Who is looking out for your best interests?
When you call the listing agent of a home that you have found interesting, you have to ask yourself, "Who is looking out for my best interests?" The listing agent has an agency relationship with the sellers of the home to act in their best interest, which includes getting them the most money possible for their home. So, who is there to ensure that you get the home for as little money as possible? Well, if you do a little research and find a realtor that you like and trust, then you should enlist them as a "buyer's agent." Who pays for this service? Well, in most circumstances, you don't pay for this service, it is compensated through the MLS, and is paid for by the seller. If you become interested in a home that is not listed on the MLS, you may be responsible for your agent's commission, however, only if you agree to the amount in writing before you enter into a purchase agreement. There is simply no downside to enlisting your own agent, who you can trust to look after your best interests and can make your home buying experience a positive one.
The number of decisions you need to make when buying a home can seem a little overwhelming at times. The first question on most people's minds is "How much can we afford?" I can help you with that step with a few calculations, or I can provide you with contact information for a mortgage broker in the area. You need to remember that in addition to your down payment, you will need money for closing fees, which include the property transfer tax (unless you are exempt), property insurance, and lawyer or notary fees. Once you have determined what price range you will be searching in, you are ready to move forward another step towards your home-purchasing goal!
At your side each step of the way, I will make the process of purchasing a home easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. I will help you locate and assess properties for sale that match your specifications, help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you negotiate a favourable price and terms in your offer, and help coordinate the inspection and closing process.
I am always familiar with the current homes for sale in Mission and Abbotsford, BC, and I know Mission and Abbotsford, BC neighbourhood values well, so I can help you determine which properties are fairly-priced and in good condition before you start your search.
Your First Step: Loan Pre-Qualification
Your first step in the purchasing process is to get pre-qualified with a mortgage company. This can be done over the phone or even online in a matter of minutes.
Call me and I will give you the names of three mortgage professionals in the Mission, BC and Abbotsford BC area that have excellent reputations and track records for customer service and for successfully acquiring loan approval for their clients.
Your Next Step
Ask yourself why you want to buy a home: as an investment property? To stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain business associates? To move up to a bigger house? Next, list what kind of home you'd like and where you would like to be. Be specific. Separate the "must haves" from the "want to haves."
Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (city, suburban neighbourhood, country); community (north, south, east, or west side); neighbourhood (older and settled or sparkling new; a particular school zone; recreational facilities; and other community services such as transportation, day care, library, stores, entertainment). Consider the location of your home with regards to your normal activities (work, school, shopping, etc.) Ask yourself how far you are willing to travel to these amenities.
Think about home styles. How much space do you need inside and out? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home, or maybe an older one to fix up? Do you have a growing family and need room to grow or do you have older children and face having an "empty nest" shortly down the road? Consider how long you expect to live in this particular home and then decide the size and age of home that will suit your needs the longest.
I Will Find The Right Homes For You
Once you've been pre-qualified and know what price range you want to stay in, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs by using the (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system to locate them.
I have the best possible resources and communication systems available today to help you locate the homes for sale in Mission, BC and Abbotsford, BC that match your specifications. You can even search my listings here at my website.
I Will Help You Every Step Of The Way
I will help you complete your financing and inspections, and close on the transaction. My goal is to ensure that your home buying experience is a pleasant, cost-efficient, and successful one.
