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If you're thinking of buying a home, this 12-step plan will help to guide you in the right
direction. But before we jump right in, you have to make sure three things are ready: you, your
bank account, and the real estate market.
Owning the roof over your head will bring you great pride, but with that pride comes
accountability and sacrifice. There's the obvious financial responsibility, but your home will
also require constant care and upkeep. That's what real pride of ownership is all about.
Your first home will be the biggest financial obligation you've ever faced. You should already be
an experienced saver, and good at managing debt like student loans or credit cards. Ideally,
you've also saved up some money for a nice down payment. Talk to your financial institution
about the Home Buyers Plan too. Our next step will give you a crystal clear picture about how
much you can afford.
Markets go up, markets go down and even the smartest experts can't accurately predict when a
market will peak or bottom out. The good news is, if you're buying a home as a long-term
investment (and for long-term enjoyment), you're protected from short-term changes in the
market. Over time, real estate has almost always increased in value.
All you have to do is pick a home that meets the needs of you and your family. Then you'll enjoy living in your investment as it grows in value. A home is one of the best financial decisions you can make, so make sure you think things through.
Before you start looking for your dream home, let's find out how big you can dream. Knowing your
true budget is the first and most important step in buying a home. Why?
It's probably the most expensive thing you'll ever buy, and there are lots of expenses you might not even know about. Everybody's total costs are different, but it's almost guaranteed you won't have that much money saved up. Hopefully you have enough for a nice down payment. Here's the reality in detail:
Cost of buying a home = One time costs (down payment, legal fees, inspection fees, taxes)
Step 9 is practically bursting with tips on how to arrange your mortgage but for now, we just
need to figure out how much a bank will lend you.
Well that depends on how much you can afford each month. This is determined using two lending principals.
The first lending principle is that your monthly housing cost should not exceed 32% of your
gross monthly family income. This principle is known as the Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio
calculation.
The second lending principle used, the Total Debt Service (TDS ) ratio calculation, is that
your monthly housing cost and payments on all of your other debts (including loans, credit card
and lease payments) should not exceed 40% of your gross monthly income.
Urban – The big city. Sure the prices are generally higher, but you can walk to a restaurant, maybe even to work. You'll also have the widest range of housing options.
Suburban – Newer schools, newer shopping centers, bigger yards, bigger homes, no wonder so many people love the suburbs. But if you work in the city, be prepared for lots of rush hour traffic. It's a packaged deal.
Smaller Cities and Towns – There are many wonderful self-contained communities, and compared to the big city, you can save a bundle.
Rural -If you like the idea of owning land, how about a few acres all to yourself? Seclusion is not for everybody, but for some, it's heaven.
By now, you probably have a good idea of what type of home is right for you. To familiarize you
with the terminology, here's a quick overview:
As the name implies, the home is not attached to the home next door. Styles range from a
single-story suburban bungalow, to a three-story Victorian.
Two houses that share a common wall. Typically less money than a fully detached home.
A two-storey or three-storey home, with each floor belonging to a separate family. Separate
entrances are most common.
Also known as terrace or row housing. Several homes with a common style joined in a row. They
usually share walls on both sides. May come with a monthly maintenance fee.
An upscale version of an apartment. Usually located in high-rise buildings with access to common
elements. Maintenance fees usually apply. Condos also make a great first home purchase because
they're often thousands of dollars less than a detached home.
You'll own 100% of your unit, and a share of the common areas. Common areas include the necessary
plumbing, electrical systems, hallways and elevators. They may also include lots of fun stuff
like a private gym or party room.
Membership has its privileges, and it costs. On top of your mortgage and property taxes, condo owners also pay a monthly fee to operate and maintain the common areas. Be sure to look into condo fees, and how well they're managed, before signing anything.
Nothing can match the charm and character of an older home. As a bonus, the previous owner may
have made improvements and upgrades and you get them with the house, usually for less than the
cost of putting them in yourself. However, some may have a little too much ‘character ' like a
leaky roof…know what you're getting yourself into. You should always work with a knowledgeable
REALTOR®, and as we cover in Step 10 never buy a resale home without a Home Inspection.
You will be the very first person to live in your new home. In fact, your new home may be so new,
that it's not even built yet. You have the luxury of customizing your home to your décor tastes.
