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Buying a home

Buyer's Information

Select any topic below to learn more:
Why work with us?
  • You'll save time. Our team can pinpoint homes that fit your needs and dismiss those that don't.
  • You benefit from an experienced negotiator. We will manage your offers and counter-offers, ensuring that you get the best possible price for your home.
  • You'll get the right information. We know the neighbourhoods and can give you accurate information on local real estate values, taxes, utility costs, services and amenities.
  • You can always count on great advice. Because we are familiar with the entire home purchasing process, we can advise you of your legal and financial options, and recommend appraisal, home inspection and contracting services.

Choose an agent who understands your needs

  • We will be representing your interests
  • We have access to MLS information
  • We will provide you market evidence to support the price
  • We will you look after closing and possession details
  • We can be contacted at any time

Working with an agent

We will do the searching for you. BY the time a new hot listing is read in the newspaper we have already heard of it through our local real estate contacts or have been notified automatically via our MLS contacts and are already judging whether the home is suitable for one of our buyers. The best buys aren't in the newspaper ads; most great opportunities are on "hot sheets" that are available every morning to us.

An agent's job is to:

  • Provide information on the property and the area
  • Negotiate a price and terms that are advantageous to our client and are agreeable to both buyer and seller
  • Help arrange a source of financing
  • We will take care of this!

As a homebuyer, you must work with your agent to find the home that's right for you. Communication is key - tell us what you want, and be specific. YOU KNOW THE HOME YOU WANT…WE FIND IT FOR YOU

  • Offer a detailed description of your property needs and wants. If you will absolutely not consider a house without a hardwood floor, say so. And if air conditioning is a "nice to have" rather than a "must have," communicate that, too.
  • Be specific about where you want to live. If you refuse to live outside a certain area, it might take longer to find you a home, but we will know not to waste your time with anything not in your chosen neighbourhood.
  • Tell us what you can afford. We can help you get a pre-approved mortgage so you know for sure what your price range will be.
  • Communicate your likes and dislikes for each property you see. It will help us narrow down the possibilities.
  • Respect and perform the terms of the purchase agreement.
  • Keep an open mind. We know about those charming little areas that you've never even heard of. You might find your dream home in a completely unexpected place.
The Elements of an Offer

Here's a quick reference to everything you need to know about making an offer on a property.

1. Price

Depends on the market and the buyers, but generally, the price offered is different from the asking price.

2. Deposit

Shows the buyer's good faith and will be applied against the purchase price of the home when the sale closes. We can advise you on a suitable amount to offer.

3. Terms

Includes the total price the buyer is offering as well as the financing details. The buyer may be arranging his/her own financing or may ask to assume your existing mortgage if you have an attractive rate.

4. Conditions

These might include "subject to home inspection," "subject to the buyer obtaining financing," or "subject to the sale of the purchaser's property."

5. Inclusions and exclusions

These may include appliances and certain fixtures or decorative items, such as window coverings or light fixtures.

6. Closing or possession date

Generally, the day the title of the property is transferred to the buyer and funds are received by the seller, unless otherwise specified (except in Manitoba and Quebec).

Qualifying for a Mortgage

We can arrange to have you pre-qualified for a mortgage before you start shopping for a home. It's easy, and you'll avoid possible disappointments down the road if you fall in love with a place, then find out you can't afford it. Plus, once you do find the perfect home, it will mean you can make an offer immediately.

Here's how mortgage approval works: the amount of money you qualify for, plus the amount of cash you can put down equals the amount you can afford to spend on a home. Most lending institutions won't allow more than about 30% of your income to support a mortgage. If you have other debts, they usually won't allow your debts and your mortgage to exceed 40% of your income.

Finalizing your mortgage

Once you've found the home you want to buy, you'll need to finalize your financing. You'll need to provide your lender with the following documents:

1. A copy of the real estate listing of the property. If the home is still to be built, the mortgage lender will need to see the architect's or builder's plans and details on lot size and location.

