Congratulations! You’ve taken the first step toward homeownership. The buying process
can be complex, but staying focused on your needs and priorities will help you find the perfect home.
We’re here to make your journey simple and stress-free — helping you find a home that
meets your needs, checks off your wants, and fits your budget.
We look forward to guiding you every step of the way! Have questions? We’re just a call
away.
Before you start house hunting, it’s crucial to know how much home you can afford. A mortgage pre-approval:
Buying a home comes with additional costs beyond the purchase price. To help you plan ahead, here’s a breakdown of the key expenses:
💰 Deposit (5% of purchase price) – Required within 24 hours of offer acceptance,
forming part of your total down payment.
💰 Down Payment – Minimum 5-20%
depending on your mortgage type.
📝 Legal Fees – Covers lawyer costs for reviewing contracts and closing the deal.
🏡 Land Transfer Tax – A provincial tax applied at closing.
🔍 Home Inspection – Ensures the property is in good condition before purchase.
🏦 Appraisal Fees – Required by lenders to assess home value.
🛡 Mortgage Insurance – If your down payment is less than 20%, CMHC insurance is
mandatory.
Before searching for a home, define your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Here are key factors to consider:
Detached, condo, townhouse, or something else?
What’s your ideal price range?
Preferred neighborhoods or proximity to work/schools.
Are you looking to move quickly or in the future?
Parks, gyms, pools, or other lifestyle features.
Garage, driveway, or street parking needs.
Space for family, pets, or home office needs.
At Lion Crest Real Estate, we make finding your dream home simple and efficient with our custom search platform. Using advanced tools from Lion Crest's technology suite, we provide:
We know your time is valuable, so we streamline your search by selecting the best 5-8 properties that match your criteria.
Once you've found the right home, it's time to craft a strong offer. Sellers may use different strategies, and we’ll help you navigate them with confidence.
With Lion Crest’s expertise and strategic approach, we ensure your offer stands out in any market condition.
Once your offer is accepted, your purchase becomes either conditional or firm:
You’ll need a real estate lawyer to handle the closing process. We recommend reaching out at least 1-2 weeks before closing to ensure everything is in order. This includes:
Your lawyer will notify you once the transaction is officially complete — this means:
📅 Key Pickup: Sellers typically have until 6:00 PM to provide vacant possession unless otherwise negotiated.
Time to move in and start your next chapter!