But when you move in, be prepared for constant touch-ups by your builder; dust, mud and unpaved
roads if your area is still developing; and shifting and settling of your home (cracks and
popping nails) within the first year.
Before you commit to anything, carefully examine the property, the blueprints and visit other
homes built by the same building company. Check to see you like the finishes they offer and the
craftsmanship and quality of their work. Have your REALTOR® and lawyer review everything before
you sign. While your home is being built, stay on top of the process and remember, you have a
legal right to make a full inspection of the house before you accept it as complete.
Are you getting out of a two-bedroom apartment because it's too small? Then your new home should
have at least three bedrooms, and probably a second bathroom. REALTORS® call these must-have
features “needs”. Features you'd like to have are called “wants”.
Your strategy should be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all or most of your “needs”, and as many of your “wants” as possible. Use the Dream Home Checklist to help you decide what you're looking for in a home.
You know how much money you have, and you have a good idea of what you want. Now you need the
help of a real pro, to make your search a success.
In Canada, licensed REALTORS® are members of their local real estate board, a provincial
association and The Canadian Real Estate Association. This system of membership ensures the
highest level of service and that you are always treated with honesty and integrity. This is
backed by the REALTOR® Code of Ethics. Take a look at ‘The REALTOR® Commitment' to learn
more.
The relationship between a real estate brokerage and a client is called “Agency” and there are
three major kinds:
The real estate brokerage and all its REALTORS® represent the seller exclusively and it's their
job to get the best offer on the home. They are legally obliged to tell the seller anything
known about a buyer. For instance, if a seller's REALTOR® knows a buyer will pay more for a
property, they must tell the seller.
The real estate brokerage and all its REALTORS® represent the buyer exclusively. They seek out
homes that meet the buyer's needs and help assess the merits and defects of potential homes.
They keep the buyer's information confidential and never disclose information like the maximum
amount their buyer is willing to pay. You may be asked by your REALTOR® to sign a buyer agency
agreement. In fact, in some provinces, REALTORS® are required to ask you for your own
protection. This agreement ensures that the REALTOR® and the brokerage can look after your best
interests.
Sometimes, a brokerage may have an agency relationship with the buyer and the seller. Both the
seller and the buyer must give their informed consent, and the REALTOR® must always provide full
and timely disclosure of all pertinent information to both parties.
Absolutely! Especially if you're remaining in the same community. Your REALTOR® is already an
expert on your needs, so it can save you a lot of time and energy.
There are lots of ways to find a REALTOR®. As you drive through prospective neighbourhoods, jot
down the names and numbers of REALTORS® on the ‘For Sale' signs. Open Houses are a great way to
meet face-to-face. Maybe friends or family members have worked with a REALTOR® they love.
Interview two or three and pick the one you like best.
A REALTOR® will review your list of wants and needs to help you determine your price range.
One dream, one team. The REALTOR® you select will become an expert on your specific needs and
tastes.
Scattering your time and energy amongst multiple REALTORS® will work against your
goal of finding your best home. And because most REALTORS® have equal access to the same
property listings, there's no real advantage to having multiple REALTORS®.
The hunt is on! Time for you and your REALTOR® to find that perfect home.
Start reading real estate ads in local papers, or visit www.mls.ca. Let your REALTOR® know what you like. Visit
areas you are considering and get a feel for them. Make note of the surrounding schools,
shopping and recreational areas. Keep an eye out for not-so-great things like large industrial
areas, railway tracks, high-voltage power lines and airports. Visit during the day and at
night.
‘Open houses' are a great way to see inside the homes of your potential neighborhood. The hosting
REALTOR® probably knows the local market inside and out, and will be happy to answer the
questions that are bubbling up inside you – don't be afraid to ask!
If you've been very good, you've armed your REALTOR® with your Dream Home Checklist. Even if
you've just talked about it, your REALTOR® knows what you're looking for.
REALTORS® run an incredible research tool called the Multiple Listing Service (MLS). You can view
information about properties listed in MLS systems across the country at www.mls.ca, the public advertising portal. Your
REALTOR® will start sending you listings of potential homes right away. You'll be amazed how
fast and easy it is to zero in on your favourite few homes.
If you and your REALTOR® have done your homework, and used MLS listings to scout ahead, you only
need to visit a handful of homes to make an informed and wise selection.
