A lot of prospective homebuyers do not know where to start or what to look for when buying a new home.  Here is a basic step by step guide that will help you on your way:

Decide what you want – depending on your situation and lifestyle different amenities will reflect the areas which will be of the most benefit. However, this has to be balanced against the price range in which you can qualify or feel comfortable being in.

Get a pre-qualification – nothing feels worse than finding the ideal home in the perfect area, and then not being able to get the financing to close the deal.  A pre-qualification will provide as a reality check prior to mapping out your life in a home that you cannot afford.
Find a realtor – although not imperative, a realtor knows the process inside out, knows how to negotiate a deal, and possesses a wealth of information and contacts that can answer your questions and put you at ease.  INVIS can recommend a realtor to you, as well as any other related professional you need – lawyer, appraiser, insurer etc.

Get a written pre-approval – By calling, filling out an online application, or speaking to one of our Mortgage Consultants you can be pre-approved by any one of our numerous lending partners.  After that, there is no more worry about the ability to complete your home transaction.

Go out and get that house – it’s now time to go out and find the home that fits all of your criteria.  Remember, use your realtor or any other information source as much as possible to ensure that you are getting what you are bargaining for.
Negotiate an offer on the property – if you are not using a realtor, or you want to have a better understanding of the negotiation that is taken place, read “Negotiating Tactics and Strategies Can Make or Break The Home Sale”.

Finalize an offer on the property – After a successful negotiation, you now have your home.  To finalize the deal you need to have the home inspected by a professional home inspector, and you need to get a lawyer.  We can provide you with all these contacts, and can help you take care of the details.  Our association with Canadian Lawyers Network (link to CLN page), a national association of law firms that specialize in real estate and mortgage transactions, ensures that you receive top quality service at extremely competitive pricing.

Be prepared – As your closing day comes closer and closer, don’t forget all the other things that need to be done – i.e. fire insurance,.  At INVIS we help you to ensure that the mortgage transaction goes smoothly and with as little stress as possible.  Don’t forget to Read our “Moving Tips” (link to Moving Tips) to help you end the entire process on your move into your new home.