Buying in Metro Vancouver involves more steps — and more paperwork — than most people expect. Here's how the process works in British Columbia, and where I help along the way.
Before you start viewing, speak with a lender or mortgage broker about a pre-approval. It tells you your realistic price range, and sellers take offers more seriously when financing has been considered. If you're buying for the first time, see my first-time buyer page for the programs that can lower your costs.
We agree on areas, property types, must-haves and deal-breakers. In today's market there's genuine selection, so a sharp brief saves you weeks of viewings. My neighbourhood guides and Market Stats page are a good starting point.
In BC, offers usually include subject clauses: conditions such as financing, inspection and, for condos and townhouses, review of the strata documents. They give you time to confirm the home is right before you're fully committed.
Your three-day right to cancel. For most residential resale purchases in BC, buyers have a Home Buyer Rescission Period: three business days after acceptance to cancel for any reason, by paying a fee of 0.25% of the purchase price. Presales follow separate rules.
Once accepted, you pay a deposit — the amount is negotiated, commonly around 5% of the price — which is held in trust. This is when inspections happen and, for strata homes, when the documents get read properly. My guide to strata documents explains what matters.
When you're satisfied, you remove subjects and the sale becomes firm. On completion day your lawyer or notary transfers funds and registers the title; possession — getting your keys — usually follows shortly after. Budget for closing costs beyond the down payment; my closing costs guide lists them all.
Most buyers judge a home by its finishes. I also look at what the property is likely to cost you over the next decade — roof, windows, building systems, and for strata homes, what the depreciation report says is coming. My 15+ years in construction management, cost control and bidding are a real advantage here, though I'm not an inspector and will always recommend the right professional when one is needed.
Every client's situation is different — I'm happy to walk you through what applies to you, in English or Turkish.