First-Time Buyers
Meeting with several first-time buyers each year, I offer complimentary and informative presentations on buying your first home. Absolutely no cost, no hassle and no commitment.
- Estimates are that over 80 % of home buyers will begin their search via the internet this year. While searching out listings, begin the ‘silent’ interview process of real estate agents. Make contact with someone with a good reputation, they can help ensure you are well informed of new listings, special opportunities, and potential matches that may be coming to market!
- Searching yourself? Remember...Not all homes are on the public MLS site and some do not even have signs out front.
- Eliminate common mistakes, Plan carefully – there will always be ‘another’ house.
Some Points to consider:
- What is the process all about & why should you entrust your confidence and business with a real estate agent? Are there any costs or service guarantees?
- What zoning and which municipal bylaws are relevant to your purchase?
- How many homes should we see before taking a decision? What would be considered a reasonable offer?
- What are the financial, legal or tax implications in the purchase of a home?
- How does the monthly budget really relate to the purchase and are there any programs that you could benefit from?
- How does pre-qualification work? Are there advantages to 40 yr vs 25 yr mortgages. What are the payment options? Can we minimize interest paid out?
- What are the pitfalls of open housing & how can you ensure you're well informed?
- What are the most common mistakes buyers make when considering private home purchases and how can you avoid these costly errors?
- Are there ‘seller’ disclosures?
- What are common conditions to an offer to purchase?
- How do you ensure the septic system or well water meets specific safety standards?
- What does the building inspection cover and what obligations and rights do you have?
- What if the inspection determines the existence of PYRITE, VERMICULITE, or FERROUS OXIDE ? etc……
As a professional real estate consultant, I provide guidance in terms of communities, neighbourhood home search, successful negotiation, competitive financing, and selection of a building inspector, notary, or other experts that might be required throughout the process. The client is always in a position to make their own choice, and I am there all the way-beginning to end…and then some !!!
Remember: Choose your realtor first - then choose your home.
Click here for my short guide on important steps towards a home purchase.
Upgrading
Maximize your opportunities and minimize your stress, inconvenience and cost. If you currently own a home and have been through the process before, you realize that there is a cost involved and some anxious moments ahead for the entire family. There are obviously important reasons why you want to move again – so why waste time, money and energy because someone isn’t listening? Let’s understand your situation, timeline and priorities and work together to ensure this move is a memorable one!
Explore the alternatives for these situations….
What if we sell first and haven’t found the right home in time?
What if we buy first and don't sell in time?
When is the best time to make the move?
How do conditional offers work?" (advantages/disadvantages) Are there costs involved?
How does bridge financing apply and what are the costs?
- Sound professional guidance - don't leave home without it !!!
- Are you considering all of the right options? Are you getting the right guidance?
- How can you benefit from competitive financing or alternative mortgage arrangements?
- Be prepared - that 'Dream Home" might not be for sale today, however, I'm in an advantageous position to ensure you get priority exposure in future.
- Drafting specific clauses in agreements can eliminate your risk in special circumstances.
Considering New Construction?
- Do you realize that I have access to most Project model homes, as many builders cooperate with Real Estate to market their homes through the MLS or exclusive listing systems - without any additional cost to you.
- GST/PST is applicable to new construction and sometimes included in the price, which is inflated accordingly.
- It is important to consider the hidden or future costs when buying new (such as the extras, landscaping, fencing, walkways and driveway, extra interior features, basement finishing, etc.).
- Property tax & school tax are seldom confirmed at time of purchase.
- Custom Construction? We have access to vacant lots and reputable builders in order for you to build your 'Dream Home'.
Investment Properties
Why not diversify your investment portfolio……Consider a revenue generating property as an investment? Did you know that you can purchase with practically no money down, and/or, that refinancing of a current residence for property investment purposes entitles you to major tax deductions on interest ?
- How do the rich get richer ? Leverage the bank’s money wisely !
- Consider the selection-Condos/townhomes/single dwellings, small apartment buildings, duplexes, triplexes, homes with bachelor units…….
- Ask for guidance on specific financial requirements, minimum requirements,potential tax implications, revenue vs expense detail, deductions,resale and mortgage projections and eventual capital gains issues.
- Stay abreast of the market for future opportunities.
Many of my previous clients have returned to pursue some of these small investment options. Contact me for regular updates on potential investment properties.
A Few Buying Testimonials
Click here to view buying testimonials.
