Buying a home is a journey.

There are lots of new and unfamiliar challenges to navigate. Your path may not take you where you expect. There are twists and turns.

But your Realtor® is there to be your guide.

Step by step, they will help you get to your dream home destination.

The journey is not the same for everyone, which is why it helps to have a Realtor who can keep you on track.

Buying a Home: A Step-by-Step Process

Are you thinking of moving, but feeling unsure about where to begin?

Let us walk you through the typical home-buying process to help you understand what you need to do.

1. Consult a Realtor

These days, many people will begin browsing real estate listings online long before they have any contact with a Realtor.

But finding a good Realtor before you start looking too seriously will optimize your chances of finding (and getting) your dream home. When you meet with your Realtor, they will talk to you about your priorities and wants, and they will create a tailored listing alert to notify you about any properties that meet those criteria, saving you valuable searching time. They can also tell you a lot about the market and help you to strategize effectively.

Besides, if you are scanning online listing pages, you don’t want to be caught unprepared if you suddenly see something you want to buy. Properties have been flying off the market in Ottawa recently. If you aren’t prepared to have your Realtor make you an offer, you might miss your chance.

2. Get pre-approved

Before you buy, it’s always a good idea to meet with a mortgage lender.

Get a pre-approval so that you know what your maximum budget will be. And use this information wisely. Don’t start by looking for houses at the top of your budget. Many homes are going above asking price these days. Plus there are always other fees involved with buying a house: appraisals, inspections, lawyer fees, etc.

Knowing your budget will simplify your search and help you to craft better purchase offers.

The last thing you want is to move into a home you can’t afford.

3. Start the search

Talk to your Realtor about what you are looking for, and start reviewing listings.

This can easily be done through personalized search alert emails. But your Realtor will also look over current market listings with you to see what suits your needs.

During this stage, your Realtor can be a big help by gathering information and answering questions, booking showings, and accompanying you to open houses.

Don’t rush into anything. Seriously consider what will work for you, and don’t be afraid to talk things over with your Realtor. They will always be available for a quick call.

4. Make an offer

Once you find a home you want to purchase, your Realtor is your greatest ally. They will help you put together a strong offer strategy to give you the best chance of getting the house you want. They know the area and the market better than anyone.

But remember, your Realtor works for you. If there is anything in the offer that you are not comfortable with, you still have the right to ask them to change it. Ultimately, this is your money and your future home. You need to be happy with it.

5. Close the deal

Once you sign the paperwork and your offer gets accepted, your real estate lawyer and Realtor will work together to make sure that it all gets filed properly.

At this stage, you will complete any walkthrough, appraisals, or inspections as needed. You will also need to make sure that any other offer conditions are met before the closing date. Again, your Realtor is there to help you make sure that it all gets done.

Once the deal is complete, the house is yours. You’ve finally made it home.