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Buying a property

It starts with a feeling.

A home might feel right from the moment you walk through the door. My role is to look beyond that first feeling, notice the things that are easy to miss and make sure you have the information you need to decide whether it feels right in all the ways that matter.

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Front door of a character home in Ottawa, framed by brick and greenery

The buying journey

Everything between hello and home.

Step 01

Connect

This first conversation is about you: what has you thinking about a move, what you hope to find and what would make the process feel comfortable.

Step 02

Prepare

I’ll help you understand the numbers, connect you with a mortgage professional and walk you through the paperwork before listings start landing in your inbox.

Step 03

Explore

Now the search begins to take shape. You’ll tour homes, explore different neighbourhoods and start noticing which details make a place feel like yours.

Step 04

Decide

When a home stands out, I’ll help you slow down and look at it from every angle. That means asking questions, spotting concerns and putting together an offer that feels right for you.

Step 05

Come home

Once the offer is firm, I’ll keep everything moving, help coordinate the final details and stay close until the keys are in your hands.

Kitchen in an Ottawa home, morning light across the counter

Important checkpoints

A few things worth knowing early.

Step 02 · Prepare

Mortgage pre-approval

A pre-approval gives your search a realistic starting point. It can help establish your budget and may hold an interest rate for a set period, but it is not a guarantee that the final mortgage will be approved.

Getting pre-approved for a mortgageFSRA mortgage application process

Closing costs

The purchase price and down payment are not the only numbers to plan for. Legal fees, land transfer tax, inspections, adjustments, insurance and moving expenses can all be part of the bigger picture, so I’ll help you think about them before they become surprises.

Ontario land transfer taxFirst-time homebuyer land transfer tax refund

Saving to buy

If buying a home is still a little further ahead, an FHSA or the Home Buyers’ Plan may help you prepare for the down payment. The rules and tax implications are different for each, so it is worth speaking with a financial or tax professional before moving money.

First Home Savings AccountHome Buyers’ Plan

Step 04 · Decide

Deposits

The deposit shows that you are serious about the offer and becomes part of the money applied toward your purchase. The amount, payment deadline and where it will be held are written into the offer, so the funds need to be accessible when you are ready to buy.

Inspections

The right inspections depend on the property. I’ll help you understand which ones matter, arrange the appropriate professionals and make sense of what their findings mean for your decision.

Home inspection

A visual review of the home’s accessible structure, systems and overall condition.

Well inspection

A closer look at the well, its equipment and the home’s water supply. Water testing may also be included as a separate condition.

Septic inspection

An assessment of the septic system and any concerns that may affect its use, maintenance or remaining life.

WETT inspection

An evaluation of a wood-burning appliance and venting system by a WETT-certified professional. You receive an inspection report, not a “WETT certificate.”

RECO home-inspection guidanceOntario private-well guidanceUnderstanding WETT inspections

Firm financing approval

A pre-approval is about you. A firm financing approval is about you and the specific property you have agreed to buy.

Before a financing condition is removed, your mortgage professional should have reviewed the signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale, confirmed the lender’s approval and explained any conditions that still need to be satisfied. Even after approval, changes to your income, employment, debt or credit can put the financing at risk.

Understanding mortgage approval

Step 05 · Come home

Lawyers

Once the purchase is firm, your lawyer takes care of the legal side of bringing it home. They review title, prepare the closing documents, handle the transfer of funds and register the property in your name.

Lawyer and Paralegal DirectoryLaw Society Referral Service

Insurance

Home insurance needs to be in place for closing, but some properties may require a little more time or information to insure. I’ll make sure it comes up early enough that it does not become a last-minute surprise.

Moving timelines

Closing day does not always run on a perfect schedule, and the keys may not be available first thing in the morning. A little flexibility with movers, deliveries and your current home can make the day feel much easier.