initial Consult

  • To ensure we help find exactly what your looking for we first conduct an initial buyer interview.

THe search

  • You’ll be set up to receive alerts when new listings hit the market that match your specifications.

  • We will search for upcoming and off-market listings through our agent network.

  • We will book showings and take you through homes or even preview them for you.

  • We can recommend great neighbourhoods, school catchments, and investment opportunities.

  • We will prepare your offer and communicate at a high level to ensure a smooth experience in an often competitive market.

Paperwork

  • You’ll have access to all plain-text versions of the standard agreements you may be signing which include:

  • Buyer Representation Agreement - If you choose Lewis + Company to work on your behalf you will be asked to enter into a Buyer Representation Agreement. Signing a BRA confirms in writing that you are a client of the brokerage and documents the terms and obligations of the brokerage-client relationship. As a client, the brokerage has a special responsibility to follow your instructions, protect your confidential information and promote and protect your best interests. You can also set the terms of the agreement to include one specific address or geographic region.

  • Working with a Realtor - This one-page document is required by law and simply outlines the different types of relationships you might enter into with the brokerage. It outlines whether or not the brokerage is providing customer service as a buyer or seller, and that you acknowledge that your brokerage will enter into similar agreements with other buyers and sellers.

  • Agreement of Purchase and Sale - An Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a written contract between a seller and a buyer for the purchase and sale of a particular property. It is a standard form created by the Ontario Real Estate Association to outline the terms of a sale or lease including purchase price, closing date, deposit, conditions, inclusions, and exclusions.

  • Confirmation of Co-operation - This form is used to indicate the specific types of relationships that exist in the real estate transaction to all parties involved. It is also used to confirm the commission arrangement between co-operating Real Estate brokerages and is acknowledged by all parties involved.

Accepted offer to Closing

  • Once your offer is accepted you will be responsible to provide the deposit as indicated in your agreement to the listing brokerage.

  • We will recommend our preferred lawyers, mortgage brokers, movers, anything you need to complete your move.

  • From an accepted offer to closing day we will ensure your lawyer + mortgage broker receive all paperwork.

  • Depending on the terms of your Agreement, you are entitled to a set number of buyer visits before closing.

  • 1-2 weeks before closing your lawyer will conduct a title search to ensure there are no liens or encumbrances on the property.

  • If you are working with a mortgage broker, they will finalize your mortgage.

  • We will check-in with all parties to ensure that everything is in place to close.

  • Your lawyer will tell you where and how to pickup the keys to your new property.

  • Move in!

COSTS

  • Home Inspection - ($350-$650) In the event the sellers don’t have a home inspection report available you can make your offer conditional on a home inspection.

  • Appraisal - ($350-$700) An appraisal determines the property’s lending value for mortgage purposes. This value may or may not be the same as the purchase price of the home.

  • Mortgage Insurance - If the home is under a million dollars and your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, you must pay an insurance amount that is calculated on a sliding scale depending on your deposit amount. You can calculate your mortgage insurance here.

  • Land Transfer Tax - These fees are paid to the municipal and provincial governments whenever a property changes ownership. You can calculate the land transfer taxes by entering a real or estimated purchase price here.

  • Legal Fees ($1000-$2000) - Real Estate lawyers help their clients understand contracts, appraisals, inspections, legal documents and other legal processes involved in acquiring a property. They also answer clients’ questions regarding the transactions and will help iron out any issues that may arise.

  • Title Insurance - ($250-$350) Title insurance is paid once through your lawyer, upon closing. It is an insurance policy that protects property owners and their lenders against losses related to the property's title or ownership. Understand more about title insurance here.

  • Adjustments - You will be required to reimburse the seller for any prepaid property taxes or utility bills.

  • Home Insurance - ($1000-$2000/year) Protection of your home and contents.