The List of professionals
The Real Estate Agent
No one will play a more important role in helping you find a home than your real estate agent.
Your real estate agent's job is to:
- Help you find the ideal home.
- Write an Offer of Purchase.
- Negotiate on your behalf to help you get the best possible deal.
- Provide you with important information about the community, arrange and
The Lender
If you haven’t already gone through the mortgage pre-qualification process, you will need to find a good lender to assist you during the purchasing process and for as long as you have your mortgage. Remember that many different institutions lend money for mortgages. It’s a good idea to shop around and speak with more than one lender because terms and options will vary. Some people find it helpful to use a mortgage broker. Mortgages brokers don’t work for any specific lending institution. Their role is to find the lender with the terms and rates that will best suit the buyer.
The Lawyer
You need a lawyer to protect your legal interests such as ensuring the property you are thinking of buying does not have any building or statutory liens or charges or work or clean-up orders associated with it. He or she will review all contracts before you sign them, especially the Offer (or Agreement) to Purchase. Having a lawyer involved in the process will give you peace of mind and ensure that things go as smoothly as possible. Lawyer’s fees range widely and depend on the complexity of the transaction.
The Home Inspector
You should consider having any home you are thinking of buying inspected by a knowledgeable and professional inspector. The home inspector’s role is to inform you on the property’s condition. He will tell you if something is not functioning properly, needs to be changed or is unsafe. You will also be informed of repairs that need to be done and he/she may even be able to tell you where there may have been problems in the past.
Every inspection should include an evaluation of at least the following:
- Foundation
- Doors and windows
- Roof and exterior walls
- Attics
- Plumbing and electrical systems
- Heating and air conditioning systems
- Ceilings, walls and floors
- Insulation
- Ventilation
- Septic tanks, wells or sewer lines
- Any other buildings such as a detached garage
- The lot, including drainage away from buildings, slopes and natural vegetation
Home inspector fees generally range around
$400, depending on the size and condition of the home.