...where do I start?

  1. First you need to establish what you can afford.

  2. What about a down payment? How much do I need?

  3. What other costs are involved in buying a home?

  4. How will you know what I'm really looking for in a home?

  5. When I see a home I like, how do I know how much I should offer?

  6. Will I need a home inspection?

  7. Are there other issues that I should know about?

  8. What if I need other services?

  9. One last thing… 

  10. Client Testimonials


First you need to establish what you can afford.

You need to talk to your bank or a mortgage broker BEFORE you start looking and obtain a pre-approved mortgage. If you haven't already done this, I can put you in touch with some of the best people in the business. They'll help you through the entire process and have you pre-approved in no time.

 
London Ontario real estate agent Kathy AmessThere's a really big advantage to getting pre-approved. 

You'll be in a stronger position when it comes to making an offer on a home, and by talking to your lender in advance, you know exactly what interest rate you'll be paying (most lenders will be able to lock you in at a guaranteed rate for 90 days)… When you know exactly what your payments on your new home will be, at the price you are offering, that's peace of mind!

For more information about mortgages, take a look at All About Mortgages.

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What about a down payment? How much do I need?

It depends on the price of the home you’re buying.  You can buy a home with no down payment but the more money you have to put as a down payment the better. In some cases you can also borrow or use your RRSPs for a down payment to buy a home.

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What costs are involved in buying a home in London Ontario?
What other costs are involved in buying a home?

In addition to your down payment you will also need money for legal fees, land transfer tax, moving costs, and some other smaller items. These costs may vary depending on the home that you purchase. I can help you figure out how much you'll need to budget for so there are no surprises later on.

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How will you know what I'm really looking for in a home?

Simple, by asking you what you want. The very best way for us to connect is by meeting in person and discussing your needs. I am committed to investing time to meet you and listen carefully to your requests. To help that process, I have developed a comprehensive buyer's checklist of items that we can review to make sure that you have considered all of the important items, like community services, schools, transportation, as well as the features of the home itself.

If you would like a list of homes that may suit your needs, try my Homefinder.

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When I see a home I like, how do I know how much I should offer?

Making an offer on a home you really want can be a nerve wracking experience. You don't want to pay too much but on the other hand you don't want to risk losing to another purchaser who may offer more. When you're working with a professional realtor, you've got a lot of experience and knowledge on your side. I am there to represent you and give you the calm, objective advice you need. I have a wealth of information about the selling price of homes on the market, in the area, maybe even the home right next door, and will negotiate skillfully on your behalf. Only you can make the decision, but I can provide you with facts about the market so that you can feel comfortable knowing that you are making an informed decision.

 

Covering real estate London Ontario - Kathy Amess - Century 21 First Canadian Corp.Will I need a home inspection?

It is definitely worth while to ensure your peace of mind. I can recommend companies that have the integrity to perform a diligent inspection and provide you with a thorough report on the physical condition of the property that you are buying. I will also be present throughout the inspection to answer your concerns and questions. For more information on home inspections click here.

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Are there other issues that I should know about?

I will pay attention to all the details, big or small. All major issues, like items to be included in the sale, closing and possession date, and an opportunity to revisit the home before closing, will all be part of the offer itself so that no misunderstandings can arise.

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What if I need other services?

I have a list of proven professionals in all kinds of fields: legal, insurance, moving, decorating and so on, that I would be happy to share with you. My goal is to give you the best possible service I can and to have you as a customer for life.

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As a thank you for doing business with me, I will purchase Air Miles for you and credit your account based on the purchase price of your home. Century 21 is the only real estate company that participates in the Air Miles Reward Program.


One last thing…

When your sale is completed, my office will send you a Quality Service Survey. I want to make sure that I lived up to all of my promises about my service, and ask you to take just a few moments and give me your thoughts on how I handled everything.

As a thank you for doing business with me, I will purchase Air Miles for you and credit your account based on the purchase price of your home. Century 21 is the only real estate company that participates in the Air Miles Reward Program.

 

 


Client Testimonials

"Kathy shows true professionalism combined with her friendly personality. Thanks Kathy
for all your hard work."

R. & A. Bertsch

"Very helpful, courteous, friendly agent. 
A pleasure to work with."

M. & J. Lacerte

"In dealing with Kathy, I found her honest and straight forward and did so in a professional manner."
J. & S. Moran

 

My Service Pledge

I would be very pleased to help you with any questions or concerns you have about buying a home, either now, or in the future so please contact me.


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