Thinking About Buying
No matter where you are on your buying process, whether you are actively looking for the exact property you know you want, or not even sure you want to buy yet, I would love to help guide you through the process. While working with experienced real estate buyers is fun and easy, I love working with first time buyers and taking the extra time needed to guide them along the process so that they aren’t caught off guard by costs or tasks that are associated with buying real estate, my job is to make your life’s largest investment a smooth and exciting process.
Buyers process and how we can help
Information Gathering
Keeping tabs on the market, seeing what is out there and how much it costs to determine if its possible or desirable to become an active buyer
A lot of clients at this stage are scared of seeking the help of a professional because either they “don’t want to waste anyone’s time” or they don’t want to feel like they are bound by an agent and owe them anything for guiding them through this phase.
It is very sensible to feel like you shouldn’t seek help before you even know if you are entering the market, however, the help we can provide at this stage will cost us very little time and could save you a lot. Rather than spending hours each day working your way through all the listings, we can easily set you up on an auto search that matches your criteria to help you weed through everything else. If you don’t know what you want, we start broad and as you monitor listings you will start to realize what is more or less important and we can narrow the search down. I am happy to help, because even if you don’t enter the market now, you likely will at some point and I can be ready to service you then.
Engaging with me at this stage is a completely contract free service. While you will receive the listing emails, and the occasional contact to check in on you, you are not agreeing to be “sold” or be dealing with a “pushy” salesman. This stage is all about allowing you time to figure out your next step. If you choose to contact me to see a property, or have questions/want more information on a listing then I will engage with you as far as needed for that listing.
Preparing to be an active buyer
Attain pre-approval for mortgage
I work closely with experts in the field that can help you attain this.
Set budget, narrow down locations
When picking a location its important to consider potential growth and change of the area (potentially to avoid negative change in an area or to take advantage of growth and increase value opportunities). My expertise and knowledge of the city combined with my career in the trades industry are valuable in my assessing these potentials. It is also critical to find a location that fits your unique lifestyle, Victoria has a lot of unique neighborhoods that can differ significantly from one another.
Prioritize your list of needs and wants
For nearly everyone, the perfect home that checks every single box is impossible, decide early which ones are deal breakers and prioritize the wants beyond that.
Understanding all the costs associated with buying real estate
Often first time home buyers can be shocked about all the costs that come with purchasing real estate, I will walk you through these with you to help you plan and budget accordingly.
Getting to know each other
It’s important that we get to know each other and ensure that we will be a good fit to work together. Additionally, I need to earn your trust that I am the right person for the job and am going to put your needs first, while I need to understand your situation/needs/wants so that I am best served to help you every step of the way.
Active Shopping/Showing Homes
When you like a listing you will contact me regarding it, I will do preliminary research to ensure it fits the mandatory needs (ie – strata allows for pets and you have a dog, foundation is a slab and I know this is important to you…etc). If nothing stands out, I will book a showing where you and I walk through the place. If you are interested in pursuing it, I will do a deeper dive to ensure we understand everything we can about the property at this stage before continuing on.
Writing an Offer
At this point I will have a very good understanding of your situation and what you require to be written into the offer, while price is often considered the main point of negotiation, the conditions and other terms can be just as integral to making a great purchase.
Closing the Deal
Once we have an accepted offer, I will help you with everything required beyond to satisfy any conditions, and get us to the closing and possession.