FOR BUYERS
SECURE FINANCING & DEFINE YOUR BUDGET
One of the most important things to do prior to actively looking for a new home is to evaluate your financial situation and budget. Knowing exactly what you are (and are not) pre-approved for from your lender will not only save time and energy but it will free you from the emotional roller-coaster caused by looking at properties that are unrealistic to obtain. Another advantage of pre-approval is that it gives you substantial leverage in negotiations because sellers will immediately see you as a serious buyer. Not only will you know the exact price range you can afford, but you’ll also be able to negotiate a better deal and move more quickly when you see a house you like.
OFFER & NEGOTIATION
Rest assured McGill Realtors will be there every step of the way but especially when it comes time to making an offer. Depending on the circumstances your offer may come with subjects such as financing, home inspection, and/or approval of documents. We will work with you to formulate a reasonable offering based on the current market and will coordinate with the listing agent through the negotiation process. It is important not to become disheartened if a low offer is declined. This is often simply part of the standard negotiation process as most deals are subject to counter negotiation until both the buyer and the seller are satisfied the deal is fair and equitable.
FINDING YOUR DREAM HOME
The first step in the home-buying process is to define the reasons why you want to purchase a new home. If you do not know why you are looking it is very difficult to identify homes on the market that fit your needs. The goal of living in the trendiest location may not necessarily be complimentary to the goal of finding a home ideal for raising a family. As such, it is extremely helpful to develop a wants vs. needs list of priorities. This will save you time in the long run when viewing potential homes because you will already be able to differentiate necessities from a bonus. Furthermore, if there is a specific area you are looking at be sure to familiarize yourself with the local amenities. Are there schools, churches, parks, or grocery stores nearby? How will you be affected by a new commute to work? Are there infrastructure projects in development? All of these factors will influence the way you experience your new home. Spending the necessary time up front will save you regret down the road.
CLOSING THE DEAL
Closing will typically take 5 to 7 business days and if subjects in the contract are not met, the sale will be void. As subjects are met and approved, the buyer must remove them and then they will pay the deposit set out in the contract to finalize the purchase.