Walking through a potential home is a thrill, but try not to lose your head. Don't let a giant kitchen island or swanky hot tub distract you from your real goal, finding a home that meets all your needs and fits your budget. That's why we're arming you with this comprehensive House-Hunting Checklist. Print it out and be sure to take it with you to homes you're serious about buying. Good luck and happy hunting!
Not many people can hold on to two homes, so you'll probably need to sell the home you have now.
Be sure to check our incredibly helpful 10 Steps to Selling Your Home. In the meantime, here's a
quick overview.
When there are lots of people looking for homes but not many for sale, this is called a “seller's
market” because the seller has something everybody wants. When there are lots of homes for sale
and not many people buying them, this is called a “buyer's market” because buyers have more
power of choice.
If you're selling one home and buying another, you don't really have to worry about playing the
market. If you sell your existing home for a ‘low' price, you're probably also buying at a low
price. If you are upgrading to a larger home, this actually works to your advantage. Imagine
when your bigger home is on the upswing.
It's true. Winter sales tend to be slower, and Spring sales are more brisk. Regardless, there are
always people looking to buy and sell, and seasonality is only one of many factors to
consider.
Talk with your REALTOR®! They are experts, and know the price that will make your home look
attractive, without making you look desperate.
Many people are able to time their sale and purchase so they happen on the same “closing date”.
Buyers can make their offer “conditional” on the sale of their existing home, to make sure
they're not left paying for the upkeep of two homes. When selling, you can try to extend the
“closing period” to give yourself more time to find your next home. REALTORS® are very skilled
at this sort of negotiation, and can make your transition a lot easier.
In the same way that many people decide not to fix their own cars or do their own dentistry, it's wise to enlist a professional when selling your most valuable asset. Real estate transactions are complex, time consuming and involve a lot of legal documentation. Finding your new home and changing your life is hard enough! Your REALTOR® is expertly trained and highly motivated to get you the most for your home.
Buying a home involves piles of legal documents. You need someone to translate the ‘legalities'
and ensure your best interests are protected.
There are lots of good lawyers out there. Ask your friends or people at work. REALTORS® will
happily give you the names of several good lawyers. They can't legally recommend just one, but
they'll only refer lawyers experienced in real estate. Be sure you ask how they structure their
fees, and get an estimate of the other legal costs you can expect.
There are many, many legal steps to transferring ownership of land from one person to another.
Even if pitfalls like fraud, government legislation, zoning issues or unpaid taxes don't come
up, your lawyer will more than earn their pay by making the legal transfer of the home a smooth
one.
They are there to help you. Ask questions if you don't understand anything. Explaining legal jargon in plain language is a big part of their job.
You've found a home? Congratulations! Now, if you actually want to make it yours, you have to
make a successful offer, one that the seller will accept.
REALTORS® are expertly trained and will prepare the offer for you. Here are some terms you'll see in the offer:
When it comes to the type of offer you make, it really depends on your individual situation.
Discuss your options with your REALTOR® to see which of these offers is right for you.
Usually preferable to the seller as it means you, the buyer, are prepared to purchase the home
without any conditions.
Usually means there are one or more conditions on the purchase, such as “subject to home
inspection”, “subject to financing”, etc. The home is not sold unless all the conditions have
been met.
An Offer to Purchase is presented to a seller who may choose to accept the offer, reject it, or submit a counter-offer. The counter-offer may be in regards to the price, closing date, or any number of other variables. Offers can go back and forth until both parties have arrived at an agreement or either side ends the negotiations.
You've signed on the dotted line and your REALTOR® has whisked your offer to the seller's REALTOR®. This process works best when you don't meet the seller in person.
The seller can accept your offer – Fantastic, when do you move in?
The seller can reject your offer – It's not common for an offer to be completely rejected. Your REALTOR® will likely investigate, to see if there was some sort of misunderstanding.
The seller can ‘sign back' or counter your offer- The seller wants to alter ‘some part' of your offer. It's almost always the price. The seller will cross out the price on your offer and write a higher number. Now it's your turn to sign back, and see if you can bring that number down. It can feel a bit like a ping-pong match. Emotions can run high, so both sides will be reminded that a little flexibility goes a long way. Good luck!
Money makes the world go round, and a mortgage gives you the power to buy a home. This isn't the
most fun step in buying a home, but it's vital.
