As your personal guide and trustworthy agent, I strive to give you the best of the best.  In the years that I’ve spent in the industry, homebuyers have always asked me “What do I need to do when I buy a house?”.  I’ve composed a step-by-step guide that organizes the buying process to make buying a house simple and fun!

Step 1: Decide to Buy 
Before you even go looking for a home, you have to understand your needs.  Think about the type of place you’re looking for. Are you looking for a lot of bedrooms and washrooms for your family?  Do you want a pool in the backyard?  Do you want to live close to a school or a mall?  These are just some of the things you have to consider before you start looking for a new home.

You also have to familiarize yourself with different types of ownership as well to help narrow down the perfect home.  Freehold is when it’s all yours, a condo is when you take care of the inside and pay your fees to an association, and co-op is similar to a condo but you rent a unit in the building and pay maintenance and repair fees.

Once you have narrowed down some qualities, its time to go looking for a home!

Step 2: Hire Dianna Mandzuk & Team to represent you

A Realtor with Dianna Mandzuk & Team brings to the table all of their knowledge, training and negotiating skills, and will explain exactly what you can expect from the buying or selling process.  We will be able to  explain your rights and obligations, help organize and strategize, and even discuss financing options.  We are all members of National organizations that require all their members to adhere to a strict Code of Ethics.  The Code is very important because it ensures that all Realtors offer the highest level of service, honesty and integrity possible.  Additionally, Realtors are required to maintain an ongoing continuing education program to ensure they continue to meet the highest professional standards in an ever-changing and evolving industry.  Each member of the Dianna Mandzuk & Team is a member in good standing with the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA), the Durham Region Association of Realtors (DRAR) and the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).  Each member actively participates in  continuing education programs above and beyond that which is required to maintain their Real Estate licenses to ensure they are informed and aware of all the tools and resources available to them as Realtors.  Dianna Mandzuk & Team are trained professional who knows your area inside and out and will provide you will quality services to help you accomplish your goal.

Step 3: Find your Home
There are many ways of finding that dream home!  First, before you go shopping you have to make sure you are also financially ready.  Make sure to have a budget when you go shopping.  You can use my very handy affordability calculator by clicking here. 

One thing to keep in mind is your down payment.  This is a percentage of the total cost of a home that you’ll need to pay.  The more money you put down, the more you’ll save on monthly payments and cost of borrowing.  Another important aspect is getting pre-approved for a mortgage.  When the lender approves you for a mortgage, it gives you an idea of how much you can afford to buy your new house.

Keeping these things in mind, you are free to go window shopping!  You can go searching for houses according to the different neighbourhoods surrounding you, check newspaper listings, websites, or even drop by any open houses that are being held in your area.  Looking for houses can be really fun and exciting!  You can browse listings using the smart listings search on my website, here.

Step 4: Make an Offer Now
Now that you’ve found the house that you are set on, it’s time to make an offer.  Not all offers are the same and here’s where your real estate agent comes in.  They will help you with specific terms and conditions that will be specified in the offer like the price you want to pay, financing conditions, or other things like inclusions and exclusions.

Not only is it about the price of the house but you have to carefully look at the other details included in this sale.  Appliances, chandeliers, or even minor renovations can also be part of the deal.  Shorter or longer closing dates can also be specified in the offer.

If there is something in the offer that doesn’t satisfy the seller, counter offers or negotiations can also be presented to help get a price that you think is fair.

Step 5: Close the Sale
There will be closing costs associated with the sale that need to be paid either by or on the closing date. It can include mortgage application fees, inspections, and legal fees.  But once that’s taken care of, you get your new house.

Congrats, welcome to your new home!  You’re all ready to move in!