- The number one thing you need to know is that you do not pay the real estate agent who helps you buy your home. The Seller of the home does that-usually. There are certain times when this may not apply though. If the home is listed privatel then yes, you will have to pay your agent if the seller refuses too. If the home is listed on MLS but the Seller refuses to pay another agent, then you would be responsible for the commission. This is all outlined in the contract that you sign with your agent when you start loooking at houses. The amount is usually betweeo 0-3% HST. This will be stipulated in the contract. Most times though the Seller will pay it.
- Get yourself educated...quick! Make sure you know the product you are buying is worth every cent of your hard earned dollars. Get to know their values and what you are getting for it. As a first time home buyer, or not, you need to be properly educated. Every year things change in the market, you need to be made aware of them before you put in an offer to purchase a home. I educate my clients every step of the way. You will always know what is going on and feel confortable with the process at all times.
- LIST YOUR SPACE NEEDS. Your Living space requirements (i.e. how many bedrooms); what you're bringing with you from your old house; how close to schools, shopping and other services; the size of down payment you can afford; and, price range.
- START YOUR SEARCH. Once you’ve identified the features you want in a home, the search begins. I will use various tools to try and find properties that meet your specifications. The most important search tools will be the Real Estate Boards website used by myself. I will key in your needs, choice of neighbourhoods and price range and immediately come up with a list of suitable properties available.
- SELECTING A HOUSE. When you select a property there are many things to consider. Does it have all the features you wanted? Is the neighbourhood what you expected? Try to picture your favorite furnishings in a room. Remember all of the technical considerations:
- what type of wiring does the house have?
- what about power outlets? Different appliances use different types.
- what type of heating system does it use?
- what about the roof and foundation?
- what condition are the windows in?
- what about the plumbing?
- PUTTING IN THE OFFER. Once you find the house you want to make your home, we sit down and plan the offer. In the offer we will specify how much you're willing to pay. State when the offer expires, and suggest a closing date for the transaction. You can also propose some conditions on the offer. Some common types of conditions are:
- getting a suitable mortgage (include the amount, interest rates and any other figures you feel important)
- selling your current home (the seller may continue to look for a buyer, but will give you the right of first refusal)
- if you still have any doubts about the home's condition, you may wish to make the purchase conditional on an inspection by a qualified engineer
- any inclusions - basically, what stays and what goes.
And once both parties come to an agreement and firm up the conditions, you can open the bubbly!
Be sure to check out these excellent Home Buying videos from Royal LePage (5 videos)
 Additional helpful information is available in the form of a downloadable PDF guide entitled The 12 Steps to Buying Your Home.
Download the FREE How Realtors Help - 12 Steps to Buying Your Home document
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