Ready to buy your first home in Brantford or Brant County in 2023?
I specialize in helping first-time home buyers like you find their dream property in Brantford and surrounding areas. Before you start searching for homes online, it's important to take the first step to house shopping: Getting pre-approved for a mortgage.
Your pre-approval will tell you what you can afford and what your monthly payment will be, so it's important to determine this before you start searching for your new home. The last thing you want to do is start looking for homes that are above your budget, fall in love - and realize it wasn’t something you could afford.
Your Pre-approval is good for about 60-90 days, so once you're ready, take these first 3 steps to get it done.
- Contact me and I’ll send over a list of lenders I know and trust.
- Look over the list, check out online reviews, and ask friends and family for referrals.
- Email 2-3 lenders you like or let me introduce you over email.
Once you've got your pre-approval letter in hand, it's time to start the search!
Before we hop into the home search, I like to advise my clients to create a "Needs" list and a "Wants" list. This will help us to really focus on the things that are most important in your future home. The biggest tip to remember when purchasing your FIRST home, is that it usually isn’t your dream home. You may not be able to achieve all the needs and wants - but the hardest part about home ownership, is the first step. Once you are in the housing market, your next move will be so much easier.
Needs are the non-negotiable features; the features you simply must have in your next home. Wants are the ones you’d like to have, but you can add or change down the road. Remember, you can’t change the lot or the location so make sure you love both.
Once you've established what you're looking for, I will set you up on a search so you can receive an email the second a home that fits your criteria goes live. If you have any questions about a property, send me the information and I will find out for you. Send me listings you like and I can get more information and set up showings on your behalf.
After touring houses and choosing the one you love, it's time to make an offer. To do this, we will discuss the importance of conditions in an offer, how to make a strong offer to a seller all while still making sure your best interests are protected. I am here to help navigate you and explain every detail while purchasing your first home. You’ll also need to make a deposit, which can be anywhere from $10,000 - $30,000 (depending on price of home etc.). This will go towards your closing costs at on closing day.
Once you have bought a home, it’s time to start packing! Closing can be as quick as 30 days, with an average of 60 days. I will help you through this step as well, sending a list of movers, utilities you need, home insurance contacts. This is the time where you can get excited! Tell your family and friends, bring your parents for one of our final walk throughs. It’s time to celebrate your hard work and accomplishment of owning a home!
Once you have bought a home, it’s time to start packing! Closing can be as quick as 30 days, with an average of 60 days. I will help you through this step as well, sending a list of movers, utilities you need, home insurance contacts. This is the time where you can get excited! Tell your family and friends, bring your parents for one of our final walk throughs. It’s time to celebrate your hard work and accomplishment of owning a home!
Have more questions about buying a home or what happens after making an offer? Reach out to me today! No question is too small or silly.