There are many necessary costs to purchasing a home, and a home inspection is one you definitely shouldn’t skip.  

• It Provides an “Out” - A quality home inspection will reveal critical information about a house.  THis allows you to be aware of what costs, repairs and maintenance the home may require immediately. If you aren’t comfortable with the findings, it usually presents on las opportunity to back out of the offer to purchase.

• Safety - A home inspection can detect safety issues like radon, carbon monoxide, and mould.  

• Reveal Illegal Additions or Installations - A home inspection can reveal whether rooms, altered garages or basements were completed without proper permit, or did not follow code. This can affect insurances,

Buying a home is likely going to be the largest purchase of your life, and the total cost goes beyond just the purchase price.  Here’s what you can expect for costs associated with your purchase.

• LAND TRANSFER TAX | .5-2% of value

• When a home changes hands, many provinces and a few municipalities, charge a property transfer tax, or title transfer fee.  It can add thousands to your purchase price. (First time home buyers qualify for rebates or exemptions in some provinces)

• APPRAISAL FEE | around $500

• Your lender may ask you to have a home appraised to confirm its market value.  Fees vary depending on a property’s value and complexity… CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING

• LEGAL FEES | $500-$800

• A lawyer or

Before you start house hunting, be sure you are comfortable with the obvious and less obvious costs of home-ownership.

The Price Range

The first thing you need to do is determine how much you can afford. Being pre-approved for a mortgage can help set a guideline for your monthly mortgage payment. Keep in mind one-third of a mortgage payment includes property tax and any other secondary financing or condominium management fees, if applicable.

Test this guideline by reviewing your current spending. Do you, for instance, have a commitment to a car or personal loan ? How much do you spend on rent, clothing, transportation, entertainment and travel? Would the guideline mortgage payment still be comfortable considering these expenses? 

Looking

Renting and buying are distinctly different experiences. You may already know some of the reasons you'd like to buy your first home. Or maybe you have some reasons for wanting to continue to rent.

It helps to consider both sides before you make a decision. After all, buying a home is most likely the biggest investment you've ever made. Renting or buying - which is better for your current situation? Only you can make the decision that's right for you! Click to view our side by side comparison.

For many Canadians buying a home is the single largest investment in their lifetime.

You’re excited and stressed – not only because of the financial commitment but because it’s about a place and a community that you have set your heart on.  It is during this emotional time you will meet with a lender to arrange the mortgage and you will also be asked to purchase Mortgage Insurance. If you’re like many people, you may have overlooked insurance in the home buying process.

Buying a home is an exciting time! But ensure you are making an informed decision about protecting your investment, and your future. So what is the difference between Mortgage Insurance and Life Insurance?  Click here to view our side by side comparison.

Welcome 118 Blakeney Crescent Saskatoon.  This well kept home is looking for a new owner.  Built in 2006 this home has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms on a quiet crescent in confederation park.  Click here to check out the listing.

Even if you’re not planning to sell your home right away, updating and maintaining your home shows you take pride in owning it.

Clean the exterior. Dirt, grime, and cobwebs can accumulate on your home’s exterior. Use a pressure washer to remove the buildup and give your home a fresh look.  Wash the windows inside and out, clean gutters and doors – including your garage door.

Paint. Painting is a great way to boost your homes curb appeal.  Update your home with a coat or two of the same colour or choose a new shade.  If you choose to pant the same color you can scrape a small swatch of paint to take to the paint store to have it matched.  Also paint your doors and trim in a complimentary shade. Don’t forget to prep the surface area before you start

It is best in our current market to get a pre-approval for a mortgage.  You can go to your bank and speak to them about your options, or you can contact mobile mortgage specialists who will help you with all of your needs.

MORTGAGE TYPES/OPTIONS
It is best to speak with a professional in the mortgage industry, but some options for younger buyers are:
0% down, etc.
Do not let o% down fool you as you will need some money up front for your deposit, which will likely come from a line of credit.

5% Down Payment
The following is an excerpt from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation Website under the topic of “Mortgage Loan Insurance”:

“Get into your home sooner.  Mortgage Loan Insurance helps you do it.  Put as littles as 5% down. When you need a

Whether you’re considering remodelling worn-out surroundings, enlarging your home for a growing family or going beyond yesterday’s standards, you have important investment choices to make.

The first piece of advice is never try to renovate a part of your home, simply for the purpose of selling. You are incurring a huge risk here.  The housing market can be volatile, and you never know which amenities are going to pay-off. If you renovate for yourself, at the least you will get value simply by enjoyment of the change.

If you are looking to spruce up your home a little bit before you sell, make minor cosmetic changes like painting.  They are fast, inexpensive and involve little risk. If you know that you will be living in a home for some time, but are

Mortgage Insurance or Life Insurance?

For many Canadians buying a home is the single largest investment in their lifetime.

You’re excited and stressed – not only because of the financial commitment, but because it’s about a place and a community that you have set your heart on.  It is during this emotional time you will meet with a lender to arrange the mortgage and you will also be asked to purchase Mortgage Insurance. If you’re like many people, you may have overlooked insurance in the home buying process.

Buying a home is an exciting time! Buy ensure you are making an informed decisions about protecting your investment, and your future. So what is the difference between Mortgage Insurance and Life Insurance?