Buying step by step
What happens between the first viewing and the day you collect the keys.
From the first viewing to the keys
A typical purchase with a mortgage takes two to three months (sample).
Before you look
Know your budget
Talk to a lender about pre-approval so you know the price range you can offer in.
Weeks 1 to 4
Viewings
We book viewings and open houses and tell you what sold nearby.
Offer
Make an offer
We write the offer with you: price, deposit, conditions and closing date.
Weeks 1 to 3 after
Inspection and appraisal
A home inspector and the lender’s appraiser visit the house.
30 to 45 days
Closing
Sign at the title company and collect the keys.
Questions from buyers
Do I need to be pre-approved before a viewing?
No. You can see any home first. Before you make an offer, most sellers want to see a lender’s pre-approval letter.
Can I see a home that is under offer?
Yes, until the sale closes. Ask the agent how far the sale has gone; some sellers accept back-up offers.
What does the buyer pay?
Your lender’s costs, the inspection, title insurance and your share of the closing costs. Your buyer’s agent fee is agreed in writing before the first viewing.
Can you tell me about homes that are not listed yet?
Yes. Tell us the street and what you need, and the agent for that neighbourhood will call you before a new listing goes live.
See a house this week
Viewings run every day from 9:00 to 19:00 and take about half an hour. Tell us the address and a time that suits you.