2. A copy of the offer to purchase or the building contract, if this document has been prepared.

3. Documents to confirm employment, income and source of pre-approval.

4. If you have a pre-approved mortgage, it's a simple matter of finalizing a few details with your mortgage specialist.

LAND TRANSFER TAX CALCULATOR

Follow the link to calculate your land transfer tax https://www.ratehub.ca/land-transfer-tax-ontario

ESTIMATED BUYER CLOSING COSTS

One common mistake is overlooking the closing costs that need to be paid at the end of the buying process. While budgeting for your home purchase, you’ll want to have an accurate picture of the additional costs you’ll need to pay. Some of these costs may include land transfer taxes, title insurance, property valuation fees, home inspection fees, and legal fees.

Follow this link to learn more about the costs that’ll apply to your purchase: https://www.ratehub.ca/closing-costs

Choosing a Neighbourhood

You're not just buying a home - you're buying a location. And even the most perfect house won't feel right if you're in the wrong neighbourhood. Use our knowledge to educate yourself about the area so you'll choose wisely - and end up being happy with your decision.

Are you close to shopping and recreation?

Being close to stores, parks, recreational facilities, a post office and dry cleaners will save you time.

Do people in the area take care of their homes?

Explore the neighbourhood, keeping an eye out for signs of neglect (overgrown lawns, houses in need of paint, trash and junked appliances littering yards). A run-down neighbourhood can drive down your property value.

Are there schools nearby?

If you have children, the proximity and quality of schools is key. Some schools will provide data (i.e. average test scores) that can determine quality. Talking to neighbours with children can be helpful, too.

Is there good access to transportation?

Living near public transport and/or major highways can mean an easier commute to work.

Is it safe?

Check with the local police department - they may be able to provide statistics about break-ins or other crimes.

Will the home increase in value over time?

Homes in some neighbourhoods appreciate faster than others. Research the selling prices of homes in over the past decade or so to predict future trends. We may be able to provide helpful data.

Is it quiet?

Listen for traffic noise, barking dogs, airplanes and any other noises that might bother you. Return to the neighbourhood at different times of the day to get an accurate impression.

The Home Inspection

That gorgeous house on the corner lot may look great, but it could be hiding all sorts of expensive, annoying problems, from a leaky roof to faulty wiring to a mouldy basement.

Make sure your home is solid and secure inside and out before you buy it. A home inspector will determine structural and mechanical soundness, identify problem areas, provide cost estimates for any work required, and generate a report. It's a great way to avoid headaches and costly problems that can turn a dream home into a money pit.

If you decide to go ahead and buy a home with issues that have been flagged by your inspector, you can base your offer on how much potential repairs and upgrades may cost.

Home inspection costs range according to size, age and location of the home. We can recommend a reputable home inspection service or arrange for an inspector to visit your property.

Investing in Real Estate

Rough statistics show approximately 100,000 people moving into the GTA annually over the next decade. That’s approx 40,000 families.

What do they all need? Housing!

Often new to the country, many people cannot afford to buy, or have not established their credit yet and need a rental home.

There is huge opportunity to buy properties as an investor looking for "cash flow", or investors looking to buy and "flip" a home, and even better, with the increase in home values we have seen continually for the past 15 years, your investment not only provides “passive income” but a great ROI based on the projected increase in property values in the GTA!

A Wise Investment

We have taken courses in investment real estate and partner with experienced mortgage reps, accountants and lawyers. Let us help you take the next step and move outside the typical RSP portfolio to an investment real estate portfolio! Open up some "new doors"!!!


Buyers Guide PDF

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to request a copy of our buyers guide.

Finding the right agent

You want to find the right home, in the right location, at the right price - and you want to do it quickly, with minimum hassle. The best way to do that is to work with a professional realtor who understands your wants and needs, your time frame and your financial boundaries – The Jackie Peifer Team will help you achieve this.

Stats at a Glance:

Top 1% for Realtors throughout Canada 2007-2017!*
Average 102% List Price/Sell Price Ratio in 2017!
All Team Members are Award-Winning Realtors!
Over 5 DECADES of Cumulative Award-Winning Experience!
Dedicated, FULL TIME Realtors Available 24/7 for YOU!
* For closed and collected transactions
Jackie Peifer Team
RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty Corp., Brokerage
1235 North Service Rd. W., Suite 100
Oakville, ON   L6M 2W2

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