THE ABC's OF BUYING A HOME

Here is a step-by-step process that you can use to figure out what you want, where you want it, and how you' re going to get it.

Define your Home Requirements:

Price Range
Go to your bank, and talk to the mortgage person to see how much you can afford.

Home Type
Do you want a single family, a single family with income apartment, a duplex, or a condo?

Home Style
Do you want a detached, attached, semi-detached or apartment?

Location
Define it on a street by street basis. If you don't know the area I suggest walking or cycling around the neighbourhood to get a good feel for it.

Home Needs
Number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Is a family room, parking and or a garden a must?

Reality 101
Use The Registry or visit MLS Online and do a little research to see if there are any homes that match your criteria. If you're not getting many matches you can either adjust your parameters or wait until something comes on the market. If you're getting too many matches, try to narrow your parameters.

Finding an Agent
All real estate people have access to the same information and virtually all the same tools, the difference lies in their ability to process and present information to their clients. Think about what you want from an agent. Call up a few agents, speak to them, and if they make a favourable impression arrange a meeting. Choose an agent that makes you feel comfortable because chances are that you will be talking or seeing him/her a lot.

Signing an Exclusivity Agreement
Some agents will ask you to sign an agreement that will lock you up as their clients. It basically gives them the right to the selling portion of a commission to any house that you buy through the MLS system. You have the choice of using the services of whomever you want, whenever you want, unless you sign those rights away.

Finding the "Right" House
It can take a day or it can take years, but one thing for sure you: will know when you see the home that's right for you.

Buying the "Right" House
Remember -- there is no such thing as irreplaceable property. With this in mind, establish a price range that you are comfortable with, and then ask your agent for their opinion on price as well as strategy. When it comes to offers and negotiations remember that property is replaceable -- if it doesn't feel right, walk away.