Shop around

• Don’t be tempted to hire the first real estate professional you meet. Make sure the fit is right, check their references and visit the RECO website to confirm their registration.

Understand what you’re signing

• Before you sign a listing agreement with the brokerage, ensure you know what it means, how long it will be in effect and what the different clauses mean. Ask questions and seek independent legal advice if you’d like a second opinion.
  Show the facts
• Include all your home’s details in the listing, from the square footage to recent renovations to items that are and aren’t included (water heater, appliances, drapery, etc).

Plan your open house wisely

• Be proactive and speak with your real estate professional before the open house to set ground rules and identify ways to protect yourself and your property.
  Minimize risk by removing all valuables and securely store anything with your personal information, like credit card statements and receipts.
  Know your options
• When reviewing offers on your home, the details of the offers will remain confidential between you and your real estate professional. You may get multiple offers, and your real estate professional is there to help you make the best choice.

Budget accordingly

• Remember that there are closing costs associated with selling a home: real estate commissions, legal fees, moving expenses, and more. Expect the unexpected

Does your closing date on the sale align with when you’ll be moving into your new home? Have a contingency plan in place in case the dates don’t match up. Above all, working with a registered real estate professional will help you navigate the many steps and decisions involved in the home buying process.

Do your homework

• Get informed about the buying process before it begins to save time, hassle and money.

Shop around

• Don’t be tempted to hire the first real estate professional you meet. Make sure the fit is right, check their references and visit the RECO website (www.reco.on.ca) to confirm their registration.

Get it in writing

• If your real estate professional offers you rebates or incentives, they should provide the details in writing.

Understand what you’re signing

• Before you sign a buyer representation agreement, make sure you know what it means, how long it will be in effect and what the different clauses mean. Ask questions and seek independent legal advice if you’d like a second opinion.

Keep your budget in mind

• Remember to include legal fees, land transfer tax, mortgage insurance and utility hookups in your total cost.
• Know the costs of a home inspection and home appraisal or survey.
  Moving costs can vary based on volume, distance and whether you hire a professional mover. Have wiggle room in your budget to cover the cost.
  Protect yourself
• Make your offer conditional on mortgage financing, a home inspection, the sale of your existing home, and/or other factors that are important to you. These conditions provide you important protection as a buyer.
  Check what’s inside the walls
• Ask your real estate professional to look into the age and condition of the home’s systems, such as the plumbing and electrical. Find out if proper permits were pulled for any renovations. Consider a home inspection to further examine the home and don’t hesitate to ask questions.

Be specific

• Make your offer as detailed as possible. Outline what will be included with the sale (e.g., appliances and light fixtures) and be clear if certain renovations need to be completed, based on the home inspection.
  Plan ahead
• If you encounter a bidding war, enter with a strategy. Set ground rules in advance about what you want from a home, what you’re willing to spend and what conditions must be met. Once your rules are set, stick to them.
  Competing offers
• It can be tempting to waive your conditions, such as a home inspection. Think twice before doing this.

Expect the unexpected

Does your closing date on your new home align with when you need to move out of your existing home? Have a contingency plan in place in case the dates don’t match up.