Buying Guides    

Home Buying Process
Buying a new home is the biggest purchase most will ever make. No one can afford to come in uninformed or unprepared. Fortunately, we're here to help. No matter if you are starting out or starting over, when you spend a few minutes on our site you'll have what you need to become a savvy homebuyer.
       

I’ve prepared the following guides that detail some of the subtleties and issues relating to buying in the Calgary real estate market. You’ll need to become a VIP to access the guides below.

In my opinion “You Don’t Make Money When You Sell Real Estate, You Make Money When You BUY it!” It’s very important how well you buy because that could establish if it’s likely to make a profit down the road!

Buying Guides

10 Questions to Ask the Condo Board

  10 Questions to Ask the Condo Board Before you buy, contact the condo board with the following questions. In the process, you’ll learn how responsive — and organized — its members are. You’ll also be alerted to potentia ... more

Click Here to Get Report

5 Property Tax Questions You Need to Ask

5 Property Tax Questions You Need to Ask 1. What is the assessed value of the property? Note that assessed value is generally less than market value. Ask to see a recent copy of the seller’s tax bill to help you determine this information. 2. ... more

Click Here to Get Report

5 Things to Know About Homeowner's Insurance

5 Things to Know About Homeowner's Insurance 1. Know about exclusions to coverage. For example, most insurance policies do not cover flood or earthquake damage as a standard item. These types of coverage must be bought separately. 2. Know about do ... more

Click Here to Get Report

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home

6 Mistakes to Avoid When Trading Up to a Larger Home Unlike the experience of buying a first home, when you're looking to move-up, and already own a home, there are certain factors that can complicate the situation. It's very important for you to co ... more

Click Here to Get Report

6 Must-Know Mortgage Facts

6 Things You Must Know About Mortgages Before You Buy Mortgage regulations have changed significantly over the last few years, making your options wider than ever. Subtle changes in the way you approach mortgage shopping, and even small differences ... more

Click Here to Get Report

8 Simple Secrets to Avoid Costly Mistakes Buying Your Dream Home

8 Simple Secrets to Avoid Costly Mistakes Buying Your Dream Home So you've finally decided to buy your next home. Problem is while you were making up your mind, other fence sitters jumped into the home market too. Now you may be facing some competit ... more

Click Here to Get Report

8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search

8 Tips to Guide for Your Home Search 1. Research before you look. Decide what features you most want to have in a home, what neighborhoods you prefer, and how much you’d be willing to spend each month for housing. 2. Be realistic. It’ ... more

Click Here to Get Report

9 Buyer Traps to Avoid

9 Buyer Traps and How to Avoid Them No matter which way you look at it buying a home is a major investment. For many homebuyers however, it can be an even more expensive process than it needs to be because many fall prey to at least a few of the man ... more

Click Here to Get Report

A "Minimalist's" Tool Kit

A “Minimalist’s” Tool Kit Regardless of whether you're handy around the house, there are plenty of situations that require a few basic household tools. What kinds of tools do you need in a "minimalist's" tool kit? Every basic home ... more

Click Here to Get Report

advantages to home ownership

Thinking about buying a home? When is the right time to buy? People move into home ownership for a variety of reasons. Some want to become established in a community or to provide a more permanent home for their family. Many think that real estate i ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Before the Moving Van Arrives

Before the Moving Van Arrives This is the day you've been waiting for! Here are some last-minute suggestions to help before the moving van arrives: * Consider having young children stay with a family member or friend. It can be upsetting for c ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Benefits - Second Home !

Benefits - Second Home ! Second Home Second homes are great investments, but buying and owning one is a bit different than owning a home you live in all the time. In general, it’s harder and more expensive to get a loan for a second home than ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Budget Basics Worksheet

Budget Basics Worksheet The first step in getting yourself in financial shape to buy a home is to know exactly how much money comes in and how much goes out. Use this worksheet to list your income and expenses below. more

Click Here to Get Report

Buying Vacation Property

Buying Vacation Property The boom in vacation properties is just beginning. It appears to be a strong real estate trend in the coming years. There are two main reasons for this trend. First, people born in the 1940s and ’50s are now looking ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Common Closing Costs for Buyers

Common Closing Costs for Buyers You’ll likely be responsible for a variety of fees and expenses that you and the seller will have to pay at the time of closing. Your lender must provide a good-faith estimate of all settlement costs. The tit ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes

Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes Common First-Time Home Buyer Mistakes 1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal. 2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone el ... more

