When buying houses, condos, or townhouses in Vancouver, following the right steps is crucial to ensuring a successful purchase. After all, this is your future home. Below, I've organized what I believe are the 10 essential steps to achieving your desired result. Take a look, and feel free to call me with any questions.

1. Know What You Need and Be Ready Before You Start Shopping
   Make sure you’re prepared. Decide on your wants and needs, and create a list of what your dream home should include—perhaps a 5-piece bathroom suite, 4 bedrooms, a pool, and a south-facing backyard for plenty of summer sun. Consider whether you prefer an urban, suburban, or rural setting. By listing your "needs" alongside your "desires," we can both have a clear understanding, minimizing the chances of settling for less

2. Don't Shop Without a Pre-Approved Mortgage
   Get pre-approved to speed up the qualifying process. Knowing how much your bank will lend you is crucial, especially during a bidding war with buyers who are not pre-approved. Ensure you receive a firm commitment in writing from your lender to avoid any potential backtracking.

3. Find a Realtor on the North Shore Who Is Perfect for You
   As a licensed professional, I can provide you with all the necessary information on properties that might suit you. With my experience helping various buyers and sellers, I can guide you through the process. When you hire me, you're also gaining access to a network of professionals, including lawyers, lenders, inspectors, and more. I will become an expert on your specific needs and preferences as we work towards finding your ideal home.

4. Let's Go Tour!
   With your dream list in hand, I will utilize all the tools available to me as a Realtor to find the perfect home for you. Whether we find something that excites you right away or not, know that your dream home is out there, and I will help you find it. You can also search MLS listings on my website to adjust your search criteria as needed.

5. Let's List Your Home!
   If you need to sell your current home, let's get it listed. Most people can't hold onto two homes, so it's essential to sell your current one. Check out my "Tips for Listing & Selling Your Home" page. We can make your offer conditional on the sale of your existing home.

6. The Comparative Market Evaluation
   Once we find a home that fits your dream list, I will provide a complimentary, detailed Comparative Market Evaluation. This evaluation includes a list of active, sold, and expired homes to determine if the seller's asking price is reasonable in today’s market.

7. You Have an Offer
   Congratulations! You’ve found a home you want to make yours. We’ll draft the offer using the Contract of Purchase and Sale, which I will present to the listing agent or seller on your behalf. I’ll negotiate to secure the best price for you. A deposit will be required to demonstrate the seriousness of your offer.

8. The Contract of Purchase & Sale
   We’ll include clauses and conditions that are important to you, such as completion dates, inspection reports, and a home appraisal required by your financial institution. Once you agree to the terms and conditions, you must fulfill the obligations and remove the subjects. At this point, the home becomes yours.

9. Find a Lawyer or Notary Public
   You’ll need a lawyer or notary public to handle the conveyance, which transfers the property title to your name. Ask about their fee structure and request an estimate of any additional costs. For more information, see my Extra Costs Guide page.

10. Get Ready to Move!
    You’ll take possession of your new property at 12 noon on the specified date. To ensure a smooth transition, have all utilities and home insurance transferred in advance.

Move In! Congratulations!