My ten steps

How I make home buying easier


I have a pulse on the Nelson Real Estate market and closely follow Real Estate markets in the Canadian cores, which directly affect home values and trends in our area.

1. FIND A BUYERS AGENT

DONE! You are here and need to look no further! I like to start the process by meeting up in-person (if you're around) for a coffee (or beer) to learn more about what exactly you are looking for and to get to know you. Too much is done behind screens these days and it's not uncommon to never meet who's representing you. I feel it's important for you to get to know me, what I offer and why I am the best choice for your buyers agent.

2. GET PRE-APPROVED

It is critical that you contact your mortgage broker and find out what you can afford before you start shopping for homes. You don’t want to find your dream home, get an accepted offer, then discover you can’t afford it. I can provide a list of mortgage experts that have gone above and beyond for my clients over the years.

3. MAKE A WISH LIST

As far as a wish list is concerned, your realistic goal for a home should be somewhere around a seven out of ten. Things to consider; city or rural living, numbers of bedrooms, view of the lake, sq/ft, off street parking, mortgage helper etc.? There typically aren't very many properties listed in the Nelson area which means you may need to compromise on a few things you are hoping for in a home.

4. THE HUNT BEGINS

Once you've established a realistic search criteria, I will set up a search and begin sending you suitable homes as they hit the market and as homes adjust in price to be within your range. If you come across a listing you want to view, let me know and I will organize the showings for you. During showings make sure to pick my brain about renovation ideas or ask questions about Real Estate. No question is a dumb question! 

5. YOU FOUND THE ONE...OR THE ONE FOUND YOU

Now it's time to put together an offer. I carefully draft up your contract, research comparable properties, dig up the sales history, tax report so we can sit down and come up with an offer that makes the most sense for you.

6. ACCEPTED OFFER!

We now have 2-3 weeks to remove your subjects (typically 7-10 days in other markets, but in Nelson there is something called 'Kootenay time' where everything moves at a snails pace). During this time we do our due diligence and make sure there are no unexpected issues with your potential purchase. I help you organize things like your inspections (septic, home inspection, oil storage tank), do a water quality sample test if on well, get an insurance quote, review strata docs, and help your mortgage broker get everything they need.

7. SUBJECTS ARE REMOVED (DONE DEAL)

Congrats, you've completed your task of subjects, are happy with your findings and moving forward with your purchase. We sign a subject removal and get a deposit cheque (typically 5% of the purchase price).

8. PICK A LAWYER OR NOTARY

You’ll need to pick a Notary or Lawyer to complete the deal. In Nelson expect to pay somewhere around $1100-$1500 depending on your mortgage. My office will forward all the required documents to your legal professional facilitating the transaction. Typically a few days prior to completion, you'll need to sign papers. This is an important time to make sure you have insurance in place.

9. PREPARE FOR THE BIG MOVE

During the next while you’ll need to set up new accounts for internet, gas, hydro and arrange for home insurance and movers. Closer to the completion day, I will organize with lawyers and other agents to get you access and keys.

10. HOUSE WARMING

There is nothing better than seeing you in your new home, meeting your friends and possibly being introduced to your uncle Eddie! By the time we’ve gone through this entire process together, we will become close. Expect a sweet gift from me, I hope you don't forget to invite me, I know where you live!

Contact today and get me working for you.

Get in touch now

Buying a home is one of the largest purchases you'll ever make and you need a dedicated Realtor to ensure that you understand the different steps and aspects of your purchase.

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