When you look for a real estate professional to help you, know that above all else, we put our clients first. We are your advocates, and will work for your best interests.

First you will need to secure financing.  Your lender will pre-approve you for a certain amount, but you will decide what you're comfortable paying every month.  If you do not already have a lender you are working with, we would be happy to recommend several Mortgage Specialists for you to determine who you would like to meet with.  Once you are “pre-approved” for financing, this means you have a hold on the rate for a set amount of time. 

Once you are pre-approved and ready to begin your search, you will need to decide what you are looking for.  We will help you accurately pinpoint homes that fit your criteria, and will set you up with an automatic search of the MLS® system.  You'll learn as you look at homes, your priorities will probably adjust along the way.

Once you've found a home you love, the next step is making an offer.  Emotions are probably running high but it's important to remember that a home is an investment. We will research similar properties in the area to help you determine the market value.  Your offer is the first step toward negotiating a sales contract with the seller.

In an offer to purchase real estate, you include not only the price you are willing to pay, but other details of the purchase as well. This includes how you intend to finance the home, your down payment, what inspections are performed, timetables, whether personal property is included in the purchase, any repairs you want performed, which professional services will be used, and when you get physical possession of the property.

Once you have an accepted offer, we will send all your documents to the lender so they can secure the funding for your mortgage. 

Just because you love a property, doesn’t mean it’s perfect.  As part of the offer, we will recommend you make it subject to having a home inspection.  If you have a relationship with a Certified Home Inspector, this is where we will arrange to have the property inspected.  We have several qualified certified home inspection companies we can recommend, as past clients have been pleased with their services.  There may be large and small items that the inspector finds – this is where you decide, based on the findings, if you want to proceed with the purchase or go back and re-negotiate based on any large deficiencies.

Once you've made your offer and have completed the inspection process, and your financing has been approved, and you have read and are satisfied with the Strata Documents (if buying a strata property), you are ready to “remove subjects” and firm the offer! 

There are a few pre-closing responsibilities that you'll need to be mindful of. These include:

• Staying in control of your credit and finances. If you are tempted to make any large purchases during this time, it's best to talk to your lender first.
• Keeping in touch with us and you lender, returning all phone calls and completing paperwork promptly.

You will need to choose a Lawyer or Notary shortly after you remove subjects and have a firm contract.  If you do not have one, we can recommend several for you to choose, as we have a referral list from past clients who have been pleased with their service.  We will send all the documents to the Lawyer or Notary, and they will contact you about 1 week prior to completion to arrange a time to come into their office and sign the documents. 

On Completion Day, your money will be given to the seller, and title for the property will be registered in your name.  Adjustments will be made to the adjustment date – which is usually also the possession date.  Possession day is when you get the keys to your new home.  This is usually noon, however, if previously agreed in the original offer documents, this may be a different time.  We will meet you at your home with the keys, and do a walk through to ensure all electrical and appliances included in the contract are in proper working condition.  Congratulations, and welcome to your new home.

Once you have moved and are settled in, we recommend you read and follow our seasonal maintenance schedule.  Performing routine maintenance on your home's systems is always more affordable than having to fix big problems later. Be sure to watch for signs of leaks, damage, and wear.

And remember, just because the sale is complete, your relationship with us doesn't end!  After closing, we can still help you find contractors and repair services, and even track your home's current market value.  We welcome referrals, and look forward to working with you again!