How do I find the right realtor?

When looking for a realtor/sales associate you should consider the brokerage firm’s reputation, reach and experience as well as the individual sales associate’s experience and personal style. Buying real estate is a critical transaction. In today’s market, you need someone who is well informed and someone you can really trust. Sales Associates

How much can I afford?

If you are not sure what you can afford to spend or finance, you should consult your bank, professional mortgage broker or a financial consultant. A good lender will help you understand your own finances and range of options and as well as debt and payment thresholds. It’s also important to consider real estate taxes, closing fees and moving costs. Referrals

How do I write an offer? What price do I go in at?

We can advise you at every stage of negotiation. Your Rennie Sales Associate will guide you through this process and explain all relevant market variables. We will ensure that you are well informed, comfortable and confident during the entire process.

They accepted my offer, now what?

Congratulations. Once your offer has been accepted by a seller, it is time to complete your paperwork and make sure that all of the conditions pertaining to the contract of purchase and sale can be met. You will need to contact your mortgage broker or bank to finalize payment and financing in a timely manner. Contact the lawyer or notary public who will act on your behalf to finalize the property paperwork and transaction. Your Rennie Sales Associate can assist you throughout this process and answer any questions.

When do I get my key to move in?

You will receive your key on possession day as stipulated on your agreement for sale. Your Rennie Sales Associate will coordinate collecting the key from the seller and will arrange for a key transfer.

When do I need to purchase home insurance?

The policy for home or content insurance should be effective on completion day, so be sure to give your Insurance Provider the exact date. Referrals

Do I need a lawyer or notary now?

Once the offer is firm, it’s best to set up an initial appointment with a lawyer or notary as soon as possible. Your Rennie Sales Associate will gladly accompany you to finalize the paperwork on completion day.

What happens if I need to sell my current house first?

You can still make an offer on a new home. Your Rennie Sales Associate can write a condition in the contract of purchase and sale that allows you to sell your current home before completing the purchase of your new home.

Do I need to get a home inspection before purchasing?

While it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to hire a home inspector when you purchase a home. If you choose to hire a home inspector, your Rennie Sales Associate can write this as a condition in the contract of purchase and sale.

What if I’m an international buyer?

If you live in Canada for less than six months a year you are considered a non-resident, but you can still open a bank account and buy property. If you live in Canada for more that six months a year, you must apply for immigrant status. BC has no restrictions on foreign ownership of real estate in Canada. Buyer's Completion Guide

What if I’m a first time buyer?

The best thing you can do as a first time buyer is to educate yourself on the buying process even before you start looking. This will make the experience more enjoyable and less stressful for you.

There is a great deal of information available online, as you will discover. Talk to friends and family to benefit from their experiences too. Rennie & Associates Realty offers a wealth of expertise and information. We can walk you through the first time buyer’s process and we also offer tours of homes for sale, a great way to introduce yourself to the active real estate market.

What is presale buying?

A presale occurs when homes are offered for sale prior to completion. Buyers purchase the rights to a property before or during the project’s construction. The transaction usually involves a buyer and a developer entering into a purchase agreement, pending completion of the transaction at a future date when the home is ready for occupancy. In most cases a presale purchase agreement requires payment of only 15-25% of the purchase price, with the remainder due when the property is completed.

Can I go to a presentation centre or an open house with or without my real estate agent?

It is recommend that if you are working with a real estate agent that you bring them along with you when you go to any showings. If you do, however, decide to go a presentation centre or open house alone, be sure to let the selling real estate agent know that you are in fact working with a real estate agent.

What is an assignment?

What is involved in renting my investment condo? Do I need to hire a Property Manager?

There are many issues to consider when renting out an investment property. To determine an appropriate rent to charge, collect research on comparable units in your area. As a landlord, you are responsible for ensuring the property meets health, safety and housing standards. The tenant must maintain reasonable health, cleanliness and sanitary standards throughout the rental unit or site and property. Property managers can assist you in finding a tenant, collecting rent and fixing any minor tenant problems. They remove a lot of the stress that may come with renting a home.

As a landlord, what am I responsible to pay for?

As an owner/landlord you are responsible for paying the monthly strata fee and any special assessments on your condo. You will also need to arrange and pay for home insurance. Standard maintenance and repair of appliances and wear and tear damage is also the responsibility of the landlord. If renting a furnished apartment you are typically also responsible for handling cable, hydro and basic phone costs.

What are the tenants responsible to pay for?

I am new to Vancouver, what do I need to know?

Rennie & Associates Realty is a full service boutique brokerage with specialized expertise. We provide unique services to those new to an area, such as touring properties in several different neighbourhoods to find the locale that best suits your needs. We can also recommend services and amenities in your new neighbourhood to assist you. Our REFERRALS.