What to Watch when Purchasing Your Home

There are many potential pitfalls to avoid during the home buying process, and many complex legal and tax matters to circumnavigate, especially in today's environment of local and regional government intervention in the housing market.  Working with a competent and experience Realtor can be essential and the advice and guidance they provide can be invaluable and is typically free of charge to you as the seller usually pays the commission.  

Take the housing measures that were introduced by the provincial government in the 2018 budget and the speculation tax rules, for example.  If you are buying a home for investment either as a BC resident, out of province, or foreign investor, these will certainly be of interest to you.  Also on the tax front, there are GST exemptions on new homes that apply, subject to certain limitations, the BC Property Transfer Tax to consider that is also subject to a first time home buyer as well as a new home exemption under certain circumstances, and withholding taxes that apply on the sale of Real Estate if you are not a Canadian resident for tax purposes. 

The purchase of Real Estate in BC demands a careful examination of the lands, the legal title to it, and any structures built thereon.  Homes of certain vintages should be scanned and investigated for underground oil storage tank installation history.  BC environmental laws are quite stringent when it comes to soil contamination resulting from such tanks.  Insulation materials found in walls and attics and around water piles should be examined for the presence of asbestos products as it is often impossible to sell or to either obtain financing for a home until such materials have been remediated often at a significant cost.  

Home Buying Can Be Easy

But it is important to obtain professional advice from a Realtor in this process. Realtors have extensive knowledge and experience in the real estate market. They are familiar with current market trends, neighborhoods, pricing, and property values. This expertise can help you make informed decisions throughout the home buying process. Access to Listings: Realtors have access to a wide range of property listings through Multiple Listing Service (MLS) databases. They can help you find homes that match your specific criteria, saving you time and effort in searching for properties on your own. Realtors are skilled negotiators and can negotiate on your behalf to get the best possible deal.

They have experience dealing with sellers, understanding their motivations, and using that knowledge to your advantage. Realtors have a vast network of contacts, including other real estate professionals, mortgage brokers, home inspectors, and contractors. They can recommend reliable professionals and connect you with the right people to facilitate a smooth home buying process. Buying a home involves a significant amount of paperwork and documentation your agent can help you circumnavigate.

A realtor can guide you through the process, ensuring that all the necessary forms are completed accurately and on time. They can also explain complex legal and contractual terms, protecting your interests. Market Analysis and Pricing: Realtors can provide a comparative market analysis (CMA) to help you understand the fair market value of a property. This analysis takes into account factors such as recent sales, current listings, and market conditions, assisting you in making an informed offer. Purchasing a home can be an emotional and overwhelming process. A realtor can provide valuable guidance, support, and reassurance throughout the journey.

They can answer your questions, address concerns, and provide advice based on their experience.  Realtors are bound by a strict code of ethics, which requires them to act in the best interests of their clients. This code ensures that realtors uphold high professional standards and prioritize their clients' needs and objectives. It's important to note that while realtors offer many advantages, it's essential to choose a reputable and experienced professional who aligns with your specific needs and goals.

When you choose not to use a realtor during the home buying process, you may encounter several challenges and potential drawbacks: Without a realtor, you might have limited access to comprehensive market information, including current listings, recent sales data, and neighborhood trends. This lack of knowledge can make it harder to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively.

Buying a home involves numerous tasks, such as researching properties, scheduling viewings, coordinating inspections, and handling paperwork. Without a realtor, you'll have to manage these tasks yourself, which can be time-consuming and overwhelming, especially if you're not familiar with the process. Realtors have access to the MLS and other resources that provide a wide range of property listings. Without their assistance, you may struggle to identify all available properties that meet your requirements. This can result in a more limited selection and potentially missing out on suitable options.