British Columbia Home & Resorts Checklist

Taken from the August 04 – August 25, 2006 BC Homes and Resorts magazine by www.homebase.ca, find out what you should prepare in your purchasing process of a resort or recreational home.

Home and Resorts wants to assist you in your search for your perfect dream home. When looking to purchase a new home, use the attached list as a guide of steps you should take to make your buying experience a pleasant one.

Determine how much you can afford.

Before looking for a new home, you need to know how much you can afford to spend. Arrange for a pre-approved mortgage so you can shop around with greater confidence.
a. determine your down payment
b. determine the amount of mortgage loan you qualify for
c. find out about your mortgage options such as conventional or high-ratio mortgages for those who qualify
d. estimate the additional costs that may include mortgage insurance fees, legal fees and the land transfer tax

Get the home that is right for you

It takes time to find the right home at the right price, but the outcome is exciting and rewarding.
a. decide where you want to live including the type of neighbourhood, distance to work, school, shopping, and recreational facilities, access to public transportation
b. types of home ownership such as single-family home, townhouse, condominium etc.
c. consider your needs and wants such as size of home, number and size of bedrooms, bathrooms, home office, workshop, entertainment room, storage, energy efficiency and air quality.

Choose a professional builder

Selecting your builder wisely is key to ensuring that you will get the home you want
a. get a list of builder members from your local Home Builder’s Association
b. talk to family and friends
c. visit the builder’s model homes and sales offices
d. talk to at least three builders and their past customers
e. ask about after-sales service and warranties

Check the contract

The signed contract, or Agreement of Purchase and Sale, is your assurance that you will receive exactly what you bought.
a. arrange for a lawyer to review the offer before you sign it or make your offer conditional on a legal review
b. before signing, check the following: correct model and lot, standard features and upgrades, right of ways or easements, subdivision restrictions, full priced (including GST), mortgage information, deposit structure, closing date, irrevocable date (when offer expires)

Inspect your new home

Before you take possession, walk through your new home with your builder. Inspect for right materials, proper colours, good workmanship, and general cleanliness. Consider hiring a professional inspector if you are unsure what to look for.
a. on the outside: siding and brick, paints, stains, caulking, trim, shutters, fascia, soffit, roofing, garage, driveway, walkway, lot grading, sod and decks
b. on the inside: basement, doors, windows, walls, trim, floors, floor coverings, electrical, plumbing fixtures and mechanical systems

Get ready to move

With a firm contract in hand, you can now begin to take care of the “details”, preparing your life in your new home.
a. change your address
b. notify utilities, telephone company etc.
c. arrange for movers
d. purchase appliances
e. register with local school or child care facility

On the closing day

This is the day that your house finally becomes yours!
a. sign the deed and other documents at the lawyer’s office
b. get the keys from the lawyer
c. move into your new home

After you have settled

Your builder wants you to be happy with your new home – after all, satisfied clients are the hallmark of a professional builder.
a. expect the builder to keep in touch as part of the after-sales service package
b. contact your builder at any time about problems requiring immediate attention
c. ask for information on maintenance schedules and procedures
d. arrange for a one-year warranty inspection.