Click Here to Get Report

DO AND DON'T WHEN APPLYING FOR MORTGAGE APPLICATION

DO AND DON'T WHEN APPLYING FOR MORTGAGE APPLICATION How to have a smooth Mortgage application process Here are some Do's and DON'Ts when applying for a mortgage. Tips that will help your application go a lot smoother. A mortgage is reasonably simpl ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Every thing you need to know about Title Insurance

Title Insurance What does "title" mean? When you buy a home, you are buying the title to the property. This means that you own the property and your lawyer registers you as the owner in the land registry system. Having "good title" to your propert ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Get Your Finances in Order: To-Do List

Get Your Finances in Order: To-Do List 1. Develop a household budget. Instead of creating a budget of what you’d like to spend, use receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending habits over the last several months. This appro ... more

Click Here to Get Report

How Big of a Mortgage Can I Afford?

How Big of a Mortgage Can I Afford? Not only does owning a home give you a haven for yourself and your family, it also makes great financial sense because of the tax benefits — which you can’t take advantage of when paying rent. In ... more

Click Here to Get Report

How High Tech Home is Your Home?

How High Tech Home is Your Home? If the latest technology or entertainment options are important in your new home, add the following questions to your buyer’s checklist. 1. Are there enough jacks in every room for cable TV and high-speed Inter ... more

Click Here to Get Report

How Much are Closing Costs?

How Much Should I Expect to Pay on Closing Costs? Whether you're looking to buy your first home, or trading up to a larger one, there are many costs – on top of the purchase price – that you must figure into your calculation of affordabi ... more

Click Here to Get Report

How to Stop Paying Rent

Stop Paying Rent – A guide to becoming a homeowner rather than a home-renter From basement suites to full houses, renting is a huge business in this country. If you currently rent, you know that paying out those hundreds of dollars every month ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Insurance an important responsibility of home ownership

Insurance an important responsibility of home ownership To “close” on your home, your lender will require you to obtain hazard, fire or homeowner’s insurance on the property--enough to cover the loss in case of severe damage. Dis ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Lender Checklist: What You Need for a Mortgage

Lender Checklist: What You Need for a Mortgage * W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you're self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan. * Copies of at least one pay stub for each person s ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Minimize Stress

Minimize Stress Did you know that for most people, moving ranks near the top of the list of stressful events? Here are some things you can do to minimize stress when you are ready to make a move: * Choose a real estate agent who communicates clear ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Negotiating a Winning Offer

Negotiating a Winning Offer When you are ready to purchase a home, I will negotiate on your behalf to help you get the best house your dollar can buy. I can act as a buffer to minimize the emotional elements so you can enjoy the process. When you ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Once an Offer Is Accepted

Once an Offer Is Accepted I thought you should know When you make an offer on a new home and it is accepted, one of two things usually happens: 1) Buyer's Remorse: You've made an offer. It was accepted. You've almost bought your dream home. Then, ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Receive a Return on Your Remodeling Investment

Receive a Return on Your Remodeling Investment When you purchase a new home, you want to personalize or imprint it with your own style. This usually takes the form of decorating, such as painting, wallpapering, and installing new window treatments. ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Save Thousands When Buying

Saving Money – A guide to saving thousands of dollars when buying a home Buying a home is one of the most expensive purchases you'll ever make, and by following some simple guidelines you can stand to save thousands of dollars. If you're like ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Saving Money on Energy Bills

Saving Money on Energy Bills No matter how hot or cold it is outside, you can apply some simple tips to reduce your energy bills year round:   In hot weather, cover up windows to keep cool indoor air in and hot outdoor air out. When it's cold outsi ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Specialty Mortgages: Risks and Rewards

Specialty Mortgages: Risks and Rewards In high-priced housing markets, it can be difficult to afford a home. That’s why a growing number of home buyers are forgoing traditional fixed-rate mortgages and standard adjustable-rate mortgages and in ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Sweat Equity, New Construction or Instant Charm

Sweat Equity, New Construction or Instant Charm Some buyers love the idea of developing instant equity by fixing up a home and doing much of the work themselves. Others wouldn't dream of it and want new construction only. Your decision on the type o ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Take the Stress Out of Home buying

Take the Stress Out of Home buying Buying a home should be fun, not stressful. As you look for your dream home, keep in mind these tips for making the process as peaceful as possible. 1. Having a real estate agent who you connect with. Home buyin ... more

