Start the Search

Once you figure out what you can afford to pay for a house and obtain a pre-qualified mortgage, you are ready to start your search. There are a variety of sources you can use to find the home that is right for you:

Work with a real estate agent

For most buyers, a real estate agent is key to finding the right home.

Word of mouth

By telling everyone you know, that you are looking for a house, you might hear about homes that are just becoming available on the market. Your "Find Right Home" campaign can be off to a good start.

Newspapers and real estate magazines

Check the new homes section in daily newspapers or look for real estate magazines available at newsstands, convenience stores and other outlets. These free publications feature pictures and brief descriptions of a variety of homes.

The Internet

Check out real estate websites, as well as www.mls.ca for information and pictures of a wide range of properties. Those sites allows you to narrow your search by location, price, number of bedrooms and other features.

"For Sale" signs

Drive around a neighbourhood that interests you and look for “For Sale” signs. This is a good way to find homes that are being sold by the owner.

Visit new development sites

In your quest to find right home, you may consider new construction. If you are looking for a newly built home, this will allow you to see the different models available and to get information from builders.

Useful Tips for Your Search

Keep records

Whether you work with a real estate agent or search by yourself, it's a good idea to visit lots of different homes before choosing one. To make sure you have all the information you need to compare homes, use the Home Hunting Worksheet. Don't forget to consider the home's utility costs, property taxes and major repairs, as these will affect your monthly housing expenses. Ask to see copies of bills. You should also be ready to compromise. Chances are you won't find a home that has everything you want.

Check out the existing financing on the property

It may be possible to take over a favorable existing mortgage from the vendor or even obtain a vendor take back mortgage* in order to help close the deal.

Think twice

Even if you think that your "Find Right Home" has come to an end and you found a home that seems perfect, go back and take a closer, more critical look at it. Visit on different days and times, chat with prospective neighbors and look beyond cosmetics.

* Vendor take back mortgage This is when the vendor rather than a financial institution finances the mortgage. The title of the property is transferred to the buyer who makes mortgage payments directly to the seller. These types of mortgages, sometimes referred to as take back mortgages, can be helpful if you need a second mortgage to buy a home. Be sure to ask Joanna for important information on this type of financing.

Step seven in the process of buying a home.
10 Steps
Buyers Main Page
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