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 that 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 list, 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 finding the house that meets your needs at a fair price.

Solid reasons for investing in real estate
• When compared to other investments, real estate offers steady returns with low-risk. In addition, you will reap the benefits of building equity, having a place to call your own and ensuring your financial future.