You could actually start by going to a mortgage broker / credit union or bank and get pre-approved for a mortgage. Pre-approval is the initial step in securing a mortgage. A lender will analyze your current income / debt and basic credit history situation in order to qualify you for a maximum loan amount. This gives you a complete understanding of your financial parameters and a maximum home price. The lender will approve the mortgage subject to a favorable appraisal of the property. Having this in hand gives you as a buyer a slight advantage, especially in a hot market. It will also help you better understand what price range you should be focusing on.

Determining your housing requirements

Think about the features you want in a home: 3 bedrooms or 4? 1 bath or 2? Garage or no garage? Having an idea of your minimum requirements will help you focus your search. It will help me narrow the number of houses you have to look at. You should have two lists made.

You should also have given some thought to you floor and ceiling price. What is the least amount and greatest amount you can afford to spend.

Discuss home requirements with Doug   
Let me know what your needs are and I can email you daily updates of new listings. This update will allow you to see what homes sold, how long they were on the market and for what price.

Tour homes

Many buyers' not familiar with the process ask the same questions.

When I start viewing homes what should I be looking for?
The home you choose will play a major role in your life. A home can be a good investment, or used as your primary residence. It may even be your secondary residence. If it is a way to hedge inflation, your home or a summer cabin it should suit your needs both now and for many years to come.

How many homes should I look at, with Doug, before I make an offer?
There is no set number of houses that you should look at before deciding to make an offer. But looking at too many at once can just lead to confusion. Providing Doug, up front, with as many details about the home you want to buy as possible, helps him focus on getting you the right place. Well priced good homes sell quickly, focusing on what you want helps you find what you want before another buyer makes an offer on your dream home.

What community factors should I think about when I am deciding where to live?
Choosing the neighborhood that’s right for you depends on many factors. A few things to look for in a neighborhood are local facilities, schools, noise levels, shopping, local development and economic growth. Example: A home next to a fire hall or elementary school may or may not suit your needs.

Where can I get information about local schools?
Local schools are listed here on district 68 web site link. Doug can get you exact distances of schools from any home you wish to make an offer on.

How can I find out what homes are selling for in the area?
Doug can find out for you what recent homes in the area have sold for that are similar to what you are looking for.

Who Pays the Commission?
Normally, the ‘seller’ has signed a listing agreement with the real estate sales person specifying a certain fee to be paid for selling their home. As the buyers' agent I am paid half of the commission collected.

Make an offer, negotiate with vendor  

You have found the home that suits your needs yet you need to be as calm and objective as possible. It is hard not to get emotional about a home that you really like, but you need to remain calm and remember that it is just one of many available to you. Be prepared for counter offers. Don't let the pressure get to you. Remain patient, and remember that this is as difficult for them as it is you. Vendors are often under even more pressure because they already made an offer on another property or they have firm move dates due to a new job etc. You may need to be flexible on price, closing date, appliances and repairs. You should spend enough time to thoroughly examine what it is you want to buy just as you would when buying a car. Be aware however that unlike a car you may be bidding against other buyers'. Being organized and prepared to move quickly can really pay off when the big decision comes.

Once your offer is accepted, be prepared to seal the deal with a deposit. A deposit is a method of showing good faith. A percentage of the home's sale price that indicates you're serious about the purchase.

Part of the negotiating process is clearly defining what is to be included in the sale. Don't assume that items such as appliances, patio furniture refrigerators are included. Doing so usually causes some unpleasant surprises on moving day. If there is any question, be specific!

Home Building Inspection    

For the buyer’s protection, a home inspected by a professional is very important for several reasons. It may reveal to you any defects that a home may have.

Patent defects are ones that are visible to the eye upon inspection such as cracks in the foundation, sagging floors, leaning walls, doors that do not close properly, water damage. The average person however may not know what to look for or where to look.

Latent defects are defects that are not visible such as shorting or dead outlets, no permits for recent construction(i.e. fireplace not up to code)

A home inspection is a visual physical examination, performed for a fee, designed to identify material defects in the home. The home inspector will generally provide the buyer with a report detailing information about the home’s condition.

Removal of Subject Clauses  

Ok now you are almost there, your offer has been accepted and it is all up to you. You need to decide if you will proceed with the contract of purchase. This means any subject clauses must be removed.

Typical subject clauses may include;

• Subject to financing.

• Subject to receiving and approving a property disclosure statement.

• Subject to receiving and approving strata documents such as by-laws, Form B (disclosure statement), meeting minutes etc. (if a strata property).

• Subject to receiving and approving engineers' study (if one exists).Subject to getting independent legal council.

• Subject to building inspection report approval.

• Subject to zoning approval, i.e.: approval of an illegal suite.

.Dates are specified for how much time allowed to remove each clause.

Completion / Possession / Adjustments