Buy a House with Trevor Shaw

Buying a home starts long before you see your first listing. To help sure you’re informed, prepared, and set up for success from day one, we: 

• Conduct a buyer consultation and needs assessment
• Explain the different ways we can represent you and what each means for you
• Show you how to perform your own credit bureau to review credit prior to seeing a financial institution
• Provide information mortgage pre-approval guidance and lender introductions
• Share demographic, employment and community information for out-of-town buyers

Your time matters, which is why your search should feel focused, not frustrating. To help you zero in on the right opportunities, we:

• Locate suitable properties tailored to your criteria
• Book and coordinate showings (24 hrs notice recommended)
• Provide transportation to view properties 
• Supply a list of schools for a variety of needs
• Offer strategic tours of neighbourhoods, amenities, and the city for new residents
• Look into future development plans, if desired 

A smart purchase means understanding more than just the home itself. To help you make fully informed decisions, we:

• Provide history of area and land use/terrain prior to development 
• Verify key property details such as taxes, utilities, and usage
• Confirm legal status of second suites and obtain all necessary documentation for investor clients
• Review the history of the subject property before drafting an offer
• Share strengths and potential concerns of each property

Strong offers are built on solid data, not guesswork. To help you understand value and negotiate with confidence, we:

• Conduct market data research for selected properties prior to drafting an Agreement of Purchase and Sale 
• Provide professional consultation using comparative market analysis (CMA)
• Advise on offer structure based on market conditions, including multiple-offer situations

This is where experience truly matters. To protect your interests and move the deal forward smoothly, we:

• Draft Agreement of Purchase and Sale and applicable Schedules 
• Present offer to the seller and/or the sellers representative on your behalf 
• Negotiate counter offers until final acceptance 
• Draft/Revise/Review/Analyze Amendments to Agreement 
• Re-negotiate terms when necessary following inspections or new information

There are many moving parts between offer and closing. To keep everything on track, we:

• Provide access to trusted network of inspectors, trades, and professionals whenever you need a second opinion
• Coordinate home inspection and introduce trusted Home Inspectors
• Arrange for other specialists as needed (well and septic, pest, energy audits, air quality testing, and more)
• Take up to 3 water samples on your behalf 
• Submit paperwork to the Public Health Unit on your behalf to obtain results 
• Order a status certificates for condominiums
• Obtain survey when required
• Check with zoning office/building codes/building permits (township or city) 
• Follow up on all conditions and prepare related documentation

Our support doesn’t end once your offer is accepted. To ensure a smooth closing and continued support, we:

• Manage file from acceptance to completion 
• Accept and deliver deposit cheque & receipt 
• Forward agreements and documentation to your lawyer and lender
• Communicate with lawyers and lenders on your behalf
• Arrange and attend final walkthrough
• Troubleshoot issues that arise before closing
• Alert your lawyer if holdbacks or price adjustments are warranted
• Follow up MLS system so ensure property purchased is flagged as SOLD 
• Remain available on closing day 
• Conduct post-sale follow-up 
• Provide a Gift Certificate for Home Depot or Simcoe Building Centre on closing   

Behind the scenes, there’s a lot that goes into protecting your interests and keeping your real estate purchase on track. To ensure a professional, compliant, and well-supported experience, we:

• Send letters, faxes, and couriers to your lawyer as required
• Send letters, faxes, and couriers to your lender to support financing
• Cover long-distance telephone and fax charges related to your transaction
• Cover cellular phone charges incurred on your behalf
• Refer you to trusted professionals in your source city when needed
• Stay current with legislation, market changes, and continuing education
• Carry Errors & Omissions Insurance for your protection

Banks and mortgage brokers offer very different products and rates. We encourage buyers to compare options so they don’t overpay or lock into the wrong terms.

Not all real estate lawyers provide the same level of service. Experience, responsiveness, and attention to detail can make a major difference when issues arise.

Inspections often uncover issues that aren’t visible during a showing. Skipping this step can lead to expensive surprises after possession.

Homes that sit higher than surrounding properties or lack privacy often struggle on resale. Buyers generally prefer privacy over prominence.

Real estate decisions have long-term consequences. Having an experienced local team like ours reviewing every detail, flagging risks, and protecting your interests is one of the smartest investments you can make.

• Send letters, faxes, and couriers to your lawyer as required
• Send letters, faxes, and couriers to your lender to support financing
• Cover long-distance telephone and fax charges related to your transaction
• Cover cellular phone charges incurred on your behalf
• Refer you to trusted professionals in your source city when needed
• Stay current with legislation, market changes, and continuing education
• Carry Errors & Omissions Insurance for your protection

In certain situations, such as buyers with a bad credit history, a broker may charge a fee, often around two percent of the mortgage. However, it pays to shop around because many mortgage brokers will provide their services fee to you by having the lending institution absorb the costs.

Professional movers typically charge $50 to $100 per hour for a truck and crew. Rates can increase during peak times like summer months or month-end moves. In some situations, such as moving a minimum number of kms for a job, these expenses can be claimed on your tax return so it is worth discussing with your accountant. 

If you’re buying a condo, monthly maintenance fees cover common areas and services. These vary by building but are often several hundred dollars per month.

Homes serviced by a well may require water testing. Fees usually range from $50 to $100, though some services may be included at no cost.

If the municipality has completed local improvements such as sidewalks or sewer upgrades, unpaid balances may transfer to the new owner. These are disclosed before an offer is finalized.

Anytime real estate changes hands in Ontario, a land transfer tax is applied. There is a calculation for this tax, but for budgeting purposes, it is roughly: 

• 0.5%  on amounts up to and including $55,000
• 1.0%  on amounts exceeding $55,000 up to $250,000
• 1.5% on amounts exceeding $250,000 up to $400,000 
• 2.0% on any amounts exceeding $400,000
• 2.5% on amounts exceeding $2,000,000 where the land contains one or two single family residences

NOTE: First time home buyers don’t pay the first $2,000 of land transfer tax.

HST applies to your lawyer’s fees and is typically included in your final legal bill.

If you have any services you want done as soon as you move in such as a cleaner or HVAC service, schedule them now. If you schedule to close to move in, they may not have availability. 

Schedule your moving services well in advance, especially if you’re moving at the end of the month or during peak seasons. Confirm the date, arrival times, and any special requirements with your movers or rental truck company to avoid last-minute stress.

Before packing, go through your belongings and decide what to keep, donate, sell, or discard. Reducing clutter not only makes moving easier but also helps you start fresh in your new home. Consider holding a garage sale or donating items to charity.

Begin packing early and don’t wait until the last minute. Label boxes by room and contents, and pack fragile items carefully. Keep an essentials box with items you’ll need immediately in your new home, so you’re not scrambling on move-in day.

Clean and organize your old home so it’s ready for the next occupants. A tidy handover ensures you leave a positive impression, protects any deposits or agreements, and makes your move-out process stress-free.