One of the most important steps in the home-buying process is getting financially prepared. Securing a mortgage pre-approval helps you understand what you can afford, strengthens your offer to sellers, and reduces the risk of financing issues after making an offer.

Pre-qualification is a quick estimate based on basic financial details, but a pre-approval is a more detailed process where a lender verifies your income, credit, and debts to confirm how much you can borrow. You can choose to work with either a mortgage broker, who shops around for competitive rates, or a bank, which offers its own mortgage products. If you’re unsure where to start, I have plenty of contacts I can refer you to.

Finding the perfect home is a team effort. That’s why I use a combination of technology and hands-on searching to ensure you never miss a great opportunity.

Based on your budget, needs, and wants, I’ll set you up with the Collaboration Centre, which automatically emails you new listings that match your criteria. You’ll receive real-time updates on price changes and new properties, and you can favorite homes, ask questions, and request showings—all in one place.

While the Collaboration Centre is a great tool, I don’t rely on automation alone. Some homes slip through the cracks, and that’s where I come in—I’ll be actively searching for properties that might be a perfect fit for you. I’ll use my market knowledge, network, and experience to find homes that may not even be on your radar yet. If we’re having a hard time finding your perfect match, I can also help track down off-market homes that may not be publicly listed.

When we view homes together, I’ll point out any issues or concerns and provide insights into the structure and workings of the property. My knowledge of neighborhoods, market conditions, and other important factors will help guide you toward making an informed decision.

When you find the right home, we’ll put together a strong offer that includes all the necessary details. The key components of an offer include price, deposit, conditions (such as financing, home inspection, insurance quote, city documents, and strata documents for strata properties), included items, closing dates (possession typically happens one day after completion), title to the property, and reviewing the property disclosure statement.

Once we have approval from the bank and all other conditions have been satisfied, we will "waive or remove" the conditions, firming up the sale. This is when the sold sign goes up. Conditions are usually open for anywhere from 7 to 14 days, depending on the complexity of the offer. Your offer can be accepted, rejected, or countered by the seller, and I’ll help guide you through the negotiation process.

Once your offer is accepted, it’s time to complete your due diligence to ensure the home is a sound investment. This includes finalizing financing, scheduling a home inspection, obtaining an insurance quote, and, if needed, consulting specific trades such as a plumber, electrician, carpenter, or roofer to assess potential concerns. I have a network of trusted professionals ready to help with a phone call, making the process smooth and efficient.

Once all conditions have been removed, the sale is firm, and it's time to prepare for possession day. One of the most important steps is arranging a notary or lawyer to handle the conveyancing—the legal transfer of the property into your name. They will review documents, confirm financial details, and ensure everything is in order before you take possession. It’s best to arrange this well in advance to avoid last-minute delays.

In the days leading up to closing, there are a few things to take care of. You’ll need to transfer utilities such as hydro, gas, and water into your name, arrange for internet, cable, and home security, and ensure your home insurance is set up to start on the completion date. If you need movers or a rental truck, booking in advance will help ensure a smooth transition. Canada Post also allows you to set up mail forwarding so that nothing gets lost in the move.

Closer to completion day, your lender will coordinate with your notary or lawyer to finalize mortgage details, and you’ll provide the remaining down payment and closing costs. Once everything is signed and processed, ownership officially transfers to you. Possession typically happens the day after completion, meaning you’ll get the keys once the sale has fully closed. I’ll be there to make sure everything runs smoothly and to hand you the keys to your new home!

Congratulations! You’re now a homeowner. But my job doesn’t stop there—whether you need recommendations for trades, movers, or anything else, I’m always here to help. If you ever have questions down the road, don’t hesitate to reach out. Welcome to your new home!