Only a BUYER'S AGENT can work for you full time and protect your interests when you are buying your home. It is important to establish this because if you do not have a “Buyer Agency Agreement” your agent might actually be working for the seller!!!

Here is what I would do as your “Buyer’ Agent”:-

• Consult with you to establish your needs, create a prioritised list of features that you would like in your home.
• Provide you all relevant information about buying a home such as government programmes for 1^st time buyers, monthly payments, property taxes, mortgage rates etc.
• Based on your requirements I would send you details of homes available for sale by email or fax so you can check the details from the comfort of your own home or office.
• Shortlist homes based on your requirements so you don’t waste time seeing properties that do not suit your needs.
• Once you have selected a home I would prepare a “Comparative Market Analysis” based on recent sales of similar homes in the area to establish the correct purchase price for the home.
• Prepare an offer for purchase of the home and include certain conditions for your protection. I would also negotiate on your behalf to get the best terms for purchase of the home.
• Provide assistance in arranging the best available mortgage rates.
• Assist in getting a structural and maintenance inspection of the property.
• Oversee all the details of the transaction and keep you informed about every aspect of the transaction.
• Be present during the closing and ensure everything goes smoothly.

….and the best part is that all these services come at NO COST TO YOU!!!!

Both Federal and Provincial governments have established programmes to assist 1^st time home buyers. Following is a brief summary and links to detailed information about these programmes.

HOME BUYER'S PLAN (HBP)

This plan allows participants to withdraw up to $20,000 from a RRSP tax-free to be used toward the purchase of a home. If you are buying a home with your spouse or common law partner each of you can withdraw up to $20,000. This money must be repaid in a period of 15 years.

For more details about the Home Buyer’s Plan click on the link above or email me at info@varunmathur.com

ONTARIO HOME OWNERSHIP SAVINGS PLAN (OHOSP)

This programme provides a tax credit of $500 per person or $1,000 per couple in OHOSP tax credits for contributions of $2000 per person to the plan each year. The savings accumulated under this plan can be used toward the purchase of a home.

For more details about the Ontario Home Ownership Savings Plan click on the link above or email me at info@varunmathur.com

HOME BUYING STEP BY STEP

Eight essential steps involved in purchasing a home including: determining your requirements, calculating costs, arranging a mortgage and preparing an offer. It’s filled with handy worksheets and checklists to help you make the right decisions.

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A REALTOR 

A home is one of the biggest purchases you will make in your lifetime. It can be a confusing process. That's why it is important to enlist the services of a porfessional who can guide you through your purchase.