7 Easy Steps to Buying a Home in Vancouver

Buying a home in Vancouver is a huge investment. Whether you're a first time home buyer in BC or it's your fifth time looking for a new place to own, searching through hundreds of Vancouver real estate listings by yourself can make the whole process feel needlessly daunting. Here are 7 easy steps to successfully buy a home from Paul Eviston - a Top Remax Vancouver real estate agent. Enjoy!

Step 01

Ask yourself some basic real estate questions

There are a few questions you have to answer before you can start actively looking for a new place to buy. These include: How much money are you willing to spend? Which Vancouver neighbourhood do you prefer? Which features of your prospective home are non-negotiable must-haves?

Step 02

Choose the right Vancouver REALTOR®

Not all real estate agents are created equally. In fact, finding the right realtor is one of the most important things you can do when buying a new home. Although scanning bus benches and collecting business cards at open houses are one option, we suggest doing your research online to figure out which realtor will work best for you. Choose one with a recognized REALTOR® designation. Just make sure to interview a few potential candidates in person before making your final decision.

Step 03

Start searching Vancouver with your real estate agent

Once you have chosen a Vancouver REALTOR®, it’s time to start actively looking for your new home. Given your specifications and budget, the REALTOR® will start narrowing down the homes in your price range and present you with their top picks to look at online or in their office. After you’ve chosen a few that you’re interested in, you and your REALTOR® will attend their open houses to see the property first hand.

Step 04

Make an offer on a home

Once you find a home that you wish to purchase, it’s time to make an offer. Your REALTOR® will guide you through the whole process of making and negotiating a fair proposal. Feel free to ask them any questions you may have during this time – your REALTOR® should be more than happy to explain the process and terminology in more detail.

Step 05

Choose a home mortgage

There are tons of places to get a mortgage – banks, credit unions etc. – and finding the right one for you takes both patience and diligent research. Check our Real Estate Resources. Don’t be afraid to call as many places as possible to suss out the best rate.

Step 06

Sell your current home with a real estate agent

If you haven’t already sold your old home, now is the time to do so. Choose a REALTOR® that you’d like to work with and start going through the process of selling your home. For a more detailed explanation on how to sell your current home, check out “7 Easy Steps to Sell Your Home in Vancouver.”

Step 07

Congratulations! You’ve bought your new home

Once your offer has been accepted by the current owner and the paperwork and mortgage has been signed, you’ll have successful bought a new home. You’ll receive a move in date and the keys to your new place from your REALTOR® after everything has cleared. Congratulations, you are now a home owner!