When you’re ready to make an offer, your RE/MAX agent will prepare the required paperwork and
negotiate the purchase price and terms on your behalf, but there are a few things you’ll need to
do as well:

1. Purchase insurance.
You are required to purchase homeowners insurance if you have a mortgage. Make sure you purchase enough to fully cover your home and your belongings in case of a total loss.

2. Get a home inspection.
Inspections generally cost hundreds of dollars but will bring to light any major issues or concerns with the home. The purchase agreement can be contingent on the outcome of the inspection, so if you don’t like what you find you can withdraw the agreement and keep looking.

3. Determine the status of utilities.
In a traditional home sale, with sellers as occupants, you’ll want to check on the status of the utilities required by the home. Outstanding invoices for items such as water, gas and electric should be paid in full by the owners before closing. You will also want to have
the services transferred to your name for billing. In a foreclosure or vacant home sale, in which the water has been turned off, contact the city to turn the water back on and check for broken or damaged pipes.

Your RE/MAX agent is a great resource.
hesitate to ask for a referral if you’re looking for a:

• Mortgage Lender
• Inspector/Appraiser
• Moving Company
• Insurance Provider
• Contractor
• Landscaper

Preparing your taxes as a first-time homeowner can be, well, taxing. You will have a number of new tax considerations, including new deductibles such as mortgage insurance and property tax to claim. If you’re not sure what you’ll be eligible to claim, consider visiting a tax consultant or visit canada.ca/revenue-agency.

You’ve heard it before: buying a home may
be the largest purchase you will ever make.
Does that make you nervous? Consider this:
it can also be one of the best investments
you will ever make. 

There are lots of things a potential buyer can do to get
a feel for a property by simply utilizing the tools that are
available online. Your RE/MAX agent is a great resource
to lean on, as they often have lots of information on the
property that may not be included in the MLS listing
description...

As a homebuyer, you can expect to see an array of different home
styles and designs. You’ve got the choice of single-family, condo,
townhome, lakefront, acreage, luxury; you can also choose bungalow,
multiple-story or split-level. In addition, you can choose a pre-existing
home or new construction. In other words, you’ve got options...

By familiarizing yourself with these homebuying basics, you’ll be better
equipped to make informed decisions and a wise investment.

We're here to help!