Tips for Buyers
Walk in ready, and you'll buy with confidence.
- Get pre-approved firstBefore you fall in love with a home, talk to a mortgage broker or your bank. A pre-approval tells you exactly what you can afford, locks in a rate for a while, and shows sellers your offer is serious.
- Know your full budgetThe price is only part of the story. Add in closing costs, moving, property taxes, utilities, and condo fees if there are any — then pick a home whose monthly payment still lets you sleep well at night.
- Don't skip the home inspectionAn inspection costs a few hundred dollars and can save you thousands. It checks what's hiding — the roof, the furnace, water damage, wiring — before the home is yours.
- Think about resaleBuy with tomorrow in mind. A good street, schools and parks nearby, and a layout most families like will make your home much easier to sell when life changes.
