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This site is designed to help you go throughout the process. Step by step you can explore all of your many options and you will be ready to make your decisions with confidence.

Selecting The Right Home For You

Make a checklist of what you require from the home you are purchasing. This can be a real "Wish List" and as you explore prices, neighbourhoods, schools, fireplaces etc. Little by little you will start to fine-tune this wish list as you become closer to finding the right home for you.

Don't get caught up in a panic over the fast pace of today's market. Every day I hear someone say that they "miss out on all the good ones". If you really feel that you're missing out on a special property, connect to my HOME WATCH PROGRAM link and I will set you up to receive every MLS listing that fits your personal profile as a buyer. You will instantly receive each new property just as soon as it is posted with the Niagara Association of Realtors. This system is browser based and works with Internet Explorer. This is a very user-friendly system that many people have found helpful.

For the Home Watch Program Link click here.

Found Your "Perfect" Home?

You think so! Are there any hidden defects? The first detailed look into this home will be to examine all information pertaining to this home. You will be provided this information through a statement signed by the Sellers called a Seller Property Information Statement. This information may direct you to make a more specific enquiry from a licensed professional such as a Heating expert or a Roofer. You should also rely on the advice from a qualified Home Inspector.

You may wish to explore some of the sites for Home Inspectors in Niagara Region. Click Here!

What Can You Afford To Buy?

The price range of your purchase will depend on:

Your available cash for a downpayment
How much a financial institution will agree to lend to you based on your ability to pay.

Lenders will also consider any additional obligations that you may have such as Visa payments, car payments, or child support. A family usually spends approximately 30% of their gross income on their home, including principal, interest, and taxes. The maximum for all debt payments is generally 40% of your gross earnings.

A mortgage consultation is a critical and helpful step to take. Each of the listings on this site offers sample downpayments, carrying costs and approximate legal fees for each individual home for sale.

Your Mortgage lender will require the following documents in order to approve your mortgage financing.

You will provide:

Social Insurance Number
Date of Birth
Details on any loan debts (Name of Institution/ Car loans/ Credit Cards, etc)
Verification of Down payment - (Copies of Passbooks, GIC, RRSP, etc)
Verification of Employment - (Letter from your employer identifying position, gross income & years of service) (if self-employed, 3 years financial statement & tax returns)
Gift Letter - If your downpayment is being given to you.
Application/ Appraisal fee(s)
Proof of Fire Insurance - Provided through your Lawyer prior to closing.

Your Real Estate Agent Will Provide:

Copy of Offer to Purchase
Copy of Property Listing (Floor Plan of purchasing a new home)
Copy of Survey (if available)
Rural Properties - Copy of Well & Septic Certificates

Applicant to Provide, if applicable:

Verification of Bankruptcy Discharge
Copy of divorce/ Separation Agreement

Typical Legal Fees & Disbursements

Legal Fees: For a purchase transaction these will vary from $500.00 & up, plus G.S.T.
Disbursements: Usually consists of the following:

* These legal fees & disbursements are only meant as a guide.

Land Transfer Tax is charged on a percentage basis of the purchase price. Each property on this site provides a calculation of this tax as it pertains to each property.

Choosing a REALTOR

Today Buyers have the option of hiring a Real Estate Salesperson to represent the Buyer in the purchasing of a home. This is referred to as having a "Buyer Agent".

It's important to understand who the REALTOR is working for. REALTORS work within an "Agency Relationship" and The realtor is then legally obligated to look after the best interests of the person for whom he or she is working. Your REALTOR must be loyal to this person.

The REALTOR can be working as a Seller's Agent and must do what is best for the Seller of the property.

A Buyer's Agent acting in the best interests of the Buyer. This is established by a written contract, which fully explains these obligations and what can be expected.

A REALTOR working for a Buyer will keep information about the Buyer confidential from the Seller and must share any known information about the Seller with the Buyer.

Occasionally, you will find yourself in a situation of DUAL AGENCY. This can occur when the real estate company represents the Seller and the Buyer in the same transaction. The Buyer and the Seller both agree in writing to this limited dual agency relationship and both will agree:
Personal, financial or confidential information will not be given to either the Buyer or the Seller
Both the Buyer and the Seller aknowledge that the brokerage has divided loyalty to both parties.

For a brochure explaining these "Agency Relationships", please submit your request here.

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