Pre-shopping
Before you start shopping for your home, why not give some thought to your lifestyle, the features you need and want, affordability, and the neighborhoods you prefer. With the information you’ll come closer to finding your perfect home – sooner!
What
can you afford?
• Before shopping for a home, take the
time to develop your budget, considering monthly expenses and unexpected
items.
Home
buying needs and wants
• When you develop a needs, versus a
wants list, you’ll come closer to finding a home that meets most
of your needs, while staying within your budget.
Consider
your present and future lifestyle
• A home must meet your needs now, and
for years to come.
House
hunting tips
• Location, access to services and surrounding
area are just some of the items to evaluate before you purchase a home.
Your home buying
team
• When you purchase a home, a team of
professionals is standing by to assist you: Realtor, contractor, appraiser,
lender, mortgage broker, lawyer, home inspector, insurance broker. This
article explains the important role each of these people play.
RRSP
can help first time home buyer
• Under the federal Home Buyer’s
Plan, first time home buyers can withdraw up to $20,000 in RRSP savings
to finance a down payment on a first home.
CMHC
– helping with the Canadian dream
• You may be able to purchase a home
for as little as five percent down. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
(CMHC), provides insurance to individuals with less than 25% of the down
payment.
9
biggest relocation mistakes and how to avoid them
• By planning ahead you can avoid some
costly and frustrating errors. Here are some suggestions on making your
next relocation smooth and problem-free.
How
to make the most of your move up
• Coordinating closings, selling a home
first, and making improvements on your existing home are just a few of
the ideas presented so your move up goes smoothly.
Benefits of
buyer agency
• Did you know you should never buy a home alone?
Here’s an explanation of how buyer agency can assist you in getting
a quality home at a good price.
26 questions
to ask a realtor
• When you plan ahead, and ask the right
questions, you’re closer to finding a the “right” realtor
who works for your best interests.
Solid
reasons for investing in real estate
• When compared to other investments,
real estate offers steady returns with low-risk. In addition, you’ll
reap the benefits of building equity, having a place to call your own,
and ensuring your financial future.
Home buying
and the Internet
• The Internet has changed the way we
communicate and conduct business in many areas of society. Real estate
is no exception. The latest research indicates that many Canadians are
using the Internet to gather home buying information.