For Buyers

Buyers should be aware of their options so they are better able to protect their positions in a transaction. The role of the Realtor has been undergoing tremendous change over the past several years. Prior to 1995, all Realtors worked for the Seller in a Real Estate transaction. Buyers can now choose to retain representation with a Licensed Realtor and receive the same legal relationship that Sellers have received for nearly 100 years.

A buyer who understands their options will typically want to select their Real Estate representative EARLY in the transaction in order to avoid potential conflicts of interest should they be making many calls to various Realtors (typically listing sales representatives representing the Seller) or if shopping New Home sites (representatives are not necessarily Realtors – thereby having no accountability to the Buyer through RECO* or REBBA**).

With the advent of the Internet, many Buyers are conducting tremendous research on their own before looking at homes or contacting a Realtor.

It cannot be understated that part of the research conducted from a buyer’s perspective, is the careful selection of the Realtor to represent their interests in the acquisition of property.

A skilled Buyers sales representative will add tremendous value to the buyer during the drafting of the contract, during negotiations, and overseeing the contract to completion.

If you’re going to spend the next 25 years paying for your new home… shouldn’t you spend a few minutes finding the right person to help make it all happen?

• You have the right to remain silent
• Anything you say while un-represented could be used against you
  during negotiations;
  

• You have the right to be REPRESENTED
• If you choose NOT to be represented;, then all Realtors will work on behalf of the Seller during negotiations.

Step 1 — Is Homeownership Right for You?
Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you will make, so it pays to make an informed decision by first looking at the main advantages and disadvantages of homeownership.

Step 2 — Are You Financially Ready?
In this Step you will find a number of simple calculations that will help you evaluate your current financial situation and determine how much house you can afford and the maximum price that you should be considering.

Step 3 — How Much Will It Really Cost?
After you have calculated the maximum home price you can afford, you will need to calculate the up-front costs and expenses associated with buying a home to make sure you are financially prepared.

Step 4 — What Should You Buy?
Before you start searching for a home you need to think about your current and future housing needs and what characteristics are important to you in a home.

Step 5 — What Professionals Should You Call On?
This Step describes the roles played by the professionals you will call on in the homebuying process: real estate agent, mortgage broker, lawyer/notary, inspector, insurance broker.

Step 6 — How Can You Find the Right Home?
If you have decided that you are ready to start your search, this Step offers information on ways to find the home that is right for you, useful tips for your search and Home Hunting worksheets.

Step 7 — Ready to Buy?
Once you find the home you would like to buy, you will need to present the vendor with an Offer to Purchase or Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This Step describes the Offer to Purchase process.

Step 8 — The Final Steps
Describes the final steps in the homebuying process: things you will need to do on closing day, and how to hire and work with a moving company.

Step 9 — Is There More to Homebuying?
The real financial responsibilities of homeownership begin when you take possession of your new home; you will need to budget for mortgage payments, ongoing operating costs and an emergency fund.

Step 10 — Tips on Home Repair and Maintenance
This section offers useful tips for new homeowners on home repair, maintenance and renovations, and discusses the importance of security and fire safety. Also includes a practical Maintenance Calendar.