Seven Steps to Buying Your First Home
1.) Find out if Home Ownership is Right for You
Renting vs. Buying
Buying a home is a big financial and lifestyle decision! Make your decision an informed one by taking a close look at the pros and cons of home ownership...
2.) Determine if You Are Financially Ready
How Much Can You Afford?
Now is the time to carefully define your current financial situation and estimate the price range in which you can expect to comfortably purchase...
...
3.) Figure out How Much It will Really Cost
The Other Costs
Find out how much a home purchase will cost - at the time of your purchase (down payments, legal fees, land transfer tax, home inspections, etc) - and once you own your home (taxes, utility costs, home maintenance and repair, home insurance, etc)
4.) Understanding Mortgages
Talk to a Lender
How to get a pre-approval to determine how much money you can borrow - BEFORE you start looking at houses! And there is so much more to consider - people talk a lot about interest rates, but it is just as important to consider the other terms of the loan agreement. It pays to be knowledgeable.
5.) Finding the Right Home
Talk to Your Realtor
Hiring a good buyer agent will save you a lot of time and ensure that your best interests are protected throughout the process.
6.) Learning About The Offer Process
You've Found It!
Finding a home you want to purchase is just the start - what to expect once you decide to make an offer to purchase your dream home...
7.) Closing Time
The Final Steps
What to expect on closing day and how to make your move to your new home a smooth, enjoyable process.
Serving the Kitchener Waterloo area of Ontario Canada