Your guide to
coming home.

Decide to buy.

Before you start looking, think about what you need in a home. Consider bedrooms and bathrooms, outdoor space, nearby schools, shopping and your commute. Separate your must-haves from features that would be nice to have.

Understand the ownership options, too:

• Freehold: You generally own the home and land and are responsible for their upkeep.
• Condominium: You own a unit and share ownership of common property. Fees help cover shared expenses, and the condominium documents define maintenance responsibilities and rules.
• Co-operative: You become a member of a co-op with the right to occupy a home under its rules, rather than owning the unit outright. The structure and financing arrangements vary.

Once your priorities are clear, you can focus on homes that suit your lifestyle.

Choose your agent.

Look for someone you trust, who understands your goals and knows the communities you are considering. Your agent should explain the process clearly, answer your questions and represent your interests.

Ask friends and family for recommendations, speak with local agents and compare their experience and approach. Before you commit, discuss the services offered, communication expectations and representation agreement.

Find your home.

Set a comfortable budget before you shop. Plan for your down payment, regular mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance, plus condominium fees where applicable.

Speak with a lender about mortgage pre-approval to understand your potential borrowing range. A larger down payment generally reduces the amount you borrow. Pre-approval is not a guarantee of final financing; the lender must also review the property and confirm its conditions are met.

Explore neighbourhoods, compare suitable homes and visit showings or open houses. I will help you assess your options and keep your priorities in focus.

Make an offer.

Once you find a home, I will help you prepare an offer that reflects your goals. Along with the price, we will discuss the deposit, closing date, financing and inspection conditions, and what is included or excluded.

Appliances, light fixtures and any agreed repairs should be clearly documented. The seller may accept, decline or make a counteroffer. I will guide you through negotiations and help you understand the terms before you commit.

Close the sale.

Work with your lender and real estate lawyer to meet the agreement’s conditions, arrange insurance, review the closing documents and prepare the funds needed to complete your purchase.

Budget for costs such as inspections, legal fees, applicable taxes or registration charges and closing adjustments. Some costs are due before closing; your lawyer can confirm the amount and timing for your purchase.

Once the transaction closes and possession is available under your agreement, it is time to collect your keys. Congratulations—welcome home!