Let Me Help You, Every Step of the Way.
When purchasing a home, you are faced with a multitude of decisions. Finding that perfect home is no easy task; furthermore, obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process. Once you’ve made the commitment to reach that goal to purchase home, the rewards which you’ll realize are unquestionably satisfying.
Assisting you in every step of the way, I’ll make the process of purchasing a home easier, enjoyable, time-efficient, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. I’ll help you with the preparation, so that sellers perceive you as a preferred-buyer. I’ll also help you to locate and assess properties for sale, in the area that match your specifications, and guide you through the myriad of details in attending to the actual purchase.
Having sold homes in the Greater Vancouver Area since 1990, I always have my finger on the pulse of the Vancouver real estate market, and thorough knowledge of the value of neighborhood of your choice. I will help you to determine which properties are fair-market-priced, and in good condition, before you start your search.
Your First Step
Your first step in the home-buying process is to define the reasons why you wish to purchase a new home.
To stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To move up to a bigger house? To downsize? To another neighborhood?
Determine the style of home you prefer and the area in which you’d like to live. Be specific.
Develop a list of Needs vs. Wants. Everyone has a picture of their ideal home. This home would include all of the features which you not only need, but have long desired. However, when it comes time to buying a home, these desired features become additional costs. For example: While it’s nice to think about having an artfully landscaped backyard, or built-in appliances, these are usually considered luxuries, which can add to the price of the property, considerably.
Begin the list with items you absolutely need, such as adequate room, garage space and number of bedrooms. How much space do you really need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Basic needs should be considered first. After these have been established, you can consider additional features if you can manage these benefits financially. With such a list on hand, you’re less likely to be caught up in the excitement of the pursuit. You’ll have a good idea of what you want, the features within your price range, and whether or not you can afford those additional items.
Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider Area (i.e. Downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody); Neighborhood (i.e. older & settled, or brand new). Check out the neighborhoods in your consideration, and take the time to know them. What amenities does the area have to offer? Are there schools, churches, parks, or grocery stores within reach? Consider visiting schools in the area if you have children. How will you be affected by a new commute to work? Are there infrastructure projects in development? All of these factors will influence the way in which you will experience your new home; so ensure that you’re well-acquainted with the surrounding area before your purchase.
Your Next Step: Loan Pre-Approval
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, you’re ready to take the next step in the purchasing process: Getting pre-approved with a Vancouver mortgage company. While getting pre-approved may sound daunting, it actually just involves getting an idea of what you can afford. When you’re pre-approved, this means that a lender has reviewed your credit history, verified your assets and employment, and has approved your loan, before you’ve found a dream home to purchase.
Pre-approval gives you substantial leverage: Sellers would see you immediately as a serious buyer. Not only will you know the exact price range you can afford, you’ll also be able to move along negotiation process more efficiently & effectively. Depending upon market conditions, a seller may favor an Unconditional Offer. As you can see, having the pre-Approval in hand, will certainly add to your negotiating power. Banks and financial institutions have developed many programs catered specifically to home buyers. Once you, as a buyer, review your needs and objectives with a lending officer, you are one step closer to purchasing your home in Vancouver.
Contact me, and I’ll be happy to refer you to a Mortgage Professional in this area, with an excellent reputation and track record, for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients.
Let Me Help You to Find the Perfect Home in Vancouver
It is a very time consuming process to view every home available that meet your needs. I can do much of that work for you, by establishing your needs, reviewing a range of suitable properties, and then advising you of potential matches. I have my finger on the pulse of housing trends, prices, and have access to the best possible resource and communication systems available today, to help you locate homes on the Vancouver Real Estate market that match your specifications. A comprehensive knowledge of the available homes in your Vancouver neighborhood is one of my strongest assets.
Once you’ve been pre-approved, and know what price range you plan to stay within, I can help you to determine which properties best fit your needs and wants, using the comprehensive (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system.
Start your search now – and view my current listings!
I Will Help You, Every Step of The Way
As a top Vancouver Real Estate Professional with years of experience and a proven track record, it is my job to guide you through this complicated process, from beginning to end. Contact me today; together, we will prepare a unique system to suit your particular needs and goals. From helping you to find your dream home, to closing the deal – and every small or large step in between – I will be there to ensure satisfaction in your life’s new threshold!