Must you have a REALTOR®? No.

Should you have you a REALTOR®?  Yes!

The real estate market is always changing and it really helps to understand how market changes affect your position as a Buyer. I provide you with current market conditions and explain their impact. I represent you and promote your interests.


FINTRAC: The Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act requires REALTOR'S® to complete a client identification record whenever s/he acts as an agent in respect of the purchase or sale of real estate.


REALTOR'S® work within a legal relationship called agency. The agency relationship is between you (the principle) and your Brokerage (the company with which your REALTOR® is licensed). It's a legal requirement for REALTORS® to disclose to you, in print, the representation you will be receiving.


Purchasing a home involves one-time costs and monthly expenses.

Typically the largest one-time cost is your down payment, usually representing up to 25% of the total price of the property.

Property Transfer Tax: is 1% on the first $200,000 of the sale price and 2% on the remainder. The threshold for eligible residential property is $425,000. A proportional exemption is provided for eligible properties with a fair market value of up to $25,000 above the threshold. First time home Buyers may qualify for an exemption.

Adjustments: You will have to reimburse the Sellers for any prepaid
property taxes, strata fees or utilities.

Appraisal/ Survey Fee: Before your mortgage is approved, your lender may require an appraisal and or survey of the property.

Home Inspection Fee: It's prudent to have a home inspection performed by a certified home inspector.

Legal Fees and Disbursements: Lawyer/ Notary fees for closing the sale range according to the complexity of the deal.

GST (HST come July 1st 2010): Payable on newly constructed homes. However, if the home you are purchasing is less than $450,000 you may be eligible for a rebate.


Typical monthly expenses:
 - mortgage payments
 - maintenance
 - insurance
 - strata fees
 - property taxes and utilities.


Obtain a pre-approved mortgage. Having a pre-approved mortgage will give you the confidence of knowing exactly what you can spend on a home before you start looking. You will also be protected against interest increases while looking for your new home.

Your Mortgage Specialist will answer your questions and help you determine which financing terms and options are right for you. Your Mortgage Specialist and REALTOR® work as a team to help you find the right home and select the best financing.

Finalizing your mortgage. Once you have found the home you want to purchase, there are some documents you will probably be asked for in order to finalize your mortgage.
 - a copy of the property listing and Contract of Purchase and Sale
 - documents to confirm employment and income
 - the lender may also arrange to have the property appraised


Major elements of an offer:
Price: Depending on local market conditions, your opinion of value and market information provided by your REALTOR®, the price you offer may differ from the Seller’s asking price.

Deposit: The deposit shows your good faith and will be applied against the purchase of the home when the sale closes.

Terms: Includes the total price offered and the financing details.

Conditions: These are your subject clauses and might include “subject to home inspection” or “subject to financing”.

Inclusions and Exclusions: These may include appliances, certain fixtures or decorative items such as window coverings or mirrors.

Completion Date: This is the day the title of the property is transferred and the transaction of funds is finalized.

Hire A Legal Professional: A legal professional is there to represent your interests and to process the legal documentation required. I can provide you with the names of legal professionals who specialize in real estate.

Having your home inspected by a certified home inspector will give you the added confidence that you’ve made the right decision. I can provide you with a list of qualified inspectors.


Getting ready to Move: Once you have bought your home, I can help make the move easier for you!