There are hundreds of banks, credit unions and other lenders out there who would love your
monthly mortgage payments. So talk to everybody. Now is not the time to be money-shy! Talk to
your banker and call around to other banks. Ask people you know. REALTORS® are very
knowledgeable about Mortgages and have lots of good advice.
Mortgage brokers are another great resource. They find low rates for a living, and they usually
don't get paid unless you sign a mortgage through them, so they're highly motivated to get you
the best deal.
You can sometimes take over or ‘assume' the seller's mortgage. This is a great idea if the seller
is locked into a lower interest rate than you can get right now. Your REALTOR® can help
you.
Mortgage term – Typically from six months to five years, the ‘term' refers to how long the bank has agreed to lend you the money. At the end of the term, you usually renegotiate a new term.
Amortization – The length of time it will take you to pay off the whole mortgage. Often as long as 40 years, if you don't accelerate your payments. The longer your amortization, the lower your monthly payments, but the more you pay in interest over time.
Interest rates – Interest is the cost of borrowing money, and the interest rate tells you exactly how much. Using the mortgage calculator, check the difference between borrowing $100,000 at 6% and at 9% at the same amortization. Surprising, no?
That interest rate not only affects how much you pay, it also affects how much you can borrow. So remember to keep searching for the best rate!
You want as small a mortgage as possible, which means making the biggest down payment possible.
Just remember to set money aside for all the fees associated with buying a home. Not to mention
moving, repairs, renovations, new furniture...think ahead.
If you're a first-time homebuyer with money in an RRSP, you can withdraw up to $20,000 without
paying any income tax. If your spouse is also eligible, that's $40,000. Ask your REALTOR® how to
best take advantage of this plan.
It's a tough question. What if you ‘lock in' for five years and rates go into a period of
decline? That could mean you're stuck paying more than you had to for a long time. But if rates
were to steadily climb over the next five years, locking in for five years now would be a great
move. For many, a long-term mortgage offers peace of mind in knowing that their mortgage
payments will stay the same for several years. Your REALTOR® will have a lot of good
advice.
Face your new financial responsibilities head-on, and you may even dodge some of them. And then won't you look smart!
Application fee – Some mortgage lenders charge a fee to process your application. Many lenders will agree to waive this fee, so make sure you ask!
Appraisal fee – Your mortgage lender may need to have your new home appraised by a professional, and they often pass the bill on to you. Sometimes your lender will also waive this fee. Again, it doesn't hurt to ask.
Mortgage broker's fee – Your mortgage broker may charge a fee that's payable on your closing date. Ask your broker, to avoid surprises.
Land survey fee – Lenders may require a survey of your property. It can typically cost between $600-$900. Lenders will often accept an existing survey. Get your lawyer on the case.
Home inspection fee – A home inspection is so important, we devoted an entire Step to it. Avoid surprises and protect yourself...this is money well spent.
Home Insurance – Mortgage lenders require you carry fire and extended-coverage insurance because your home is the security deposit on the mortgage. Often you can have these payments added to your monthly mortgage payments. Shop around.
Fire Insurance- Mortgage lenders require a certificate of fire insurance to be in place from the time you take possession of the home. The amount required is generally the amount of the mortgage or the replacement cost of the home. This cost can vary on the property size, amount of coverage, the insurance company and the municipality. The cost can vary anywhere from $250-$600 annually for most properties.
Provincial Sales Tax on Mortgage Insurance- If your mortgage is insured, you will be required to pay the applicable taxes on the insurance premium on closing. While the insurance premium can be added to the mortgage amount, the tax must be paid at closing.
Title insurance – Not mandatory, but it protects you from all sorts of fraud and potential errors surrounding the title to your land. It's normally a few hundred dollars. Ask your lawyer for details.
Legal fees – Your lawyer is vital to the home-buying process. You'll pay legal fees for their time and “disbursements” which are the costs involved in title searches, drawing up the title deed, and preparing your mortgage.
Maintenance and utility costs – Just a reminder, you now have more regular monthly payments in the form of property tax, utilities, repairs etc.
Land Transfer Tax – Most provinces charge a land transfer tax payable by the buyer, and is based on the purchase price. First time home buyers purchasing a new home may qualify for a refund. Ask your REALTOR® or lawyer to calculate the payment.
