Step By Step Guide to Buying a House

STEP ONE

Define Your Goals

Before you start looking, consider why you want to buy a home. Are you tired of renting? Do you want to buy an investment property? Figuring out why you want to buy a home will help you make important decisions in the home buying process. Considering what you want and need out of your home will help you narrow down your home search as well. Which Calgary neighborhood do you want to live in? How many bedrooms do you need? Knowing your preferences can help with filtering out homes that don’t fit your criteria.

STEP TWO

Pick a RE/MAX Agent

Buying a home in Calgary is one of the biggest investments you may ever make. Whether you’re buying your first home, relocating or just moving down the street — you want a trusted professional by your side. Working with a qualified RE/MAX agent can make the process of buying a house easier. Your Calgary real estate agent can guide you through the home search, purchase agreements, inspections, closing matters and more. Having an agent who has your best interests at heart can ease some of your stress and can help make the home buying process go as smoothly as possible.

STEP THREE

Determine Your Financial Standing

Knowing your budget up front helps you focus your home search and can save you both time and stress. Talking to a mortgage professional can help you to determine your buying power. A qualified mortgage agent can help you to find out how much you can afford, how much you should put towards a down payment, and can walk you through loan options and other costs or fees associated with purchasing a home. Consider asking your Calgary real estate agent for a referral; they understand your needs and can help find a qualified mortgage professional for your situation.

STEP FOUR

Make an Offer

Once you find a home you’re interested in, your real estate agent can help negotiate a fair offer based on comparable homes in the area. If your offer is accepted, you’ll make a down payment and be officially under contract. During the due-diligence period between signing the purchase agreement and closing on your home, your agent can help you understand the conditions, provisions, and obligations of your contract. They can also help guide you through the home appraisal and home inspection processes.

STEP FIVE

Close on Your Home Purchase

This is the final step of your home buying journey. Closing is the official transfer of ownership from the home seller to the home buyer. At closing, you will sign your mortgage paperwork to solidify your purchase. From there, you officially become a homeowner and will be handed the keys to your new home so you can begin making memories.