A smooth real estate process is based on trust, yet the home buyer entering the market today does not merely want to listen and do what hes told. He or she is much more aware that the purchase of a home is possibly the biggest investment one will ever make and stressful, time-consuming, and sometimes overwhelming experience. It is also a very complex process. So todays buyer wants involvement and the comfort that comes from understanding the process in full, from beginning to end

So here are the basic steps from meeting your realtor to moving in

1. Agents are legally responsible to have you read & acknowledge a pamphlet called Working with a Realtor which explains the duties of Real Estate Agents and Who works for Whom.
2. Interview your Realtor. Explain your needs & wants; See their Home Buying presentation to discover their area of expertise and your comfort level.
3. Sign a Buyer Contract. This is not a choice you can neglect. A realtor must have a written agreement to work in the best interest of a specific party- Either you, or the Seller!
4. Calculate with your realtor how much home you can afford. Discuss your down payment and how much deposit you will need to accompany your offer. Agents are trained to evaluate your costs versus income & debt and make you aware of any special charges, NHA insurance fees, taxes and condominium fees.
5. Select a Mortgage Broker or Bank and get pre-approval for a mortgage amount ( pre-approval is not a commitment letter)
6. Calculate all your purchasing costs.
7. Gather all documents for the mortgage process. Find T4s, last years income tax assessments, or letters of income from your employers plus a list of all your assets & liabilities, like credit card debt & all loans.
8. Now you can view properties, safely knowing that if you find the home of your dreams youre fully prepared to go forward.
9. Make an offer. Your Realtor should arm you with an analysis of the sales in the area.
10. Negotiation of the offer. Your realtor will argue the best price and terms, on your behalf and maintain your personal confidentiality.
11. Offer is accepted and executed (time stamped) and the deposit cheque is cashed (part of the down-payment)
12. You must hire a lawyer to close the transaction and provide the realtor with his or her name ASAP.
13. Any and all conditions in the offer must be fulfilled within the time allowed. For example: the financial institution must now commit in writing. Home inspections should be completed and insurance should be arranged
14. Remove all the conditions by notice in writing and the SOLD sign goes up.
15. Pack & notify all friends & utilities of your move.
16. The week of closing, meet with your solicitor to sign paperwork.
17. Do a final walkthrough of the property with your Realtor
18. Its Closing Day. Pick up your keys at the lawyers office.
19. Move in and unpack.
20. Congratulate yourself!  Youre a homeowner!