Hiring the right home inspector is important. After all, you want the inspection to leave no stone unturned when determining the condition of the house you are considering purchasing. Unfortunately, the professionalism and range of services vary widely in the home inspection industry. So it pays to ask the right questions before you choose. Here are a few suggestions: “What …
Realtors Help “Smooth” The Buying Process
Finding the right home, getting a fair price, calculating mortgage rates, figuring out closing costs – all of these factors make buying a home an often complicated and overwhelming process. However, a REALTOR can guide you through the home buying process and transform this confusing experience into one of the most exciting times of your life. Think of a REALTOR …
No Time Like The Present
If you are tired of renting and have always wanted a home of your own, now is an excellent time to take the home ownership plunge. Attractive mortgage interest rates, government incentive programs and an excellent supply of homes for sale are making the dream of home ownership possible for more would-be buyers. Consider Using Your RRSPs You may want …
Moving Up in the Housing Market
Has the prospect of moving into a bigger and better home been in your plans from the day you first bought your ‘starter’ home? Well, now may be just the right time to make it happen. You may be surprised to learn that the cost of moving up is within your means. The equity you have already built up in …
Things To Consider as a First Time Homebuyer
Are you among the thousands of people in the Fraser Valley who pay rent each month, knowing full well that you will never see that money again? For many, this need not be the case. Instead, why not take that money and build it into an investment that can last a lifetime? Right now there are excellent opportunities for first-time …
Title Insurance
We recommend that you purchase title insurance. Title insurance covers some risks inherant in real estate transactions, such as: Liens, encumbrances, or defects in the title to a property Tax arrears Defects that would have been revealed by an accurate, up-to-date survey Forced removal of an existing structure, other than a boundary wall or fence Work orders, zoning or set …
Buying A Home Is A Sound Investment In Your Future
Why use your hard-earned cash to pay the landlord’s mortgage when you could be using the rent money to buy a home of your own? That’s a question many people ask themselves when they start thinking about moving out of the rental market to home ownership. It’s a big step. For most people, taking out a mortgage is the biggest …
Buying New vs. Used
Are you in the market for a home? If so, do you see yourself in a cozy character home with ornate fireplaces, or does the image of a brand new home with today’s state-of-the-art technology appeal? Either way, you will find that the rewards of buying your own home are many. The security, comfort and peace of mind you get …
Your Needs And Wants
The current combination of attractive mortgage rates, home buying incentive programs and a wide selection of homes from which to choose means now is a great time to consider buying that first home or moving to something that better serves your needs. Location, Location, Location Location is one of the most important factors in making any real estate purchase. For …
Closing Costs: 10 Items To Consider
Property Transfer Tax: This tax is payable on the purchase of all real property in BC. The calculation is based on 1% of the purchase price up to $200,000 and 2% of any amount above $200,000. Most first time buyers are exempt from this if they meet certain criteria. The main criteria are; a) borrower has never owned a principal …
Checklist For House Hunting
If you are thinking of buying a home in the near future, a REALTOR can provide invaluable help in finding the right home in the right price range in the area you want to live. Through access to the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) a REALTOR can give you a customized list of homes for sale that match your needs and …
Arranging A Mortgage
Now is a great time to consider buying a home. Interest rates are very attractive and there is a wide choice of homes available to suit just about any budget. Still, it’s most likely you will have to deal with financing and this will mean taking on a mortgage. Sorting through the numerous mortgage options available to today’s homebuyers can …