Your Wish List

At this point, we know the amount of the mortgage that you qualify, your downpayment, the type of mortgage and the price range of your home. So now let's have some fun and establish your wish list.

Try to make a detailed list of what you need and want in a home. Take into consideration the location based on factors such as proximity to schools, work, shopping , transportation etc. Decide the type of housing you want (i.e. house, townhouse or apartment) and whether it is new or resale.

Other items you may want to consider is your lifestyle, outdoor requirements, light and exposure, or maybe architectural style or possibly a "fixer-upper".

We will review your list with you and determine how best to meet these needs given your price range and the current market conditions.

Documentation to be Signed

At our initial meeting we will sit down with you and review the necessary documentation that will need to be signed prior to setting out to look for your new home:

1. Working with a Realtor – this is a document outlining the Agency Disclosure and the Privacy Act of B.C., this is a requirement of the BC Real Estate Assoc.
2. Exclusive Buyer’s Agency – this is a contract between the Buyer and the Real Estate Agency outlining the duties and responsibilities of the Buyer and Agent, and the percentage of commission that will be paid by the Buyer if required.
3. FINTRAC – this is document that is required by the Federal Government in relation to money laundering.

Previewing Homes

During our initial meeting, we will review your wish list, all the things you would like to have in a home. Make a list of the most important items to you e.g. location, size; then make a second list of things that would be great to have but not the most important e.g. fireplace, view.

Based on this information, we will provide you with listings from the Multiple Listing Service for you to peruse. You will then select from these listings the places you would like to view. We will establish the best times to view properties for you and Toni will then set up appointments to view accordingly. Please allow her at least a day to make the necessary appointments. We have found over the years that the maximum listings one should see in an outing are five or six. Anything more than this can become very confusing and tiring.

Once we have completed our first viewing, we will review your lists of needs and wants to fine-tune them according to the market place. You will now have a better idea of what you get for a certain price in a certain area.

You will know when you find your home!

Making/Negotiating the Offer

Once we find your home, we now sit down and write an offer. At this point you will have a good sense of prices and what this property is worth to you. We will obtain as much information on this property as we can e.g. assessed value, recent sales of a similar type home in the area.

The offer may be written with certain conditions, that is; 'subject to' e.g. finance, inspection, approving any by-laws. Toni will then present the offer on your behalf to the sellers, as your agent representing your interests, to negotiate the terms of the offer. There may be a counter-offer usually on price, amount of deposit, or dates. Once these items are agreed upon and both parties have signed, we get to work to remove any subject clauses prior to the date stated in the offer (usually a week) Once all subjects are removed the home is YOURS!

On the offer you will note there is reference to 3 dates:

1. Completion Date

The day all monies have to be in to your lawyer/notary's office e.g. mortgage funds, balance of down payment. The lawyer will usually call you a couple of days before this date to come into their office and sign all documents. Please arrange to have insurance in place on this date.

2. Possession Date

This is the day you actually take possession of the property usually at 12 noon.

3. Adjustment Date

This is usually the same day as possession date. All charges relating to the property will be calculated from this date e.g. property taxes, water, sewer, maintenance fees, etc.

After Sale Items