Purchasing a home is a big decision. It involves a long-term commitment that can change many aspects of your life. I prefer an honest approach and always walk my clients through the realities of this process. I work to educate my clients to see if they are interested in buying a home before they commit.

You should be sure you’re ready to buy a house before you start thinking about the details. A housing loan is a significant investment that often takes decades to pay off. 

In the long run, buying a home will save you money on rent and the property will appreciate over time, but you should be aware of your finances, what you can afford, and all the little details that make up home ownership.

There are many factors to consider when it comes to purchasing a home. You should take into account your minimum down payment, which will be at least 5% of the purchase price. More expensive Langley homes can require up to a 20% down payment.

You should calculate your debt service ratios to find out what a bank will be willing to lend you. One of the perks of connecting with a mortgage advisor is that they will help you understand what types of homes fall within your budget.

I take the time to get to know my clients, their goals, and will complete a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) of nearby properties for you. This process is important as it will help you understand the specifics of your market.

My experience allows me to understand which properties are comparable, what your property is worth, and I will help you get the best value for your property.

The down payment you need to make will depend on the total price of the home you’re buying.

• Homes under $500,000 require a 5% down payment 
• More expensive homes can increase to 10%
• Property worth $1,000,000 or more require a 20% down payment.

If you are able to put down 20% of the purchase price, you don’t need to pay for CMHC insurance.

A high credit score is crucial to getting the loan you need to buy a home. While you can still secure a loan with a lower credit score, large financial institutions grade borrowers based on their credit, capital, capacity, character, and collateral.

A good credit score will help you secure better interest rates on your mortgage, as you will be qualified to borrow with preferred rates from the larger financial institutions.

You should think carefully about whether you opt for a fixed-rate or variable-rate mortgage. A fixed-rate loan involves you paying one agreed-upon price for the duration of the loan. On the other hand, with a variable-rate loan, the rate will change depending on how the market for mortgage rates shifts. 

Not sure what to choose? An experienced mortgage advisor can help you make the right choice.

As a buyer, there are several closing costs you will incur as part of a sale.

• Property Purchase Tax (PPT). You will need to pay this tax, which is calculated based on the purchase price of your new home.
• Title Insurance. If you’re taking out a loan on your home, chances are that your lender will require title insurance to protect themselves. Usually, this fee will cost around $200, and must be purchased through your lawyer.
• Taxes on your CMHC Insurance. You will have to pay the tax on your loan’s insurance, though your mortgage will cover the insurance itself.
• Legal fees. Your real estate lawyer’s fee will vary depending on how complicated the process was.

As we move further into the buying process, I can provide more details to simplify the process.

As a first-time home buyer, you will receive a variety of benefits designed to help new buyers ease into their new home life. First-time buyers are eligible for bonus tax credits, as well as special mortgage rates and buyer programs that can save you thousands of dollars. 

Working with a Professional Mortgage Broker will provide more details. 

When you’re spending hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars on a home, it’s reasonable to be worried that you might not be getting the best deal on the market.

As a realtor with years of experience, I have a deep understanding of local real estate markets in Langley. I’ll take the time to determine what you’re looking for in a home and show you comparable houses in the market.

I can help you buy a home in Langley that fits your budget, needs, and unique expectations.

One of the hardest decisions when buying a home is deciding between a new build and an older home. There are distinct advantages to each. Newer homes will feature modern finishes, but often come command a higher price. In contrast, an older home may be cheaper, but you may need to make upgrades to modernize it.

Remember, your home is a long-term investment, so it’s an important decision that requires a lot of planning.

In my experience as a Realtor, it’s not uncommon for sellers to overlook specific details of a home. It takes an experienced eye real estate agent to help you ask the right questions about a home. I’ve helped many buyers find suitable homes that meet their criteria.

Many buyers often settle for a home that’s budget-friendly and commit to it before analyzing all the important details. Before committing to a home, I recommend that we take a step back and ask the important questions:

• Is the house the right size for your family?
• Do you plan to expand your family?
• How long is your commute?
• Is the neighbourhood developed? Will it be in the coming years?
• What do you like about the house and neighbourhood?

Whether you have a family or not, the surrounding community can significantly impact your enjoyment of your home.

I work with you to help you decide what kind of neighbourhood you need. I’ll help you find the right neighbourhood based on your needs.

Even the best house on the market will need some adjustments before it’s ready to be your home. In my experience, buyers should be liberal when creating a renovation budget. You should be meticulous when you’re looking for flaws in the home that you will end up fixing.

If you have a good plan for handling renovations, you can expect your transition to your new home to be quick and stress-free.