Buyer's Guide

Let’s grab a coffee or hop on a phone call and get to know each other a little. This is an excellent opportunity for you to get to know me and also for me to understand your personal situation and why you are considering purchasing a home. Every client’s needs are unique and I pride myself on providing a tailored approach to every real estate transaction. This is also a good time to explain the Buyer Agency Relationship and the nature of the services I provide. At this point, we would prepare an initial search criteria, which would include potential neighbourhoods, type of home, wish list and price range. I can also get you started on our email notification system, showing you similar properties currently active on the market and making sure all your ducks are in a row. Whether you are 12 months away from buying or ready now, I’d be happy to help clarify any unknowns associated with the home buying process.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is an integral part of buying Vancouver Real Estate. This step will help us understand what you can afford and help narrow down properties based on your purchasing power. If you don’t have a preferred mortgage lender I can refer you to mortgage professionals who have an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approvals for their clients at highly competitive rates.

Here’s when the fun begins! We’ll revisit the initial search criteria and wish list we prepared in the first step and revise it accordingly keeping in mind crucial specifics such as size, price, outdoor space, rental and pet restrictions to name a few. We’ll then input all of your buying criteria into our MLS system, which is much more powerful and detailed compared to the public sites available to you. I will organize your tours and accompany you on all your showings and provide advice and guidance.

Here’s when we have to identify and separate the “must haves” from the “want to haves.” Be specific and consider a few major factors such as the neighbourhood, your commute to work, and community services such as transportation, schools, stores, and entertainment.

Now that we’ve found the perfect property, it’s time to submit an offer! Prior to submitting an offer we’ll determine all the other items we need to include in the offer such as the amount of deposit, your conditions, closing and possession dates; all of which are taken into account by the sellers when considering your offer. By this time you’ll be fully prepared to offer as we have already reviewed the contract in detail and are aware of your conditions. From obtaining satisfactory financing to conducting a home inspection by a licensed professional, you’ll have a peace of mind knowing your interests are well represented. Negotiations can take a few hours, days, or in rare cases weeks.

Once our offer has been accepted, we must undertake our due diligence which typically includes conducting a property inspection, title search, and obtaining a Property Disclosure Statement to name a few things. Further due diligence may be necessary depending on the subject property. At this stage, communication is key to ensuring a smooth closing and transfer of title. During this period, you’ll have to visit your lender’s office and also pay your lawyer or notary a visit as they will go over all the remaining financial aspects pertaining to conveyancing, which is the process of transferring of title.

Congratulations! You are now a homeowner and get to enjoy the many benefits home ownership offers from pride of ownership, the ability to freely make home improvements, to building equity, it is truly a liberating thing to experience.

After you are all moved in, I will always be available for you 24/7 with any questions you have about the home. Whether you are considering renovations, wondering about rental rates or thinking about refinancing, I am always available to offer advice.