Buying your House in Coquitlam and the Lower Mainland

Define your needs and wants -- make a list of the things you simply can't live without, like the number of bedrooms and bathrooms your family needs, proximity to schools and work, or storage needs. Then list some nice-to-haves, maybe a pool or deck, finished basement, or mud room. 

As experts in real estate, the local market and your desired neighbourhood, we work to ensure the home buying process is smooth and seamless for you and your family. We work with you to understand your wants and needs within your budget and guide you to homes that fit your criteria. We negotiate with the selling agent on your behalf and make sure all the required paperwork is complete, accurate and that all deadlines are met. Buying a home is a big deal and can be very stressful, work with a professional real estate agent to transaction an exciting new chapter in your life!

Like many things in life, planning ahead is the key to success. Know your price range and consider the required down payment, mortgage interest rates, and amortization. Meet with your bank or a mortgage broker to get pre-approved before you start shopping.

Choosing the right home in your desired neighbourhood can be daunting. With many things to consider, such as do you need to be close to schools, work, transit, family? Those can be huge factors when choosing an area to live. And let’s not forget proximity to other amenities like parks, grocery stores, doctors and recreational centres. Drive around the neighbourhood and check out the appearance of other homes in the area. Your Today Team agent will inform you of property values in the area and how they’ve changed over the years.

House hunting can be a lot of work but it can also be a lot of fun. View houses with open eyes – curb appeal is one thing but try not to focus on the bells and whistles. Keep a lookout for things like doors and windows (are they new/old?), water leaks, squeaky floors, soggy areas around the yard that indicate poor drainage and could lead to a wet basement, missing shingles, lighting, etc. You’ll be getting a home inspection later, but it doesn’t hurt to start with your own observations

Your Today Team real estate agent will help you put together an Offer to Purchase and discuss all the details. 
The main factor on most offers will include: price, deposit, terms (which includes financing details), conditions, specific items that are included or not with the home and the closing date. From there, you can decide to make a “firm” offer which means that you’re willing to buy the home exactly as it is. Or, you could make the offer “conditional” on things like a home inspection, approval of financing or the sale of your existing home.

Negotiating may come into play. While receiving a counter offer may be unsettling, know that your real estate agent has plenty of experience. 

Closing day is the day you officially take ownership of your new home! Before you receive keys to your new place, closing costs are fees that need to be paid by or on the closing day and include mortgage application fees, inspections, legal fees, insurance, registration and more.