informed from start to finish.

TIPS FOR BUYER'S

1. Consider getting pre-approved before looking for a home.  This effectively makes you a cash buyer and makes it much easier to negotiate with a seller.  In addition you may save yourself time and avoid disappointment by not previewing homes that are out of your price range.  Don’t confuse pre-approval with pre-qualification.  Pre-qualification is only the first step and is just a determination of your probable credit.
    

2. Try not to make too much of first impressions.  Don’t let clutter, bad housekeeping or unattractive décor affect your decision to buy a structurally solid house that meets all your needs.  Remember that you are buying the house, not the furniture.
    

3. When viewing a home take notes so you will remember what details to discuss later with your REALTOR.
    

4. Make your offer based on the market value of a home, not the asking price.  Is the property overpriced?  What have similar properties sold for in the same area?  How long were they on the market and how does this one compare?  Ask your REALTOR to do a market comparison for you.
    

5. Get copies of all documents early so there is plenty of time to read them.  There probably won’t be time to give them adequate attention at the last minute.
    

6. Get everything in writing.  Contract law states that verbal agreements are not enforceable when dealing with Real Property.
    

7. Shop around for house insurance early to get the best deal.
    

8. Get a professional home inspection.
    

HOME INSPECTIONS

A home inspection prior to purchase is becoming standard practice across Canada.  A home inspection is meant to evaluate the current condition of a property.  It is different from an appraisal, which evaluates the market value of a property.  Purchasers get unbiased information from a qualified professional about the physical condition of the property they plan to purchase.  A home inspection will provide specific evaluations of up to 400 items or more.

Realtors regularly make house sales conditional on a satisfactory home inspection.  An inspection report can identify areas of potential concern and inform buyers of potential hidden costs.

A home inspection at minimum should include an evaluation of the following:

• Foundations

• Plumbing and electrical systems

• Floors, walls, ceilings, windows and doors

• Roof

• Heating and air conditioning systems

• Basement and crawl spaces

• Insulation

• Ventilation
   

CUSTOMARY COSTS TO BE BORNE BY THE BUYER

Lawyer or Notary Fees and Expenses:

• Searching title

• Investigating title

• Drafting documents

• Land title registration fees

• Survey certificate (if required)

• Mortgage costs

• Home insurance premium

• Property Transfer Tax

• Goods and Services Tax