“Lynn has been associated with our extended, Ottawa-area family since the mid-90′s. Lynn’s best quality is the extreme care she takes to understand her clients’ wish lists (both written and unwritten) before showing them properties. Never has a friend or family member complained about Lynn wasting their time by showing them properties that did not meet their needs or expectations.”
We take the buying process as seriously as you do! Buying your home is one of the most important purchases you will make and we’re committed to providing you with the experience and the service you deserve.
Some of the steps involved when buying property:
1. Reviewing the Buying Process With You, including:
Explaining the Agency relationships and how we will work for you
A step by step overview of the Buying process from start to finish
An estimate of all costs involved in purchasing a home
Answering any questions you may have
2. Determining Your Wants and Needs
This is an extremely important part of the buying process! By asking you a series of questions and paying special attention to your needs, we will establish what you are looking for. Our goal is to not waste your time looking at properties that are not in your price range or homes that don’t meet your requirements.
As your Buyer Agents, we will maintain your confidentiality and represent your best interests at all times.
3. Help You Get Pre-Qualified
This step will show you how much you can afford. We will help you establish what monthly payments you are comfortable with, along with pre-qualification through your Financial Institution or a Mortgage Specialist.
4. Shopping for Your Home
We will expose you to the best buys, whether resale or new homes, in your desired neighbourhoods. We use every available method to locate a property that matches your needs. This includes:
Properties through our personal network
Properties listed with our office
Properties offered through all other real estate companies in the City
All unlisted properties.
We will also inform you of all known facts about the property that are likely to affect your decision.
5. Negotiations
When we find the home that meets your criteria, we will provide you with:
Statistics on recent sales, comparable to the property
Explain your options and conditions
Assist you in writing an offer
Act as your representative in negotiations with the seller
6. The Last Steps
We will assist you . . .
In obtaining legal services, professional home inspection services and homeowners’ insurance.
By reviewing the buying process and costs, once again at the time of your offer
By keeping you informed of the progress of your purchase until closing.
7. Follow Up
Our service does not end on the closing date! We provide ongoing assistance and advice whenever you need it.
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First-Time Home Buyers
“In this day and age, good service is hard to come by, so we want you to know that we found exceptional service with you. You went beyond the call of duty helping us find a home. Your calm assurance & confident knowledge helped to eliminate our stress and left us feeling firmly taken care of. We will never forget your kindness, generosity, understanding & your wonderful smile.”
Here are a few factors to consider as you begin the journey to home ownership.
What features do you need in a home to satisfy your current lifestyle?
When buying your first home think about the next 3 to 5 years. A one or two bedroom condominium can work well for a single person or couple. A two-bedroom condo may also be ideal for a couple with a child. However, if you’re looking to add to your family you may want a home with room to grow.
Each situation is unique and your needs and wants coupled with your budget, the housing market and availability are all aspects we consider when helping you find a comfortable home that you feel is right for you.
How would you rate your financial health and your credit rating?
A good credit history can make a big difference when applying for home financing. It can help you secure a lower interest rate and save thousands of dollars in interest costs.
Before beginning a search for your first home we’ll sit down with you and help you determine how much of a mortgage you might qualify for, providing you with an estimate of payments, including property taxes, utility estimates and any applicable maintenance fees.
We’ll also discuss other home buying costs, to help give you as complete a picture as possible of the costs related to purchasing your first home.
How much do you have available for your down payment and closing costs?
Typically home buyers will need a down payment and closing costs. Usually 5% is the minimum down payment required for an owner occupied home. Click herefor information from Canada Mortgage & Housing Corporation on down payments.
Should you arrange for a pre-approved mortgage?
As we begin to move forward with finding you a home, talking to a lender to secure a ‘pre-approved’ mortgage will confirm the amount you qualify for based on your down payment, credit history, job situation and other factors.
Having a pre-approved mortgage will also provide you with an interest rate guarantee for a set period of time – just in case rates bump up while you’re house hunting. If rates go down, you will get the lower rate – a win-win situation!
Being pre-qualified and being pre-approved are two very different things. The one that matters most is being pre-approved!
