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email:  ruzycki@itcanada.com

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What Should You Know When Buying a Home?

Buyers' Frequently Asked Questions

 

Helpful Links

 

Where do I start?

As a buyer, you should be represented by an agent in order to have your interests protected. An agent will provide professional advice, negotiate the best price for you and will provide all of the local sales information required for you to make an informed offer.

It is important to choose an agent with market knowledge, experience, a proven track record and one who is able to provide you with references from past clients.

When you work with Frank, you will benefit from his 27 years of negotiating and sales experience.  You will feel comfortable working with Frank and confident that you have someone knowledgeable working in your corner. 

Give Frank's office a call or send an email.  Frank or his assistant, Leslie, will guide you through the buying process. 

If you need a mortgage to buy your home the next call is to your financial institution.  They will pre-qualify your mortgage for you.  You can then view homes with confidence knowing you are looking at homes in the right price range.  When you have an idea of what you would like as your next home, Frank and Leslie will provide you with all the information on homes for sale and are always available by phone or email if you have anything that you are unsure about.

What will it cost me to have Frank as my agent when I buy a home?

There is no additional cost for a buyer to benefit from Frank's experience and knowledge.  The compensation that a sales agent receives, in a traditional agent/buyer relationship, comes from the home seller's proceeds

How do I get information on homes for sale?

When you work with Frank to find your home, you will be kept informed regularly of all homes within your price range and specifications. You can get a jump on other buyers and find out about new listings at the same time as the real estate agents - often before they are advertised!  Send Frank your e-mail address and  you will be notified immediately of all new listings, by all real estate companies, as soon as they are on the Real Estate Board computer (MLS).

Can I go to open houses without my agent?

Absolutely.  Of course you can visit open houses without Frank. However, you should make sure that you indicate to the open house agent that you are working with an agent already. 

What if I find a property on my own?

Give Frank's office a call or send an email to make sure that your interests are protected.  Frank or Leslie can provide you with all of the property details and can schedule a viewing at your convenience.  You don't need to contact the listing agent and should not contact the homeowner directly if the property is listed for sale through a company.  Having the address or MLS number can be helpful and will assist Frank or Leslie in gathering information for you.

What costs will I incur when buying a home?

Other than the down-payment for your home (minimum of 5% of the purchase price but can be more-speak to your bank), there are some costs to prepare for.  You will be responsible for a standard legal fee plus HST and any disbursements the lawyer makes on your behalf. The buyer is also required to pay Land Transfer Tax which is based on the value of the property.  There is a rebate of the Land Transfer Tax if you are a first time home buyer (click link below for details).  In addition there is a registration fee.  On average, you should budget between 1.75% to 2% of the value of the property to cover the above costs.  These fees are dependant upon the complexity of the real estate transaction.

  RE/MAX Welland Realty Ltd., Brokerage - PORT COLBORNE Office   503 Elm St., Port Colborne, ON L3K 5W6   905-834-7777