Buying

OUR SERVICES

BUYING A HOME

Congratulations on your decision to buy a new home!

Buying a home is a huge life milestone and we are so excited to be a part of the process with you. Buying a home is a big step, both financially and emotionally. But more than that, it is an investment of time and energy into the place that will be the setting for many of your most cherished memories.

In order to make the right choice, it’s vital to work with a trusted professional who knows and understands your needs and your target market. As an agent with Royal LePage Team Realty in Ottawa, every day provides a new opportunity to work with buyers just like you – and I love helping people identify that perfect home. Whether you’re a first-time home buyer, are up- or down-sizing your home for your familial needs, or are an investor looking to make the most of the Ottawa market, I offer a service you can count on to help you meet your goals. You see, buying a home is about more than the bells and whistles, fixtures and finishes. It’s about finding the right neighbourhood, establishing solid financing, and crafting a winning offer.

If you’re initiating your home-buying process, I’ll connect you with the area’s top lenders, home inspectors, real estate attorneys, and specialists, guiding you through to the closing table. For those investing with their own team, I’ll pinpoint exceptional opportunities and expedite the process for faster deals.

Ready to find your dream home? Contact me now so we can discuss your real estate goals! Give me a call at 613-875-2225, email me at shaunnamcintosh@royallepage.ca, or utilize the contact form below and we’ll kickstart your personalized Ottawa home search, tailored precisely to your needs. Whether it’s Ottawa or its surrounding areas, I’m equipped with the information and insights to help you secure your dream home. Let’s begin!

The Home-Buying Process

Meet & Chat

Together, we’ll review your search criteria and set up a Home Search through MLS, ensuring you receive email alerts for new listings.

Get Pre-Approval

Consult your mortgage broker or financial institution to obtain pre-approval. We can discuss this process in detail together. If you don’t have a broker, I’m happy to connect you with one from our trusted network.

House Hunting

Once pre-approved, we’ll dive into house hunting (exciting)! Let me know which properties that pique your interest, and I’ll address any inquiries and schedule viewings.

Offers & Negotiations

When you find a home you want to purchase, we’ll swiftly and strategically submit an offer. This is when negotiations with the seller(s) may ensue.

Conditional & Firm Sale

Once all terms are agreed upon, we’ll finalize an Agreement of Purchase and Sale. If there are conditions to fulfill, the house becomes conditionally sold.

Closing

On closing day, both parties sign all necessary documents, funds are dispersed, and property ownership is formally transferred. Once the paperwork is completed, you’ll receive the keys to your new home!

With me by your side, I'll be there to support you at every step of the process. Some of what I'll do for you:

Answer all of your questions along the way so you can feel confident and focused on finding your dream home.
Connect you with my network of specialists to help you with every step.
Educate you on different neighbourhoods, school ratings, and other amenities to meet your specific needs.
Provide you with listings based on your criteria and book showings on your behalf.
Locate comparable homes throughout the whole process.
Highlight any red flags or irregularities so you aren’t surprised down the road.
Coach you through the offer process including price and term negotiations with the seller’s agent.
Create legally binding contracts, aligned with current regulations, to protect both you and your purchase.
To coordinate an inspection by a professional home inspector.
Navigate closing and final considerations so you’re ready on closing day!

Throughout this process, I’ll be here to support you. I know how overwhelming it can feel to buy a home. I am here to support you at every step of the way. From finding your dream home to navigating the whole purchase process. My services don’t end on closing. We will stay in touch to make sure you’re settling in okay and be available to connect you with any of our trusted vendors.

Buyer's Resources and Tools:

Moving to Ottawa: An overview of the city, where diverse neighbourhoods, bustling communities, and endless opportunities await. Let’s delve into the fabric of our city, guiding you towards finding not just a house, but your dream home in Ottawa’s thriving landscape.
Ottawa Listings: An opportunity to explore Ottawa’s finest properties, filtered to match your unique preferences. From cozy condos to spacious single-family homes, find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and aspirations with ease.
Mortgage Calculator: A handy tool designed to put you in control of your financial future. Estimate your monthly payments confidently, considering factors like asking price, downpayment amount, and amortization period, ensuring you’re well-prepared to take the exciting step towards homeownership in Ottawa.
Ottawa Market Updates: Stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the Ottawa real estate market. We post regular blogs providing insights on market conditions, property trends, and forecasts, keeping you ahead of the curve as you navigate your home-buying journey in Ottawa’s dynamic landscape
Upcoming Neighbourhood Guides.

Buyer's Checklist

We want to give you an idea of what to expect working with us. Here are some considerations to get you started:

Prepare Your Finances for Pre-Approval

Check your credit history.
Calculate any outstanding debt.
Calculate what you can afford monthly.
Find a mortgage lender.
Gather your CRA Notice of Assessment(s)/tax return, and financial, and employment documents.
Compile your banking and investment details.
Detail your assets (if you currently own a home, the year and model of your car, other investments, etc.)
Obtain a pre-approval.

Start House Hunting

Compile a list of the various attributes you’re looking for
- Type of Home?
- Number of Bedroom(s) and Bathroom(s)?
- Outdoor space?
Determine your desired location
- Neighbourhood?
- Nearby Amenities?
- School District?

Review Offers and Negotiations

Based on our comparative market research, create an offer that reflects the property’s value and your financial capabilities.
Consider including earnest money, desired closing date, and any contingencies that protect your interests.
Be prepared to counteroffer and negotiate terms to achieve a mutually beneficial agreement.

Conditional / Firm Sale Period

Coordinate with the seller’s agent to schedule property inspections and appraisal appointments.
If the accepted offer has conditions, prepare all necessary information, appointments, and documentation to fulfill those conditions.
If there are no conditions, the sale will become firm until closing.

Prepare for Closing

Work closely with us and your legal representatives to ensure all necessary paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
Arrange for any final utility readings and transfer of services to the buyer.
Be prepared to sign closing documents and transfer ownership of the property to the buyer.

Want to learn more? Reach out - I'd love to discuss your real estate goals!

Shaunna is an award-winning, Ottawa REALTOR®. Whether this is your first or fifth home purchase, the journey to purchasing a home can be a busy, exciting and a stressful one. Shaunna’s job to support you along every step of the way, providing peace of mind and ease in every decision you make.