Step 1: Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you begin house hunting, meet with a mortgage broker or bank to get pre-approved. This helps determine your maximum budget based on your income, credit score, debts, and down payment. In Vancouver, a minimum down payment is 5% for homes under $500,000 CAD, and 10% for the portion between $500,000 and $1 million CAD. For homes over $1 million CAD, at least 20% is required. Pre-approval also strengthens your offer when competing with other buyers.
Step 2: Define Your Needs and Work with a Realtor
Make a list of must-haves (location, size, amenities, school zones) and preferences (views, transit access). Then, hire a licensed Vancouver real estate agent who knows the local market and can guide you through listings, negotiations, and paperwork.
Step 3: Start House Hunting
Begin viewing homes that fit your criteria. Your agent will schedule private showings or open house visits. In competitive markets like Vancouver, be prepared to act quickly when a good listing appears.
Step 4: Make an Offer
Once you find the right property, your agent will help you draft an Offer to Purchase. This usually includes:
Offer price
Deposit amount (typically 5% of the purchase price)
Subject conditions, like financing approval, home inspection, or strata document review
Completion and possession dates
Step 5: Conduct Due Diligence
If your offer is accepted with conditions, now is the time to do your homework:
Home inspection: Hire a certified inspector to evaluate the property's condition.
Financing: Finalize your mortgage with the lender.
Strata documents (for condos or townhomes): Review minutes, financials, bylaws, and contingency funds.
Once all conditions are satisfied, you'll remove subjects—this makes the deal binding.
Step 6: Prepare for Closing Costs
Set aside 3–5% of the purchase price for closing expenses, which may include:
Property Transfer Tax (PTT): 1% on the first $200K CAD, 2% up to $2M CAD, and more above. First-time buyers may qualify for exemptions.
Legal fees and disbursements: Paid to your lawyer or notary for transferring title (approx. $1,000–$2,000 CAD).
Home appraisal: Required by some lenders.
Title insurance: Protects against title fraud or errors.
GST: 5% on new construction (resale homes are exempt).
Foreign Buyer Tax: 20% for non-residents purchasing in Metro Vancouver.
Step 7: Close the Deal
Your lawyer or notary handles final documents, ensures the title is transferred, and registers the sale with the BC Land Title Office. You’ll provide your remaining down payment and sign mortgage papers. On completion day, funds are transferred. On possession day, you receive the keys!
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