If you require a mortgage, I usually recommend a mortgage broker over a bank. They just have access to more lenders. Some brokers who work for banks can surprise you with better rates, but usually not. I have an excellent list of mortgage brokers who have repeatedly proven themselves time and time again with my clients. I would be happy to share them with

Have a little extra money for the closing costs – estimated at 3-5% of the price of the home. For first time buyers, this could be less with the potential rebate on land transfer taxes. Land transfer taxes will likely be the biggest portion of your closing cost. Then you will need to have money for a lawyer. Other costs could also arise during your closing such as appraisal fees, application fees from some lenders, cost of a survey, home inspection fees, insurance (mortgage, title, home insurance), property tax and moving.

What areas of the city do you want to live? Do you love the rush of downtown or are you a “village in the city” kind of buyer? Do you prefer established neighbourhoods with the top notch schools or emerging neighbourhoods undergoing rapid change? Do you like to be near a lively commercial strip or do you hate the noise?

This is where I bring my expertise to the table. We formulate a strategy to buy you a property based on what is important to you in a home, current market condition, and my strategies for obtaining a home.

Clients are often unsure what they can get for their particular budget. I like to show clients a home at the same price in different neighbourhood. So, you know what you can get in the less expensive neighbourhood compared to a more established one. Then, I find, the buyer will have a better idea if they would like to buy a smaller, less renovated home in a better, central neighbourhood or vise versa.

Have your deposit in a chequing account with a major bank so that it can be easily accessible when you decide to make an offer. The Toronto market can vary widely. In a fast market, you may find yourself in a bidding war to get the place you want. So, you need to know how to act accordingly. When you are in competition with other buyers for the same house, that usually means having any home inspections done before you put in an offer so that you have the cleanest offer with the fewest conditions. If the market is a little slower or the property is not selling quickly, you have some wiggle room to negotiate with certain conditions.

My strategic negotiation is critical to you securing the best possible price for your future home. At that critical time, I will provide with all of your options. I will read the situation carefully and determine if a more aggressive manoeuvre or soft touch is required to obtain the best deal.

I will there from start to finish keeping track of the details of your home up to closing. I am also available after closing with a top-notch list of professional who could help you with any fixes or improvement on your home.