Good real estate decisions are well informed, good long term decisions. Initially the decisions around moving can seem confusing. Get very clear on what your options are- in neighbourhoods, houses types and styles, prices and financing and find out the value on your home.

Finding out the price of your home is an essential first step in establishing the price range you’ll be looking in. $10,000, $20,000, $30,000, $50,000 (depending on your price range) can make a surprising difference in what your money buys you. For most families the spread between the prices of the new homes and the value of their current home is key.

A good agent (good agents are in the business for the long run!) can be a great source of information and a trusted guide. I believe that one of our most important roles is to help educate our clients. Also our MLS computer systems offer a wealth of good information for the buyer and the seller. As you gather the information and become more knowledgeable, you’ll get clearer on what the right decision is for you and your family.

To do this you’ll want and need to go out and look at houses! I urge you to hook up with the people in the know- a good agent whom you can feel comfortable with to represent your interests.

Some of you will prefer using the Internet and going out to open houses until you feel more ready! - that’s okay; it’s just not an efficient or thorough process once you get serious about buying. You can tell the agent exactly what you want of him or her- you set the pace-maybe initially you just want to be provided with information on current listings.

Finally, get yourselves pre-qualified. The two benefits are that you may be surprised at what you can afford, particularly at these low interest rates. Even more importantly, it means that you get the lowest rate between now and the time you close- it’s free and without obligation. Therefore if you end up not buying, it’s no big deal. Some banks with hold the rate to up to 120 days!

Get to know the factor on the current mortgage rates, it makes for simple math. I also recommend a mortgage broker, to negotiate the best deal with the banks. See About Financing.