Buying

Let Me Help You Every Step Of the Way.

Finding that perfect home is not an easy task, and obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process. Make the commitment to reach that home-purchasing goal, and the rewards you can achieve are unquestionable.

Assisting you every step of the way, I'll make the process of purchasing a home in Vancouver easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. I will take you through to the different neighbourhood’s, and explain the Micro markets. I'll help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you locate and assess properties for sale in Vancouver that match your specifications, and guide you through the myriad of details attending the actual purchase.

I will act solely on your behalf, and have a legal obligation to uphold the integrity of you, while protecting, and promoting your interests. Buyers Agency Agreement and the Working with a Realtor pamphlet (mandatory from the Real Estate Council of BC).

There is no charge for this service, as these fees come from the proceeds of the sales transaction.

Loan Pre-Approval

Written pre-approval with your local Bank, a mortgage company, or a Mortgage Broker. While getting pre-approved may sound daunting, it actually just involves getting an idea of what you can afford. When you're pre-approved, this means that a lender has reviewed your credit history, verified your assets and employment, and has approved your loan before you've found a Vancouver home to purchase.

Pre-approval gives you substantial leverage: Sellers immediately see you as a serious buyer. Not only will you know the exact price range you can afford, but you'll also be able to negotiate a better deal and move more quickly when you see a Vancouver home you like. Depending upon market conditions, a seller may lean towards an unconditional offer, so you'll have less negotiating power if you have to wait for mortgage approval. Banks and financial institutions have developed many programs catered specifically to home buyers. Once you review your needs and objectives with a lending officer, you'll be one step closer to purchasing your home in Vancouver.

Contact me and I'll be happy to refer you to a Vancouver mortgage professional with an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients.

Your Next Step:

Let’s talk about and define the reasons why you want to purchase a new home to determine the style of home you prefer. We can then discuss the areas in Vancouver that you may want to live. As we look, this may change, and our search will evolve as we get acquainted.

Develop a need vs. wants list. Basic needs should be considered first. After these have been established, you can consider additional features if you can manage these benefits financially. You'll have a good idea of what you want, the features within your price range, and whether or not you can afford those additional items. As we tour, you will become the expert on the different per square foot prices of each area. We will zero in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider location, checking out the neighbourhoods you’re considering, and ask around. What amenities does the area have to offer? Are there schools, churches, parks, or grocery stores within reach? Consider visiting schools in the area if you have children. How will you be affected by a new commute to work? Are there infrastructure projects in development? All of these factors will influence the way you experience your new home, so I will ensure you're well-acquainted with the surrounding area before purchasing. To learn more about what to look for in a new neighbourhood, please visit my Special Reports section!

Let Me Find the Perfect Vancouver Home for You

Once you've been pre-approved and know what price range you plan to stay within, I can help you determine which locations and properties that fit your needs and wants. Here's your chance to be notified of all new listings that meet your search criteria, absolutely FREE!

Your Private Member account will notify you of newly entered or updated listings that meet your search criteria. If you have questions about using a Private Client Services account, or would like to view properties when they become available, please let us know.

To have your PCS account created and activated, complete the member form under the properties section.
Start your search now!

Completion Costs:

Property Transfer Tax: This tax is 1% on the first $200,000 of the sale price and 2% on the remainder. First-time buyers may be exempt from paying this tax.
Prepaid property taxes, strata fees, or utility bills: You will have to reimburse the sellers for any thus prepaid.
Mortgage loan insurance and application fee: If you get a high-ratio mortgage, (a mortgage where you pay less than a 25% down payment), you will have to buy mortgage loan insurance from CMHC (Canadian Mortgage & Housing Corporation) or a private company. Please view the CMHC website for valuable information. You will also have to pay an application fee. CMHC's standard fee is $235. CMHC also offers a basic service for a $75, but it must be accompanied by an appraisal.
Appraisal: Before your lender approves your mortgage, you may be required to have an appraisal done. (Sometimes your lender covers this cost;so negotiate), otherwise, you are responsible for covering this cost. The fee ranges from $300.
Survey fee: Usually for houses, your lender may require an up-to-date survey of the property. If the Seller did not provide you with one, you will have to pay to have one done. The fee ranges from $150 to $350.
Home Inspection fee: Most realtors recommend that you get a home inspection done by a certified home inspector. It will usually cost you around $300 or more for a smaller property. Larger properties generally cost more.
Legal fees: Notary fees start at $800 + GST, Lawyers usually more, choose according to the complexity of the home.
Disbursements to Land Titles Office: These fees are approximately $300, including legal fees. Your lawyer/notary will arrange this payment.
GST (Goods & Services Tax) soon to be HST: If you buy a newly constructed home, you must pay the 5% GST. However, if your house is less than $450,000 you may be eligible for a rebate. There is no GST on resale housing unless there have been substantial renovations to the property.

I Will Help You Every Step Of The Way

As a top Vancouver Realtor with years of experience and a proven track record, it is my job to guide you through this complicated process, from beginning to end. Please use my special reports as your home buyer’s toolkit. Open it up, take a look around, and if you like, start equipping yourself with the tools necessary to make your best purchase. In most businesses, knowledge equals power, and real estate is certainly no exception.

I hope you enjoy the free reports I’ve provided, and I hope you learn a little more about what it takes to make your important purchase a great one.

The real estate market in Vancouver is certainly volatile, and all of the information about buying a home can be overwhelming. I can help.

When you're ready to act, contact me.
I look forward to working with you.
Thanks for stopping by,
John

John Kowalchuk