Buying Your Home

Without question, buying a home may be the most important investment you will ever make. It may be your single greatest asset, the cornerstone upon which you can build your personal wealth.

The process can be a lot of work, but it can also be very exciting. Looking for the right home in the right location and at the best price is not always easy, but I'll be right there to assist you.


The Cost of Owning a Home
One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a home is what will it cost to carry the home and how much can you realistically afford.

You can start by drawing a budget specific to your needs. No two families live the same way and no two people budget the same way either. Two families with identical incomes will not necessarily spend the same amount of money or choose the same accommodations. Priorities as well as individual needs differ. You need to examine how much you are currently paying for housing and to decide how much more you would be willing to pay for your new home.

An average family should not spend more than 30 to 32% of their gross income. This amount should cover the mortgage payments, property taxes as well as heating costs. If you have other loans such as car loans, student loans, credit card payments, etc., all of these expenses should not be greater than 38 to 40% of your gross income.

Once you have calculated the maximum amount you should be spending on accommodations each month, you can start looking for the home that both suits your needs and your budget. I also recommend that you get pre-qualified at a bank prior to commencing the search for that dream home.


Selecting and Purchasing Your Home
Now that you have a financial plan, I will help you determine the type of home you need. Choosing the right house is more than finding the one with enough space to suit your needs. You also have to ensure that facilities and services are conveniently located for all members of the household.

Once I have located the right home for you, I will go over all the costs associated with the purchase as well as the monthly expenses. I will prepare the Agreement of Purchase and Sale, ensuring that it reflects your intentions.

I will negotiate with the Seller. Each negotiating process will be explained to you in detail. Once an agreement has been reached, I will forward a copy of the accepted Agreement to your Solicitor who will take the transaction to closing.

My role is not over, quite yet. I will remain in contact with you as well as the mortgage lender, your lawyer and any other professional required for the successful completion of your home purchase.