Click Here to Get Report

The CENTURY 21® System

The CENTURY 21® System - Benefits FACT SHEET • Is the world’s largest real estate organization, and has the largest referral network in the world. • Consumer awareness: 9 out of 10 English speaking Canadians know the CENTURY 21 name ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Things to consider when Cosigning

Things to consider when Cosigning A cosigner is a person who takes equal responsibility of the loan payment as the primary borrower Quick Facts: - If the borrower misses any payments, the cosigner is equally liable to make the payment - Any delin ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Tips for Buying in a Tight Market

Tips for Buying in a Tight Market Increase your chances of getting your dream house in a competitive housing market, and lower your chances of losing out to another buyer. 1. Get prequalified for a mortgage.You’ll be able to make a firm com ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Tips for Lowering Homeowner?s Insurance Costs

Tips for Lowering Homeowner’s Insurance Costs 1. Review the Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange (CLUE) report on the property you’re interested in buying. CLUE reports detail the property’s claims history for the most recent ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Top 10 new homes

Top 10 new homes 1. Large Kitchens, With an Island "If you're going to spend design dollars, spend them where people want them -- spend them in the kitchen," McCune said. Granite countertops are a must for move-up buyers and buyers of custom homes, ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Top 10 You Must Have

Top 10 You Must Have 1. Large Kitchens, With an Island "If you're going to spend design dollars, spend them where people want them -- spend them in the kitchen," McCune said. Granite countertops are a must for move-up buyers and buyers of custom ho ... more

Click Here to Get Report

WANT TO BUY A HOUSE?

WANT TO BUY A HOUSE? Buying a home is one of the most rewarding and challenging experiences most of us will ever have; it is probably the single largest purchase you will ever make. If you’re buying for the first time, the process may even see ... more

Click Here to Get Report

What is a Home Warranty?

What is a Home Warranty? A home warranty is a service contract, normally for one year, which helps protect home owners against the cost of unexpected covered repairs or replacement on their major systems and appliances that break down due to normal ... more

Click Here to Get Report

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through

What Not to Overlook on a Final Walk-through It’s guaranteed to be hectic right before closing, but you should always make time for a final walk-through. Your goal is to make sure that your home is in the same condition you expected it would ... more

Click Here to Get Report

What Should You Look for When Viewing a Home?

What Should You Look for When Viewing a Home? When buying a home it is easy to fall in love with a home's appearance, but it is very important to look beyond the window dressing. By playing detective yourself, you can carefully inspect each house ... more

Click Here to Get Report

What You Need for a Mortgage

What You Need for a Mortgage * W-2 forms — or business tax return forms if you're self-employed — for the last two or three years for every person signing the loan. * Copies of at least one pay stub for each person signing the loan. ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Why use a Mortgage Broker " TOP 10 "

Why use a Mortgage Broker " TOP 10 " Why sould you cosider working with a Mortgage Broker 1. Get independent advice on your financial options. As independent mortgage brokers and mortgage agents, we're not tied to any one lender or range of products ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Why You Should Work With a REALTOR®

Why You Should Work With a REALTOR® Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to i ... more

Click Here to Get Report

Would You Like Listing Information?

Would You Like Listing Information? Buying a new home is one of the largest financial transactions that most people ever undertake. Because the process can be lengthy and sometimes confusing, I want you to know that I am here to help you through e ... more

Click Here to Get Report

 Top 10 Tips for Home Buyers

1. Check your credit score. Get your credit history in order before beginning the home buying process.

2. Develop a monthly budget based on your income and expenses so that you can determine what is realistically affordable in terms of a mortgage payment.

3. See a lender first. Shop around — compare various mortgage lenders and find one that will work well with you and your situation.

4. Needs vs. Wants — what features do you need in a new home versus what you want? Don't make an emotional decision, make a financial one.

5. Take time to learn important terms and understand their meaning.

6. Once you've found a lender, thoroughly investigate the mechanics of the deal — are there additional costs, such as origination and/or application fees?

7. Learn about the various types of mortgage packages. Figure out, with your lender, what type of mortgage is best for you.

8. Get pre-qualified so you are aware of what you can afford as well as prepared to seriously consider real estate options.

9. Visit as many homes as possible and decide on the house you are interested in based on your approved loan amount.

10. Work interactively with a mortgage lender and be accessible to him/her in order to secure the loan. 

Call or e-mail me with your questions , I have a team of professionals .

together we can answer any question you might have.

 Click Here for my Contact Information