Buying a Vancouver Home

Buying a Home in Vancouver?

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions a person will ever make. When you decide you’re ready to purchase a home, the best decision you can make is to choose an agent that will provide you with the guidance, expertise and personalized help you need to find the perfect home.

I can provide the level of professionalism and personalized care that will make buying your next home a straightforward process that keeps you from feeling overwhelmed. Yes, buying a home is complex, especially with all the unique nuances that are prevalent in the Lower Mainland real estate market. However, it can be an enjoyable experience with the right person to guide you on your journey!

The Buying Process
Once you have made the decision to purchase a home, there are some important things to consider:

  • What you can afford – Purchasing a home involves both one-time costs (including your down payment) and monthly expenses (including mortgage payments, legal fees, taxes and insurance).
  • The market conditions – The real estate market is always changing and understanding the market will help you understand your position as a buyer.

As your buyer’s agent, your representative will take the time to understand what you are looking for and help answer any questions you may have about the current market conditions.

The Buying Process Summary

The Selection Process

The first step is to decide what kind of property you would like to purchase and to narrow down the list of properties to those that suite your needs.

Viewing Properties

Once you and your realtor have narrowed down your search, you will head out on “tour” to view the properties. After which, you may want to write an offer on your dream property or you may wish to return to the drawing board.

Making an Offer

Once you have made the decision to buy, your agent will help you write up an offer to purchase. Once all parties have signed, this will become a written, enforceable contract.

Negotiation

This is where your realtor will assist you in getting the best possible price for your property.

Accepted Offer

Once your offer to purchase has been accepted and both you and the “seller” have agreed to a price, your agent will assist you in everything from home inspections to ensuring that you are comfortable with the financing.

Firm Deal & Completion

Once all subject conditions have been removed and the purchase transaction has been competed, the property is officially yours.

Possession

This is the day you will receive the keys to your new home.

Buying Costs

There are costs associated with buying any home, and buying a home in Vancouver is no exception. Here is a brief summary of the costs associated with buying a home.

Mortgage

These may include the mortgage companies lawyer or notary fees, appraisal fee (if applicable) and land title registration fees.

Property Transfer Tax

This is a Provincial Government Tax that applies to all transfers of real estate and is payable on the completion date. The rate of the tax is 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price, 2% on the next $1,800,000 of the purchase price, and 3% of the purchase price that exceeds $2,000,0000. There are some exemptions for first-time home buyers.

Goods and Services Tax (GST)

This is a 5% tax that applies to the purchase of new construction and on the resale of accommodations that have been rented out for short term or nightly rental. The payment of the GST can be deferred if the new purchaser intends to use the accommodation for short term or nightly rental at least 90% of the time and she/he becomes a GST registrant. See the ‘Finance & Taxation‘ page for more information on the GST.

Insurance

Buyers are required to arrange insurance on single family residential accommodations, and liability and contents insurance on strata-titled properties.

Strata Fees

Of special concern to condominium and townhouse purchasers, there will be monthly maintenance charges, and the Strata Corporation is also entitled to levy special assessments for extraordinary expenses if necessary.

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