First Things First So it’s time to buy a home. Whether this is your first time or you are an old pro, my hope is to make the process as easy and as painless as possible. As a point of interest, there is no cost to you for my services, I am paid by the seller out of the proceeds of the sale of the property. Here is an excerpt from my “Buyer’s Book”, a step by step description of buying a home. Call me, if you would like a copy.
Where Do We Begin? STEP 1 - PRE-SEARCH MEETING At this meeting, either in person or by phone, we determine some of the basic things that you are looking for. The following is a guide to the most common types of features:
Are we looking for a house or a condominium?
Some of the basic items to consider in a house are: 1. What areas of town are we interested in? 2. What type of house? 3. What size - square meters / square feet? 4. Number of bedrooms? 5. Garage (none/single/double)? 6. Ready to move in or fixer upper? 7. Features that might be important to you - developed basement, size of yard, fireplace, extra parking, etc. 8. Possession Date 9. Price range
In considering a condominium, the same basic items apply as in a house purchase, but you also need to consider: 1. Type of condo - townhouse, apartment, detached bungalow? 2. Other amenities - visitor parking, pools/tennis courts etc. 3. Condo fees and reserve funds. 4. Pets?
When we have worked these details, I prepare Prospect List from the Multiple Listing Service of properties available using your criteria.
STEP 2 - THE DRIVING TOUR When you get the Prospect List, I recommend a driving tour. Stop by Tim Horton’s and get a cup of coffee, and go for a drive by the various addresses. Consider the house from the front and back if possible.
· Does this house look like it could be my home? · What do the neighbouring homes look like? · Is this a busy street? (At other times of the day?) · Is this home close to schools/parks/bus/other important things? · Should we set up an appointment to view this house?
STEP 3 - THE VIEWING TOUR Now we have found a few houses to look at, we can set up a time to view them. I usually like to give at least 2 hours notice and it is nice for the seller if we can give a days notice. We sometimes have to be flexible, various problems can crop up (i.e.... seller works shift work or has small children). If a prospective home is rented we are required to give 24 hours notice.
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Buyers Information |
Jim Ritenburg Phone (306) 537-9885 Fax (306) 522-8707 Jim@TheRitz.ca |
Regina Catholic Schools |
Jim Ritenburg Phone (306) 924-5700 Cellular (306) 537-9885 Jim@TheRitz.ca HomeXpos Real Estate Inc. 1630 Albert Street, Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 2S6 |