House Hunting Tips

Bring your pre-approved mortgage certificate and the name, phone and fax numbers of your mortgage lender. Using a local lender may be more effective if you are under time constraints to fulfill the financing condition on your agreement of purchase and sale during the HHT. Most local lenders will take your application by phone, e-mail or fax.

The lenders will require the following documentation: A copy of your most recent mid-month pay statement showing all entitlements and deductions. Proof of down payment: either a copy of your current bank statement or bank book or if your funds are in RRSP or Mutual Funds or other forms of investments, bring a statement showing all particulars.

If you home has sold but it has not closed yet, please bring a copy of the agreement of purchase and sale on your home and the removal of any "subject to conditions" if applicable or a letter confirming the financing for the purchasers of your property.

Bring also a list of your personal obligations: car loans, credit card balances and statements showing your current balances and repayment schedule.

Send a list of the MLS numbers ( or addresses) of the homes you would like to visit to your realtor prior to your arrival. Keep in mind that some of those homes may be sold by the arrival time but it will give the realtor a better perspective on your taste and needs. Advise your realtor of any special housing requirements: IE schools, medical needs, allergies, convenience to transit, high-speed internet, day care, second language concerns, etc.

You may bring a video camera but normally you will not be able to take inside pictures until you have an accepted offer in place and only with the owner's permission. Sometimes the vendors will allow the use of the camera prior to an offer but it is the exception rather than the rule. ( at least in the Halifax/Dartmouth area of N.S.) DO bring slip-on shoes to get in and out of homes quicker.

Deposits: They vary starting at $1000 normally. If you are looking at new construction you may be asked for $5000-$10,000 .Check with the realtor for the local standard.

You should be prepared to find a lawyer and home inspector as soon as you arrive. Your realtor can provide a list of local real estate lawyers and home inspectors that meet the standards of the Provincial Home Inspectors Association.

If applicable, you may have your spouse bring along a resume to leave with potential employers.

Have your realtor suggest a hotel that is good quality and in a convenient location.

Keep a short list of 3 homes in your mind while looking and reject the homes that do not compare to the preferred 3. This will make your search much less confusing.

If you require a relocation package for your new location please contact us at ymason@ns.sympatico.ca or 478-3197(Yolande) or 497-3455(Linda).