The HST and new homes – If you have decided to purchase a resale home, you successfully avoided paying HST. Nevertheless services associated with the property, such as a home inspection, will still be subject to a HST. When buying a new home, however, you will come face to face with that 12% HST rate of a combined 5% federal and 7% provincial tax. Make sure you confirm who is expected to pay this tax, you or the builder. On the housing offer, the purchase price will state "Plus HST" or "HST included" as well as the recipient of any HST rebates. For new properties at $350,000 one can expect a rebate of $23,800 and for properties worth $525,000 or more, one can expect a rebate of $26,250.
Closing Adjustments – The previous owner may have paid property tax or utilities in advance, and they want to be credited for those payments. Any bills after the closing date are the responsibility of the purchaser. A lawyer will let you know what they are once the various searches have been completed.
New Home Warranty- In most provinces new homes are covered by a new home warranty program. The cost to the purchaser for this warranty is approximately $600. Should the builder default or fail to build to an agreed-upon standard, the fund will finish or repair the deficiencies to a maximum amount. For more information on Ontario new home warranty visit http://www.tarion.com.
When walking through a home you'd love to buy, it's hard to put aside your emotions and really
‘see' what kind of shape it's in. Now that you are buying, it's time to see everything. Home
inspections rarely cost more than a few hundred dollars, and their service can save you from
unpleasant surprises when you move in.
This is an increasingly standard condition on any resale home. If the seller doesn't want you
closely examining the home before you take possession, you have to wonder why.
Make sure your inspector is a member of a provincial association of home inspectors. It's your
guarantee they have the training and experience for the job. Your REALTOR® can recommend several
home inspection companies to choose from.
Lots of stuff. Plumbing and electrical systems, the roof, visible insulation, walls, ceilings,
floors, windows and the integrity of the foundation. They check for nasty stuff like lead paint,
asbestos, mould, outdated and dangerous wiring, and they'll look for evidence of pests like mice
or termites. A good inspector should make you feel like you're watching a CSI detective.
There's no better way to get familiar with your new home than being part of this checkup. If any
problems are detected, you'll see them firsthand, and you'll also learn some maintenance tips
from a genuine pro.
Their report will summarize the condition of your home. If there's anything that needs work, the
home inspector will provide an estimated cost for the repairs.
New does not equal perfect, and construction quality can vary greatly from builder to
builder.
Repairs and corrections will probably be covered by a provincial new home warranty
program like Tarion, so bad news doesn't necessarily mean it will cost you.
Your offer has been accepted and you can't wait to move in. These are exciting times, but don't
break out the bubbly just yet. You have to close the deal. Your REALTOR® and lawyer will do most
of the closing work, but here's your checklist.
Deliriously happy and emotionally exhausted, here you are on closing day. You made it! If your lawyer has arranged everything well, closing day can be surprisingly low on drama. Before you know it, you'll be handed the keys you new home.
Congratulations!
Moving day will come sooner than you think, so get planning now.
Unless you have major repairs or renovations planned, you probably want to move in the day you
take possession. If you intend to move at the end of the month, contact a moving company or
truck rental company now. Most people move during this time and there aren't trucks and movers
for everybody. If you can move mid-week or mid-month, a moving company might cut you a deal.
Keep in mind, the closing process might not have the keys in your hands until early-to-mid
afternoon. Verify with your lawyer and schedule your moving times accordingly.
We've all heard moving horror stories. Go with an established, insured mover, so your items are
protected. If any damage does occur by the movers, call the moving company immediately to notify
them.
Nobody will take the same care you will. Start early and spread it out over many days. Label all
your boxes by room so the movers know where to put them, and label anything that's fragile.
Smaller breakables should be driven to your new home by you to ensure they are safe from
breakage.
A new home is a new lease on life, and a chance to liberate yourself from stuff you simply don't
need. If you haven't used it or worn it in the last year, you don't need it. Have a garage sale
to make some extra cash for your move, or give your items to Goodwill or United Way. You won't
have to pack and unpack it, and it will become someone else's treasure.
The boxes are mostly unpacked and you're settling in nicely. You will now feel a strange urge to begin making changes and improvements right away. That old carpet has to go; a bigger deck would be great for entertaining...slow down! Take time to get a feel for your new home, and more importantly, your new budget. Take a deep breath and enjoy what you have, your new home.