Let me help you every step of the way

A multitude of decisions await when purchasing your home! My goal is to make the process of purchasing your home a smoother, more enjoyable, less expensive, less time-consuming than if you undertook the home buying challenge on your own.

I will help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, sift through the homes on the market to show you only the properties for sale that match your specifications and budget, provide my expertise to help you evaluate those homes and finally, skillfully assist you through the myriad of details surrounding the actual purchase.

I am an 18 year resident of Nanaimo area, familiar with the Nanaimo and Vancouver Island market and I know our neighbourhood well, so I can help you determine which properties are fairly-priced before you start your search.

Step 1: Family Discussion

Deciding what’s important to yourself and your family is the first and most important step. I am always happy to meet with you and assist in any way I can with discussion on home style (rancher vs two storey, single family residential vs Condo or townhouse, space requirements, what monthly payment do you feel comfortable making? Will you need a mortgage helper or granny suite in the future? Is a new home with a warranty, a home with character, or a home in the country what’s important to you? Proximity to schools? Office space? Yard? If you develop a fairly clear idea of what’s important to you ahead of time that will help both your realtor and your mortgage broker or banker find the right fit in a home for you and the best fit in mortgage products for your particular situation.

Step 2: Loan Pre-Qualification

Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is a very important step in the home buying process. This can be done over the phone/fax, in person online. Once you are pre-approved for a mortgage you will have an idea of exactly how much you are able to afford when searching for a home. In addition, the rates are often guaranteed by the banker or mortgage broker for up to three months not to increase. If the rates decrease in that time though you get the better rate. It’s a pretty ideal situation and when we find your new home and write an offer you can do it with confidence knowing the money will be available to you. Call or email me and I will refer you to mortgage professionals that have excellent reputations and track records for successfully acquiring loan approval for their clients. I am well networked with lending professionals for developments and construction through to new mortgages for 1st time homebuyers. Even if you’re self employed without the usual proof of income, want to fix and flip homes or have had credit troubles in the past I know lenders that are very successful in getting your mortgage approved.

Step 3: I Will Find The Right Homes or Land For You

Once you’ve been pre-qualified and know what price range you want to stay in, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs by using the best possible resources and communication systems available to realtors today to help you locate the homes on the market that match your specifications. I will also sign you up to my PCS hot sheets program that will automatically send you the listings that meet your parameters hot on the market each day before they hit the MLS.

Step 4: I Will Negotiate Expertly on Your Behalf

I will help you secure the best deal on the property you choose and advise you through the process. In the past realtors worked only for the Seller. In the past few years though, BUYERS AGENTS have become extremely popular. If I’m working with a buyer as their agent, the Selling agent usually splits the commission with the Listing agent so there is no cost to the buyer but all the benefit of having an agent representing and negotiating strictly on YOUR behalf. My fiduciary duty is to you in every way. I will help you arrange your financing and inspections, and close on the transaction. My top priority is to make sure that your home buying experience is pleasant, cost-efficient, and successful.

Transaction Closing Costs You Will Encounter

I’m often asked what closing costs typically are involved in a real estate transaction. These include, but are not limited to:

• Lawyer or Notary fees: searching and investigating the title, drafting documents, Land Title Registration (often $800-$1200)
• Cost of Mortgage: mortgage companies fees, appraisal if needed, Land Title Registration fees
• Property Insurance Premium
• Sales tax if applicable
• Goods and Services Tax (usually on New Construction)
• Home Inspection Fee (often $250-375)
• British Columbia Property Transfer Tax (1% of the purchase price up to $200,000 and 2% of any amount over $200,000.)

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 2% of the sale price of your home for closing costs.