Buyer's Guide

The Home Buying Process Explained

Are you looking to buy a home or condominium? Purchasing a property can be a daunting process. From determining what you can afford to getting prequalified for a mortgage to identifying the type of residence that meets your present needs - it's a complicated task. A realtor can help and guide you through this. If I'm privileged enough to be your chosen realtor, I will provide you with a full explanation of what to expect. That's important so you're not faced with any surprises along the way. Please note that in this capacity, I shall be working with you as a Buyers Representative, providing you with what is known as Buyer Representation. In Ontario the seller of the condo listing (or home listed for sale) pays the realtor fee, so the Buyer Realtor's services are essentially free to the home buyer.

Understanding Your Needs

I will explore why you are moving, any time constraints you might have (perhaps imposed by the need to relocate for employment), your financial situation and any future plans. Perhaps you're just tired of renting and want to start the process of building valuable home equity. Your budget determines where you move and what you buy. You will have to also consider your closing / legal costs, which will vary depending on whether you are a first time home buyer or not. Your preferences also impact where you can move to and what you will be able to buy.

A Plan To Find Your Dream Home

I will help you identify what you want in your new House or Condo. A pool? A garage? An extra room? A particular building design? What about the neighbourhood? Proximity to schools or work? I will compare your needs, wants and budget with what is available on the market and make recommendations that save you time and effort.

I will also accompany you as you view a house and help you assess their suitability and price.As an expert on property, I can provide facts on the neighbourhoods, the cost of heating, the condition of the furnace, and so on. I will also advise you whether your expectations are realistic taking into consideration current market conditions and pricing. I.e. is it a good time to buy?. If it is not possible given the above to find a home in your price range in the area you would like, then I will suggest other options based on my experience, including looking at another housing style and/or considering neighbouring areas that might fit your price range.

Access To Homes & Condos For Sale

Multiple Listing Service or MLS is an exclusive service accessible only through a REALTOR and it can be a valuable tool. Through MLS, the details of a wide variety of listed properties are made available to the REALTOR you work with. That can save you a tremendous amount of time and effort in your hunt for the right home You can search for homes yourself through Realtor.ca, but a realtor like myself can help you to interpret the information you see there. Will you spend too much time looking at listings that do not meet your needs?

If you are interested in learning about what is available on the market please check out my Listings pages in the menu at the top of this page, which enables you to preview properties for sale.

Knowledge Of Financing Options

I have knowledge of the financing choices available to home buyers and there options and obtaining mortgages (variable or fixed, open or closed mortgages) at the most attractive prevailing rates and terms. I can put you in touch with Banks or Mortgage Brokers to get you qualified.

A Skilled Negotiator

I am experienced in negotiating fair deals. I will assist in negotiating an offer to buy a home or condo, acting as a mediator to head off potential conflicts between you and the seller, and draw up a legally binding agreement.

Honesty & Integrity

Most real estate professionals in our province are members of the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) and only members of OREA can call themselves REALTORS. When you work with me, you can expect not only strict adherence to provincial laws, but also adherence to a Code of Ethics. And that code is very important to you because it assures you will receive the highest level of service, honesty and integrity.

Highest Professional Standards

Before receiving a real estate license, I had to successfully complete an extensive course of study developed by OREA on behalf of the Real Estate Council Ontario.That is only the beginning. In the first two years of practice, I was also required to successfully complete three additional courses as part of my articling with an experienced broker. In addition, I must continue to attend courses throughout their careers in order to maintain my licence.

But Really, Do I Need a Buyer Realtor?

Hopefully, I have answered this question with the information above, but if not, I can only say the following: A Realtor does this for a living, day in, day out with hundreds of clients. Given that you are purchasing your largest asset, does it not make sense to receive the benefit of a Realtor's experience and advice? It does not cost you anything, and it may just help you to clarify what you really want and help you to avoid future disappointments. We can help you screen poor listings, help you assess the true market value of a home or condo you want to buy, update you on whether the neighbourhood is improving or getting worse, and act as a buffer between you and the seller's realtor. Why would you not want this benefit?

Interested in Buying a Home or Condominium?

Please feel free to browse the various links below for more information on the purchasing process. If you'd like further assistance, please feel free to either call me at (416) 737-7700 or e-mail me  and I shall be more then happy to answer any questions you might have. I look forward to helping you!