Buyer

1
Partnering with a REALTOR®
2
Get Pre-Approved
3
Determine Needs and Wants
4
Find Suitable Properties
5
Make an Offer
6
Negotiate Best Price/Terms
7
Deal with Contingencies
8
Finalize Your Financing
9
Handle Details & Paperwork
10
Drop off Keys!

Partnering with a REALTOR®

 
Choosing the right REALTOR® is the essential first step to ensuring a successful home purchase. Not only will they help you save time and money, but they’ll also ensure your experience runs smoothly.
 
Tips for choosing the right REALTOR®:
 
  • Choose someone you connect with and enjoy working with.
  • Ask for references from other homeowners.
  • Do your research.
  • Ensure they know the area you’re buying in.
  • Determine if they work full or part-time.

Get Pre-Approved

 
A pre-approval is a lender’s commitment to loan you a specific mortgage amount at a locked-in rate. This helps you:
 
  • Determine what you can afford.
  • Be taken more seriously by sellers.
  • Expedite the sale of the property.
 
What you’ll need to provide your lender:
 
  • I.D.
  • Proof of employment.
  • Information about your debts and financial obligations.
  • Proof of down payment and closing costs.
  • Information about your assets (such as a car).

Determine Needs and Wants

 
Establishing your needs and wants early on will make your home search more efficient. Work with your REALTOR® to determine how much home you can afford and prioritize your must-haves (like number of bedrooms, location, etc.).
 
Needs:
 
  • Adequate square footage.
  • An eat-in kitchen.
  • Storage space.
 
Wants:
 
  • Brand new appliances.
  • Landscaping.
  • Hot water on demand.

Find Suitable Properties

 
This is the fun part! Your REALTOR® will search for homes that match your needs, wants, and budget. They will protect your interests and provide honest feedback on the homes you view.
 
House Hunting Tips:
 
  • Bring your needs and wants list with you.
  • Take photos to compare properties later.
  • See past the décor.
  • Pay attention to the neighborhood.
  • Consider whether the property will meet your needs in the future.

Make an Offer

 
Once you’ve found “the one,” it’s time to make an offer. Offer only what you feel comfortable with, but your REALTOR® will be there to guide you.
 
Do’s and Don’ts:
 
  • Do: Consider your needs and wants when making an offer.
  • Don’t: Submit a lowball offer (it could offend the seller).
  • Do: Stay within your financial comfort zone.
 
Don’t: Let emotions take over.

Negotiate Best Price/Terms

 
Your REALTOR® will negotiate on your behalf to get the best deal. If the home needs repairs, they can negotiate either a lower price or have the repairs done as part of the purchase.
 
Why This Is Important:
 
  • An unbiased REALTOR® will negotiate without emotional attachment.
  • They ensure that your interests are protected and that you get a fair deal.

Deal with Contingencies

 
A contingency is a condition that must be met before finalizing the sale. For example, a home inspection contingency allows you to walk away from the deal if the inspection reveals significant issues.
 
Common Buyer Contingencies:
 
  • Financing: The purchase depends on getting a mortgage.
  • Appraisal: Protects you if the sale price doesn’t match the market value.
  • Title: Ensures there are no liens or judgments on the property.
 
Home Sale: Your purchase depends on selling your current home.

Finalize Your Financing

 
Once you’ve agreed on terms with the seller, you’ll need to finalize your mortgage. The lender may require a home appraisal, title insurance, or homeowner’s insurance before approval.
 
Key Requirements:
 
  • A home appraisal.
  • Title insurance/Real Property Report.
  • Homeowner’s insurance.

Handle Details & Paperwork

Your REALTOR® will assist with all the paperwork and administrative details, ensuring everything is in place for closing day. They’ll also coordinate with your lender to ensure your loan is finalized.

Drop off Keys!

Once all the paperwork is done and the title is officially yours, it's time to grab your keys and move into your new home!

  • Movers: If you're hiring professional movers, book them early! Possession dates often fall on the 1st, 15th, or 30th, and movers' schedules fill up fast. Call ahead to secure your spot.

  • Insurance: Before meeting with the lawyer, make sure you have your home insurance sorted, as it’s a mortgage requirement. No insurance, no mortgage money. Be ready to provide details about your home (age, furnace, roof, etc.).

  • Utilities: Transfer your utilities (power, water, internet, etc.) to your new home in advance, and remember to cancel services at your previous residence.

  • Mailing Address: This step might be tedious, but it's important. Make a list of all your bills, subscriptions, and services, and update your address. You might also want to set up mail forwarding with the post office, just in case you miss something.

Thinking of Buying?

I understand the relationship between home Buyers and Agents must be based on trust, mutual goals and understanding, this is why I always keep your interests first and foremost.

 

Download my Buyer's Guide now.

Thank You!

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Contact Details

Dylan Kisilowski

Phone

(403) 371-1196

Email

[email protected]

Address

1612 17 Ave SW Calgary AB T2T 0E3 Canada

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