We can make a potentially complicated process into a stress-free moving experience:

The Major Elements of an Offer

Price: depending on the local market conditions, your personal opinion of the property, and the market information provided by The Team, the price you offer may be different from the seller's asking price.

Deposit: the deposit is a measure of good faith and will be applied against the purchase price of the home when the sale closes. We can advise you on an appropriate amount.

Terms: includes the total price offered and the financing details. You may arrange your own financing or ask to assume the seller's mortgage, especially if it has an attractive interest rate.

Conditions: these might include "subject to home inspection", "subject to you obtaining financing" or "subject to you selling your property".

Inclusions and Exclusions: these might include appliances and certain fixtures or decorative items, such as window coverings or mirrors.

Closing and Possession Date: generally, the day the title of the property is legally transferred and the transaction of funds finalized unless otherwise specified.

How to Make an Offer

• When it comes time to make an offer, we can provide current market information and will assist you in drafting your offer.
• We will communicate your offer to the seller, or the seller's representative, on your behalf. Sometimes there may be more than one offer on a property coming in at the same time. We can guide you through this process.
• The offer can be Firm or Conditional
• Your Offer to Purchase will be presented as soon as possible. The seller may accept the offer, reject it, or submit a counter-offer.
• The counter-offer may be in reference to the price, the closing date, or any number of variables.
• The offers can go back and forth until both parties have agreed or one of you ends the negotiations.

Use the helpful checklist as a reminder of the things you need to do before you move.

If you rent your present home:

• Give necessary written notice to your landlord and make arrangements for the return of any monies you have on deposit.

General

• Get Change of Address cards from the post office and send out well before moving day.
• Have the post office forward your mail to your new address.
• Cancel any contracted services and pre-authorized cheques.
• Inform gardening, dry cleaning, garbage pick-up, newspapers, magazines, diaper and other home services.
• Arrange for service at your new address.
• Obtain a letter of introduction from your current branch to help establish new accounts. Transfer trust or bank accounts and securities.
• Cancel or transfer social, athletic, civic, religious or business affiliations and memberships.
• Arrange for transfer of medical, dental, prescription and optical records.
• Change the address on your driver's license(s) effective the day of the move.
• Collect all items out for cleaning, repair or storage. e.g. fur coats, dry cleaning.
• Make special arrangements for the moving of perishables, such as plants.
• Make special arrangements for the moving of your pets.
• Dispose safely of all flammable liquids as it is illegal for movers to carry them.

At your "new" home:

• Make arrangements for the gas and electric utilities, water softener, telephone and cable TV to be connected on the day the sale closes.

Seller's Costs

Legal Fees: Range from $500 - $1000 plus disbursements. A Real Estate lawyer will provide you with details.

Real Estate Commission (Plus applicable taxes).

Discharge of Mortgage: May be a penalty of three months' interest, the interest differential between an old and new mortgage or a combination of the above. Check with your lending institution.

The Move: May vary depending on your choice of movers (i.e. professional movers, or packing yourself).

Buyer's Costs

Legal Fees: Range from $500 - $1000 plus disbursements. A Real Estate lawyer will provide you with details.

Disbursements: Include City Tax Certificate, City Zoning Reports, City Engineering Report, Sheriff's Certificate, Registry Office searches, deed registration, mortgage registration, copies, postage, long distance calls, etc.

Land Transfer Tax*:

If under $55,000 multiply by $5 per $1000
(e.g. $40,000 x $5 per $1000 = $200)

From $55,000 to $250,000, multiply by $10 per $1000 then subtract $275
(e.g. $200,000 x $10 per $1000 = $2000 - $275 = $1725)

From $250,000 to $400,000, multiply by $15 per $1000 then subtract $1525
(e.g. $400,000 x $15 per $1000 = $6000 - $1525 = $4475)

Over $400,000, multiply by $20 per $1000 then subtract $3525
(e.g. $500,000 x $20 per $1000 = $10,000 - $3525 = $6475)

*Special taxes apply to non-residents, taxes may vary.

Survey: If no recent survey is available, a new one can cost approximately $700 - unlimited. Title insurance is another option.
Fees for larger and recreational properties vary.
Individual quotes are required.

Adjustments: Money owed for pre-payment of taxes, hydro, gas, fuel oil, etc.

Home Inspection: Will cost between approximately $250 to $500

Arranging the Mortgage: Usually an appraisal fee of about $200. An up-to-date survey may also be necessary or a title insurance policy.

The Move: May vary depending on your choice of movers
(i.e. professional movers or packing yourself).