Buying a Home

If you're shopping for a new home, you're probably aware that there will be some costs over and above the purchase price. It makes sense to budget for these costs so you're not surprised – and unprepared – when you get the bill.

Most of these costs fall into a category that the real estate industry calls “closing costs.” The most common types includ...

There is an old joke in Canada that says the three most important things in choosing a home are: location, location, location! While this is meant to be funny, it is also true that one of the most important things to look for when buying a home is a community where you will feel safe and comfortable, and which is convenient for you and your family...

When most people shop for a new home, they think about the kind of house they want: three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a tree in the backyard.

But it also makes sense to shop for the right neighbourhood.

Think about it. In what type of area would you most like to live? What neighbourhood features do you want most? For example, you may want your next neig...

You view a property on the market and you’re appalled by what you see. The garage is packed to the roof with boxes, bikes and other items. The basement is dark and gloomy. And if that isn’t enough to dissuade you from buying, the carpeting in the family room is old, stained and musty.

Not a pretty picture.

Yet, if you can look past all that, the home...

Ideally, the first property you see when shopping for a new home will be the one you fall in love with and buy. But let’s face it. You’ll probably end up seeing several homes before reaching the decision to make an offer on one.

When you’re viewing homes, you want to make sure that the experience is enjoyable (rather than stressful) and that you get...