Buying a home
BUY with me
Find a home that fits your life and a price you understand. I’ll help you ask the right questions, compare your options and make your next move with confidence.
Buying with Joe
Find the right FIT for you.
As we explore homes, we’ll talk about how each one could fit your everyday life. We’ll consider the layout, condition, neighbourhood and recent sales together, with time to work through your questions.
We’ll start with your budget, your wish list and what you’re hoping for in your next home. From there, I’ll help you focus your search and guide you through each stage of the purchase.
First-time buyers
Your FIRST home, step by step.
You don’t need to know the process before we start. We’ll cover the costs, the paperwork and the questions worth asking, one step at a time.
- Your budget and monthly ownership costs
- Down payment and closing costs
- First-time buyer programs and eligibility
- Condo, townhouse or detached home
- Mortgage, legal and inspection support
The buying process
Six steps to your next HOME.
From figuring out your budget to getting the keys.
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Budget and pre-approval
Start with your lender’s pre-approval, expected costs and a budget you’re comfortable carrying.
Budget discussion, lender introductions -
Focus your search
We’ll narrow down the locations, home types and features that suit your plans.
Priorities, neighbourhood shortlist -
View homes
Walk through the options, compare what you see and flag questions that need answers.
Showings, property questions -
Plan your offer
We’ll discuss price, conditions, deposit and timing before you decide what to offer.
Comparable sales, offer strategy -
Work through conditions
Keep financing, inspections and any required document reviews moving toward their deadlines.
Lender, lawyer, inspector coordination -
Prepare for closing
We’ll coordinate the final steps with your lawyer and lender as closing approaches.
Follow-up, closing coordination
What I do for buyers
GUIDANCE along the way.
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Neighbourhood insight
Explore the location, nearby amenities and recent sales to understand how a home fits your plans.
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Price perspective
Compare the asking price with relevant sales so your offer starts with evidence.
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Negotiation
Work through price, conditions and timing with your priorities in view.
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Coordination
Keep the right people involved as financing, inspections and legal work move forward.
From clients
Found a new home, closed the deal on the perfect house.
A late review, from summer/fall 2019, Listed my house for sale and got asking as promised by Joe. found a new home, closed the deal on the perfect house and Joe did amazing work during negotiations. 5⭐️ All around service with the Jesse and Joe team.
“Joe is very knowledgeable and dedicated. He made the process stress-free and seamless.”
“Excellent service—Quick and always available. Highly professional and extremely honest. Always helpful in every aspect. We will always go to them.”
Questions
Buyers ASK me
How much do I need for a down payment?
For an eligible home purchase, the minimum is 5% up to $500,000. Above $500,000 and below $1.5 million, it’s 5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the rest. At $1.5 million or more, it’s 20%. Your lender may require more, and mortgage insurance usually applies below 20%. I’ll help you consider closing costs alongside your down payment, with your lender confirming what you qualify for.
Do I pay you as a buyer?
The payment arrangement is set out in your buyer representation agreement. It explains the services, agreement dates, brokerage fees and when you could owe money. A seller may offer to cover some or all of those fees, but that isn’t guaranteed. Before you sign, I’ll explain the arrangement, including what happens if the seller’s contribution falls short.
How long does buying usually take?
Your search could be quick or take time, depending on your budget, availability and how specific your needs are. Once an offer is accepted, the closing date is agreed with the seller. We’ll plan around your financing, any conditions and your preferred move date, then adjust as the right opportunities come up.
Should I sell first or buy first?
It depends on your finances, timing and how easy it will be to find your next home. Selling first gives you a clearer idea of your available funds. Buying first secures your next place but can mean carrying two properties. We’ll discuss both options with your lender’s input before deciding on the order that suits you.
What happens on offer night?
When a seller sets an offer date, we’ll prepare your price, conditions and limits beforehand. If you submit an offer, you’re entitled to know how many competing offers there are. The seller decides whether to share any offer contents; personal or identifying information cannot be shared. I’ll explain the information available and help you decide whether to proceed, revise your offer or step back.
Work with Joe
LET’S talk about your move.
Share what you have in mind, and we’ll explore the next steps together.