You’re starting to think about becoming a homeowner and you likely have lots of questions about how to buy a home in Canada, from the overarching How do you buy a home, to specific queries around financing, home type and location, to how to make and negotiate an offer. To help simplify what can be a complicated process, we’ve outlined how to buy a home in 10 steps.
How to Buy a Home in 10 Steps
1. Choose a real estate agent that’s right for you. A home is a huge investment, so work with a realtor that’s knowledgeable, professional and responsive. Treat your search for the right agent like a job interview. Meet with a few different agents, ask lots of questions and check references. Here is a list of 7 questions to ask an agent before you commit.
2. Know your budget. As you already know, buying a home is going to be expensive. Knowing exactly how much it will cost and how much you can spend is a crucial step in making a wise investment. Consider your lifestyle, your income and any current debts you’re carrying. Are you secure in your employment? Are you planning any major life changes in the near future, such as a job change or growing your family? Be mindful of the financial impacts this could have.
3. Explore mortgage options and get pre-approved. A mortgage pre-approval informs you of how much your lender is willing to lend you based on a number of factors, such as your credit rating, income and debts. The lender also guarantees the current interest rate for up to 120 days (time may vary depending on the lender), giving you the freedom to house hunt, knowing that you’re safe from interest rate increases. If rates drop, so too should your guaranteed rate. In addition to the interest rate, be sure to also take into account the terms of the mortgage.
4. Start home hunting. Admittedly, this step that has many sub-steps, but let’s narrow it down a bit. While the old adage of “location, location, location” still stands when it comes to good real estate investments, the recent trend of remote workplaces has given people greater flexibility when it comes to answering that all-important question of “where?” Then comes the what: what type of home do you need to accommodate how you and your family live? Condominiums, townhomes and freehold homes each offer distinct benefits, so ensure you’re choosing something that will work for you for the next rive years. Create a remax.ca account and register to receive listings that meet your criteria when they hit the market.
5. Schedule showings. Did you know your agent can show homes in-person or virtually? Virtual showings have been around for some time, often used for purchases by buyers from overseas, however it has picked-up speed with local buyers too, due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Regardless of how you choose to view the listings, keep your eyes on the prize. Remember your budget and the must-haves outlined in step #4 above.
6. Make an offer. You’ve found the home you want, in a location you like. Now, to make an offer to purchase for a price and terms that are agreeable to both you and the seller. Here’s where working with an experienced realtor can give you the upper hand. Different market conditions require a different approach – a seller’s market might mean lots of competition, requiring you to come in at or over asking price with few to no conditions, while a buyer’s market means you have choice and time is on your side. Lean on your agent on how to best handle the situation.
7. Get a home inspection. Regardless of the market, this is one condition that we recommend you keep as part of your offer. The home inspection is intended to identify any existing or potential underlying problems in a home, alerting the buyer of risks and giving them leverage in negotiating a reduced selling price. Your home inspector will examine systems that are visible without opening walls or floors, including heating, plumbing, electrical, roofing and foundation. The inspection should take approximately three hours and will cost a few hundred dollars, depending on the size of the home.
8. Close the deal. The closing period for your transaction is typically 90 days, however it can range depending on the agreed upon terms in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. The homebuyer has some important obligations during this waiting period. Once the offer has been accepted, there’s a window during which you must take all the necessary steps with regard to your offer conditions, such as financing, home inspection and anything else that needs to happen before you officially seal the deal. Your mortgage lender will need a copy of the offer to ensure it’s in-line with your pre-approved level of financing. After any adjustments or repairs have been done to your satisfaction, your Realtor will finalize the deal and your lawyer will process the paperwork, including the mortgage documents with your lender. All of this will point to a final date of actual legal possession: the real closing day.
9. Update utilities, transfer services and change-of-address. During your closing period, keep track of utility and credit card bills, magazine subscriptions and any other regular mail or standing orders that you receive at your current address. Alert them of the address change in advance of your closing date. Also be sure to contact your doctor and dentist. For family and friends, you can easily send a change of address card via mail or email, but there are a few more steps when it comes to informing government agencies.
- Click here to change your address with the Canada Revenue Agency
- Contact your local Ministry of Health and Ministry of Transportation to find out how to change your address on your health card and driver’s license.
- Forward mail to your new address by visiting the Canada Post website or at your local post office.
- If applicable, it is important to change your address for the Employment Insurance program that you can easily do here.
- Pack the items you will need first in a clear plastic bin
- Pack your plates vertically so they are less likely to break
- Take a photo of how you electronics are connected so you can know where the wires go
- Wrap your breakables in clothing to save on bubble wrap
- Keep your glassware safe by packing it with clean socks
We hope this home buying checklist helps. If you still have questions about how to buy a home, or you’re ready to start the process, tap into the knowledge and experience of a RE/MAX agent, who will guide you through the process every step of the way.
Originally published on the RE/MAX Canada Blog.
