How to Buy a Home in 2020?

If you have decided that 2020 is the year that you will finally become a homeowner, then congratulations! You have made an important decision that will affect your and your family’s future for years to come. But if this is your first home, you may not know where to start. That’s why we have put together this handy checklist to help you purchase a home in 2020.

 
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage.
 

Before you start looking at MLS listings or cruising neighbourhoods for “for sale” signs, you need to get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will tell you exactly how much of a home you can afford – and besides, most real estate agents won’t work with you until you take this important step. While you can simply go to your bank to get pre-approved for a mortgage, it is strongly recommended that you instead go to a mortgage broker who can help you find the best mortgage for you. 

Your mortgage broker can also let you know what programs you might be eligible for such as the Home Buyers Plan and the First Time Homebuyers Incentive. 

 
Determine How Much You Want to Spend.
 

Now that you know the maximum amount you can afford to spend on a home, determine how much you actually want to spend. Remember, that you don’t have to spend the full amount that you were pre-approved for. Take a look at some of the costs of owning a home such as property taxes, utilities, maintenance, etc. and create a realistic budget for yourself. 

 
Start House Hunting. 
 

Once you have an idea of your price range, it is time to start house hunting. Check listings in areas that you are interested in living in. At this point you may want to enlist the services of a real estate agent. You will likely be able to get some good recommendations on who to work with from your friends or family or even from your mortgage broker. 

 
Make an Offer. 
 

Once you find a home that you would like to purchase, it is time to make an offer. Your real estate agent will help you with this and advise you on the kind of offer you should be making based on the current market conditions. If your offer is accepted, you will require a real estate lawyer to help you finalize the sale and transfer the home to your name. If your offer is not accepted, you’ll have to go back to house hunting until you find another home that you would like to make an offer on. 

If you are ready to get started on your house buying journey, contact Matrix Mortgage Global today to get pre-approved for a mortgage!