Buying

Start with free OREA tip books

Buying a home is a complex and often very emotional process. Just casually mention to family, friends and colleagues that you plan to buy a property, and watch the advice pour in. Everyone has a story to tell: a great deal made and lost, a bargain that wasn’t, the frustration of a price war, and so on.

Truth is that buying a home is a major business transaction — one of the biggest most of us ever make. It requires tremendous knowledge and experience and a clear understanding of the legal issues and potential pitfalls.

That’s why it helps to use the services of a real estate professional who is a member of a real estate board. REALTORS® have the training, knowledge and experience to help you every step of the way — from the moment you think about buying to the time when the business transaction has been finalized.

Whether you are just thinking about buying or have already enlisted the services of a real estate professional, the Ontario Real Estate Association’s (OREA) has “tip” books that will help take the mystery out of a process often viewed as complicated and confusing. You can order free copies of How to Buy Your Home by calling OREA at 1-800-563-HOME.

Many of the books available on real estate buying and selling can be complex and confusing, assuming a lot more knowledge on the subject than most buyers, especially first-timers, possess.

But not this handy and manageable guidebook. It is an easy-to-use, step-by-step guide that takes you through the process of buying a home without a lot of confusion. The many terms used in real estate are explained in simple, easy-to-understand language.

Make no mistake, though. This handy book can’t replace the knowledge, skills and expertise of a REALTOR®. They will show you how to find and work with one, as well as with a lawyer and other professionals who will generally be part of your real estate team.

This book take you through the real estate process step-by-step. You can read it cover-to-cover or just zero on certain topics. With its check lists, work sheets, loads of tips, hints and advice, this book can help ease the stress of buying or selling real estate

How to Buy Your Home offers a lot of great advice for both first-time and repeat home buyers. You’ll learn how to hire a REALTOR®, a lawyer and other professionals, how to shop for a mortgage and compare mortgage options after meeting with various bankers, and how to select a home inspector to thoroughly check out the home you plan to buy.

This book can help you estimate the price range that’s right for you, especially if you are uncertain about how much you can afford to spend. If you are selling your current home to buy another, it discusses the advantages and disadvantages of buying or selling first.

You’ll also learn how to work with a REALTOR® and other professionals, what additional costs to watch out for, how to close a deal and make a smooth move to your new home.