When someone is interested in buying real estate, the first place they usually turn to is the Internet. With all of those viable houses at your fingertips, who needs a real estate agent, when the steps to buying a house are already out there?
The answer: everyone. Online listings are a fantastic way to search for a home, but nothing beats the expert guidance and firsthand knowledge of a local real estate agent like myself. I know that buying real estate is a big investment to make, and I’m here to make sure you find the right home for the best possible price. It is always important to look at the steps to buying a house in good details.
If you’re looking for the Ultimate Buying Step-by-Step Guide, click here.
When you’re buying real estate, there are a lot of steps to buying a house to take before you start your search.
Here’s the process and how to successfully buy a house in Toronto:
Step 1 - Finding the Best Toronto Realtor
The first steps to buying a house successfully are to get together and further discuss your buying needs with a Realtor. At our initial consultation, we’ll discuss your priorities, timeframe, and budget. I’ll go through the home-buying process with you so you know exactly what to expect.
Step 2 - Getting Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
When you’re pre-approved for a mortgage, you’ll have a solid understanding of your budget and will avoid any disappointments during your home search. To get pre-approved, you will meet with a lender, who will base your loan amount on your income, credit rating, debt, and down payment. If you aren’t connected with a lender, I can recommend some great local professionals to help.
Step 3 - How to Choose the Perfect House?
Now for the exciting part: the home search. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for in a home, or you have no idea where to start, I’ll help you narrow down the choices to find a home you’ll love in a community that truly reflects your lifestyle. We can take a stroll through some of the neighbourhoods, check out the different types of homes, and see the proximity to the amenities you need to find what works best for you. After that, I’ll compile a list of the best available properties that fit your criteria, and we’ll see them together.
Step 4 - Getting an Offer Accepted on a House
Once you’ve found a home you love, make a move. The buying market in Toronto can be highly competitive; the best offer is usually a condition-free one. To confidently present that offer, we’ll coordinate a home inspection so that there are no surprises once you move in.
Step 5 - Offer Acceptance and Preparations
Congratulations, your offer has been accepted! I’ll coordinate all of the documents between you and the seller and help you prepare for the move. During this time, you’ll obtain home insurance for your new property, book movers, start packing, and schedule the transfer of your utilities.
Step 6 - House Closing Process & Final Walkthrough
At the closing table, your lawyer will walk you through the legal documents before they are signed and processed. After that, the home is yours! The seller will hand you the keys and you can finally celebrate.
If you need a more detailed look at the complete home buying process, we have a more comprehensive home buyers guide which you can read here.