Buying Your First Home - Part Three

By Sarah O`Connor

Signed, Sealed, Delivered:

Making your dream of homeownership a reality

Once you've worn out your calculator and found the new home that is perfect for you, it's time to make an offer. Your new home builder's sales representative will provide you with an Offer to Purchase, which you complete and have reviewed by your lawyer or notary. It is very important to ensure at this stage that every piece of pertinent information is included in this offer and that you will not be surprised by hidden fees.

When the offer is accepted, congratulations! You are officially a home owner!

The length of time you have to wait before moving into your new home will depend on the arrangements you made with your builder, but there are a few steps that need to take place regardless. The frame walk will give you a chance to get into your home before the drywall is installed to check for any discrepancies from the original plan and take a look at your plumbing and electrical systems. Just before closing you will complete a pre-delivery inspection to ensure the finished product is complete and perfect.

Your builder will be in contact with you throughout the building process, and will let you know when the time comes to arrange for hydro, phone and cable services to be installed. Please keep in mind that construction sites are potentially dangerous places and you should not visit your home unattended during the construction process.

Once the keys are in your possession, enjoy the process of settling into your new home. Get to know your neighbours, maybe throw a housewarming party and keep working to educate yourself on how to maintain your home throughout the seasons. Your new home is an important investment in you and your family's present and future happiness. Take good care of it, and it will take great care of you.