How do I buy a home in Halifax, Dartmouth and other areas in Nova Scotia? Where do I start?
Whether it’s your first home or if you’re an experienced buyer, purchasing a home is a complex process. By working with me, you’ll find a home in the neighbourhood where you want to live, one that fits your budget and meets your goals for features, quality and value. Once you’ve found the home that’s right for you, I will guide you through the process of making an offer; negotiating the terms of the sale; getting your potential purchase inspected, repaired and appraised; and closing the sale.
When you work with me, you will:
- Be more likely to find the home that meets all your criteria
- Lessen the amount of time it will take to find your home
- Understand all the terms, processes and documents used when buying your home
- Have up-to-date market information that will allow you to make informed decisions
- Have a skilled negotiator working on your behalf, one who is committed to looking after your best interests
- Enjoy peace of mind, knowing that all the details of your purchase are being taken care of by an experienced and knowledgeable professional
Here’s a glossary of common terms every homebuyer should know:
A-C
- Appraisal: An assessment of a property’s value by a licensed appraiser, often required by lenders.
- Closing Costs: Fees paid at the end of the home-buying process, including taxes, lender fees, and title insurance.
- Contingency (Buyer's Conditions): Conditions in a purchase agreement, such as securing financing or passing an inspection, that must be met for the sale to proceed.
D-F
- Down Payment: The portion of the home’s price paid upfront, typically a percentage of the total price.
- Equity: The difference between the home's market value and the amount owed on the mortgage.
- Fixed-Rate Mortgage: A mortgage with a consistent interest rate and payment amount over the life of the loan.
G-I
- Home Inspection: An evaluation of the property’s condition by a professional inspector before purchase.
- Interest Rate: The cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage of the loan amount.
- Insurance (Homeowners): A policy that covers damages to the home or property and liability for accidents.
