Avoid Common Buyer Mistakes

With expert advice and representation from Christian, Paul and Fran you will successfully avoid mistakes often made by buyers.

  • Looking for a house without getting pre-approved by a lender When you are pre-approved, you are effectively a cash buyer. This makes it much easier to negotiate with the seller. Do not mistake pre-approval with pre-qualification; pre-qualification is only the first step in gaining pre-approval. Ask your banker or realtor for details.
  • Failing to check out the neighbourhood thoroughly before buying How do traffic patterns change throughout the day? Are there any future developments in the works? Is that nice greenspace down the road actually zoned for high-rise development? Review our helpful checklist.
  • Making an offer based upon the asking price, not the actual market value Working with Christian, Paul and Fran, you can avoid this mistake. They will tell you what similar properties have sold for in the immediate area. How long were they on the market? How does this one compare? Is it over-priced, under-priced, or fair value?
  • Letting "first impressions" affect your decision too much Don't let poor decor or messy housekeeping scare you away from a structurally solid home that meets all your needs. Remember that you are buying the house, not the furnishings.
  • Buying a house without a professional home inspection When buying a house, get a professional property inspection. Not only will you know what you are buying, but these reports will protect you from unforeseen nasty surprises in both the short and long run. In fact, consider having a home inspection completed prior to submitting your offer.

  • Assuming that quoted mortgage rates are written in stone Like many industries, banks are experiencing increased competition and are often willing to negotiate mortgage rates. Depending upon the market and profit spreads, it is sometimes possible to negotiate substantial savings. Ask Christian, Paul and Fran for advice.
  • Not shopping for home insurance until you are ready to move If you wait until the last minute, you will be rushed. Allow time to shop around and get the best deal.
  • Signing documents without reading them Do not wait until the last minute to read the documents. Christian, Paul and Fran will provide you with all documents in a timely manner so you can thoroughly review them.
  • Making verbal agreements Not only are they harder to enforce, but any written contract you sign will override a verbal agreement. Contract law says verbal agreements are not enforceable when they deal with Real Property. Always get it in writing!
  • Not knowing your rights and obligations If you do not know your rights, you can be taken advantage of. If you do not know your obligations, you may inadvertently create friction with those with whom you are about to enter a contract. Rely on Christian, Paul and Fran to provide you with their expert knowledge and resources.