If you're looking to buy a home, I hope you have signed a Buyer Agency Agreement with a realtor.  It is very important you do that, so that you have a committed Realtor, who will look after your best interests.  As you know, Realtors only make money when the home they sell you successfully closes.  We work very hard for our clients, but we work harder for those who commit to working with us exclusively.

If you are ready to start looking for your home, and you are not working with a Realtor yet, this is a brief description of the home buying process, when you work with me.  If you require additional information, or additional details on any of the points described below, don't hesitate to contact me.  I'm always available.

- Initial meeting with me (if you're not under agency with another Realtor already)

- Working with a Realtor and Agency relationship explained, and pamphlets and agreements signed

- Mortgage pre-approval explained and meeting with lender takes place (if not already approved)

- If meeting with lender has not already taken place, the lender will need to verify income, assets, employment history, credit report/credit check.  Some lenders may require Notice of Assessments from two previous years, or letter of employment, or both, or copy of last few pay stubs

- The search for the new home begins

- Initial consultation with lawyer is suggested (you will need a lawyer anyway, may as well use him as early in the process as possible - usually, there is no additional charge)

- Home selection process - choose the home that best suits your needs

- An offer to purchase is prepared, and a deposit cheque of 5 to 10% of the purchase price is required at this time

- It is suggested at this time that your solicitor review the offer (it is always suggested but not always necessary)

- The offer to purchase is presented to the Seller and the negotiation takes place

- Buyer and the Seller agree on the terms

- Buyer and the Realtor make arrangements for a home inspection

- Buyer and the Realtor look for insurance for the property (required to be in place before the Title Search Date)

- Buyer and Realtor ensure all conditions are satisfied (home inspection, insurance, financing, etc.)

- Buyer notifies post office and utilities of moving date

- Appraisal done by lender, if required

- Final mortgage approval, if appraisal was required

- Closing costs and arrangements are made with Lawyer

- Buyer delivers funds to the lawyer usually the day before closing

- Buyer books movers

- A final visit to the home takes place, before closing

- Transfer of utilities takes place

- Lawyer closes and transfers deed to buyer

- Buyer moves in

It is important that you work with a Realtor who can take you through this process and make it as comfortable for you as possible.  Buying a home can be very stressful.  A Realtor who is commited to you, and who you are committed to, can make all the difference.