There are four important dates in a real estate transaction. They are the Acceptance Date, Subject Removal Date, the Completion Date, and the Possession Date. They can be set a day apart from each other or a year apart, but they must come in the order that you see them in this paragraph.

Budgeting for a new home can be tricky.  Not only are there mortgage installments and the down payment to consider, there are a host of other—sometimes unexpected—expenses to add to the equation.  The last thing you want is to be caught financially unprepared, blindsided by taxes and other hidden costs on closing day.

There is no set equation to determine how you’ll reach an offer price.  Rather, the process involves a range of research and comparison that will vary with each situation.  You’ll need to look at sales of comparable properties, and factor in additional data such as the condition of the property, the current market, and seller circumstances.  With this information in hand, you will be able to determine a fair price range and, from there, establish the price you’re willing to offer.

Each homebuyer has different ideas of what will constitute the ideal home for them, these notions often based on particular aesthetic preferences.  But one thing that unites all potential homebuyers is the desire to find a home that is fundamentally sound—in areas beyond the immediate sweep of the eye—and that will provide a safe, comfortable, and efficient foundation for their life behind a new door. 

There are two very different kinds of needs that people have while moving. First there are the transactional needs, like finding the home that is just right for them, finding a seller who is realistic, negotiating the price, filling out the paperwork, handling the closing, and arranging for the move. But there are also emotional needs that are involved when moving, and this is where the biggest stress comes in. Any competent agent will handle the transactional needs for you, but if your emotional needs are unfulfilled, you'll be frustrated and may not act in your own best interests.

11 Closing Costs to Consider (1). Property Transfer Tax: This tax is payable on the purchase of all real estate property in BC. The amount is based on 1% of the purchase price up to $200k and 2% of any amount above $200k. Most first time home buyers are exempt from this if they meet certain criteria. The main criteria are: a) have never owned a principal residence anywhere: b) max purchase price of $425K. A partial exemption is available for purchases costs $425-$450K.