If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may be unaware of the process and the amount of time necessary to complete each step from starting out to moving in. This timeline can help you avoid surprises and be prepared. If you have some experience with buying, read on – you may find information that can simplify your next purchase.
Countdown: Six Months and Earlier
Even before you start shopping for a home, take a look at your financial picture. At least six months before you plan to buy, pay down your credit card debt. Credit card balances not only incur steep interest payments, mortgage lenders look unfavourably on outstanding debt. If you have more than one credit card, for example, a major credit card and a secondary card such as a store credit card, consider paying off and closing the account with the store. Your spouse should do likewise. Most stores offer relatively unfavourable interest rates. Mortgage lenders may also consider two credit cards double the potential debt risk.
If you have any other outstanding debts, you may need to pay them before obtaining a mortgage. Lenders will be viewing your credit report. You can obtain a copy of your credit report from a few sources including Equifax ( www.equifax.ca ), TransUnion Canada (http://www.tuc.ca), and Experian (http://www.experian.com/intl/canada.html).
In order to pay off debt and save for a down-payment and other fees, you will most likely need to devise a budget. There is no hard and fast rule about budgets – each person and family has their own unique spending patterns. As a good rule of thumb, try to save at least one-third of your current rent each month. This may mean cutting back on restaurant meals, new clothes or the “extras” that seem insignificant but add up. An excellent way to keep track of expenses is to use a spreadsheet to record expenses, income and purchases. This way you will know where your money is going and where to make cutbacks.
3 to 4 Months
This is the stage at which you should consider your needs and wants. Make a list of what you consider essentials in a new home and those features that are optional. Consider these questions:
At this point, let’s assume you have chosen a home. It may take longer than 2 months to find a home, in which case, continue on this timeline as though this were the point at which you found the right home.
You will need to make an offer in writing. Your real estate agent will work with you to inform you of your rights and obligations when drawing up the offer. If you require an agent, click on “find an agent” to choose a qualified Sutton agent in your area.
If your offer is accepted and all the conditions are met, you will need to make closing arrangements, which outline the method of payment and transfer of ownership.
6 weeks
Arrange for movers as early as possible especially if you are moving at the end of the month. Make sure the mover you choose has insurance and find out exactly what it covers. If the movers break something valuable, you should not have to pay an increase in your home insurance premiums. Speaking of insurance, now is a good time to contact your insurance company to transfer coverage to the new home on the completion date. The company may need time to assess your new home. By starting early, you also have a chance to shop around for the best coverage and rates.
If your children will be moving to a new school, register them in the new location and arrange to have their records transferred.
4 to 5 weeks
The biggest task at this point is packing. Draw out the placement of large furniture items; on moving day you will be able to instruct the movers to place the furniture exactly where you want it, saving yourself a great deal of effort later.
Arrange for utilities at your new home such as electricity, cable, telephone and Internet service.
Make a list of the people and organizations that send you mail on a regular basis and provide them with your new address.
2 weeks to moving day
Confirm your arrangements with the moving company or truck rental establishment.
Verify closing details with your Agent and Lawyer.
The last step is easiest of all: Move in and enjoy your new home.