Buying

Real estate is a great investment and whether you’re experienced in real estate or you’re a first-time buyer, having a knowledgeable and professional Realtor by your side throughout the process is key.

The Buying Process

Step 1: Get Pre-Qualified.

When buying a home, an important first step, if you are financing, is to get pre-qualified so you know the budget you are working within. If you need a referral for a mortgage broker I am more than happy to provide you with names and contact information of qualified professionals.

Step 2: Identify What You’re Looking For.

Once you have an idea about what it is you want and what your budget is, you can discuss these elements with myself and I will set you up with a search that meets your criteria. This will save you the leg-work from sorting through all the results on the public MLS and you will also receive automatic notifications when listings hit the market and if there are changes to listings (e.g., price reductions, open houses scheduled, etc.).

I use a great system called Collaboration Centre where you can sort all your listings as Undecided, Favourites, Possible, or Rejected. You can also communicate with me through this system by making comments on the listings such as “I really like the layout on this one.” Or “Fiona, does this one have a separate entry in the basement?” It’s a great way to communicate with me so we can narrow down what it is you’re looking for and help you decide which listings you want to go and view.

Step 3: Identify Listings You Like and View Them.

Getting out and physically viewing listings is important. Sometimes it can be difficult to get an accurate representation of a home just through the online photos, so I always encourage buyers to get out and look even if they are on the fence of a listing. As your Realtor, I will set up all showing appointments for you and accompany you to the showings.

Step 4: Make an Offer.

As your realtor, I will provide you with all the necessary information to make a competitive and fair offer with all the necessary terms to protect you as needed. I will then use my negotiation skills to present and negotiate the offer to get it accepted, all while keeping your best interests in mind.

Step 5: Remove Subjects.

If your offer has subjects, you will have a certain time frame before you have to satisfy and remove these subjects. I will provide you with all the necessary guidance and support to help you remove your subjects. This may include things such as helping you set up your home inspection and being present the day of your home inspection, communicating with your lender/mortgage broker to ensure your financing is in place, and/or answering any questions you have about documents you may be reviewing (e.g., title, Property Disclosure Statement, strata documents).

Step 6: Complete and Take Possession.

As your Realtor, I will support you throughout the entire process all the way through to possession (and after when needed). After you’ve removed subjects I will be there to answer any questions that might come up, as well as to communicate and provide the necessary documentation to other relevant parties (e.g., lawyer or notary). I will also be there the day of possession to welcome you to your new home and complete a walk-through with you to ensure everything is as it should be.