Your Complete Guide to Buying a Home!
As your real estate agent, we’ll make sure you fully understand the home buying process! We want you to feel confident every step of the way. Our goal is to streamline the process, protect your interests, and make your home-buying experience stress free.
We want to be your agents for life. Even after you move, we’re here to help. This is our promise.
$0
It is FREE to hire us to help you buy a home! Remuneration is paid by the listing brokerage.
The commission amount changes per listing, and it is clearly outlined to you during the offer process. We will outline it on the Confirmation of Co-operation and Representation Form 320 provided by the Ontario Real Estate Association.
7-10 Homes
Our buyers view an average of 7-10 homes before buying one! We narrow down your search criteria so you ONLY look at the best of the best.
We respect your time and do a needs analysis before looking at homes. We work closely with your mortgage broker to ensure you’re well within your budget.
100+ 5 Star Reviews
5-star reviews are a powerful indicator of trust and satisfaction for buyers. They reflect not only the quality of service but also the successful outcomes we’ve delivered for clients.
Our past clients have had a seamless and rewarding experience working with us. Check out our Google reviews!
Step 1: Looking at Homes to Understand the Market
We will create a personalized buying strategy to get you your DREAM home! We will negotiate to ensure you are protected and connect you with reputable contractors and home inspectors.
We are here to negotiate for you. Let us protect your greatest asset.
01 – Buyer Consultation
We will advise you of market conditions so you understand exactly what is happening in the market. Let us know how often to communicate with you.
We’ve created an overview of the entire process to help you prepare and get started. From here, we will work with you to build a customized plan based on your goals.
02 – Pre-Qualification
Work with a mortgage broker to secure a pre-approval.
Before you start looking for a home, you need to know how much you can spend. Getting your mortgage pre-approval is the very first step in the process—and it’s never too early to start! It will strengthen your position when you’re ready to submit an offer and help you focus on opportunities in your price range. Consult with your bank and/or a mortgage specialist who will look at your current financial situation and pre-approve you for a mortgage within your budget. This pre-approval will typically be valid for 120 days.
Tip: Get a letter from your lender confirming your purchasing amount! This helps you stay competitive on offer date.
03 – Dream Home Search on MLS
We will review your customized needs analysis and set you up on a search. I will advise you about neighbourhoods and properties that meet your requirements.
When creating your wish list, there are a lot of factors to consider. For example, you’ll want to consider whether you want to purchase a house, condo, or investment property; how much you can afford; location; timeline; transit access; lifestyle; amenities; and parking.
04 – Showings
We will begin viewing homes that meet your criteria and budget. This is the exciting part!
We know how busy life can get and your time is valuable! We’ll help streamline the best 7-10 properties to preview in person or virtually and ensure they meet your criteria so you aren’t wasting your time. We’ll help you keep track of which homes you view and then discuss honest feedback on each.
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Step 2: Putting in Offers
This part can be nerve wracking! We’ll ask you to trust us when we get here. It’s our job to stay logical and help you get the home you want and leave emotions out of this decision. We will submit a competitive offer with terms aligned with your interests. Our agents will navigate open offers and multiple offer scenarios if applicable. If needed, we will hire a professional to inspect the home for any hidden issues.
When you find the right place, the next step is to submit an offer. When you submit an offer (Agreement of Purchase and Sale), the main components for you to consider are:
Offer Price
The amount you are willing to pay. This may be the final amount or the starting point of negotiations. We will generate a comprehensive Comparable Market Analysis report to ensure fair market value
Clauses
A clause is a term or terms necessary to include in your offer to protect you through the purchase process
Conditions
A condition is a clause the Buyer needs to waive or fulfill by an agreed time in order for a sale to be finalized. The most common conditions are: financing, inspection, lawyer review and status certificate review
Chattels & Fixtures
Otherwise known as inclusions and exclusions, these are the items that you wish (or the Sellers wish) to be included or excluded from your offer.
Deposit
This is typically 5% (or more) of the purchase price and is payable by bank draft or certified cheque within 24 hours of offer acceptance or in some cases, with the offer, depending on circumstances
Closing Date
The date that you get keys and take ownership of the property!
Step 3: Accepting an Offer
Once your offer has been successfully negotiated and accepted by all parties, you now have either a conditional or firm sale. Once firm (conditions have been fulfilled according to the agreement), your sale remains pending until the Closing Date.
You will require a lawyer to facilitate the closing of your property. We recommend that you contact your lawyer a minimum of 1-2 weeks before your closing date to ensure that everything is in order and to confirm a date and time to sign all paperwork (this can be done virtually), where and when to pick up keys for your new home etc.
A deposit is due within 24 hours of an accepted offer! This goes towards your downpayment. It is held in trust by the listing brokerage.
Revisit the
Property
First walk-through: for friends and family! Take pictures and share what you’ve just purchased.
Final walk-through: for us to ensure the home is in a broom swept condition and ready for move-in.
Meeting with Your Lawyer
You will require a lawyer to facilitate the closing of your property. We recommend that you contact your lawyer a minimum of 1-2 weeks before your closing date to ensure that everything is in order and to confirm a date.
Meeting with your Mortgage Broker
Once your offer has been successfully negotiated and accepted by all parties, you now have either a conditional or firm sale. Once you get financing and conditions have been fulfilled, your sale remains pending until the Closing/Completion Date
Step 4: Closing Day!
Closing day is an exciting milestone for buyers—it’s the day you officially take ownership of your new home! However, it can also feel overwhelming if you're not sure what to expect.
Tips for a smooth closing day:
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Be available: stay accessible via phone or email in case last-minute issues arise
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Double-check payments: ensure your down payment and closings costs are ready to be transferred!
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Set up utilities effective for this date
Transfer of Funds
Your lawyer or title company handles the transfer of funds. This includes:
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Mortgage lender providing the loan amount to the seller's lawyer or representative.
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Payment of the remaining balance of your down payment.
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Closing costs (e.g., legal fees, title insurance, land transfer taxes).
Property Registration
Your lawyer will register the property in your name with the local land registry office.This step may happen behind the scenes on the same day or shortly afterward.
Keys
Expect the keys around 4 or 5pm!
Once all funds have been transferred and documents are signed, you’ll officially own the home
Meet Your Home Buying Team
Here are the main contacts you’ll need for purchasing a home! We have a wide network of trusted vendors who can help. Let us know who to put you in touch with!
Get in Touch
Luke Linders
Sales Representative
Shaw Realty Group, Brokerage
519-589-1143
