New To Canada?

Buying a home in a new country can be daunting, but with a little preparation, it doesn’t have to be. We’ve put together this New to Canada guide to help you through the process.

The New Home Buying Process for New Canadians

New to Canada or considering moving to Canada? Congratulations! Buying a new home is an exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming. There are so many things to consider, from finding the right neighbourhood to getting the best mortgage rate. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. Here are a few things you need to know about buying a new home in Canada.

The first thing to keep in mind is that the process may be different than what you’re used to. In Canada, most homes are sold through real estate agents or Sales Manager with new home builders. You’ll likely want to work with an experienced representative who knows the ins and outs of the Canadian housing market. The second thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to be prepared to make a down payment of at least 5%. This is just a general guideline – depending on your financial situation, you may be able to put down less or more. Lastly, keep in mind that closing costs can add up quickly. These are costs such as legal fees and land transfer taxes that are due when you finalize the purchase of your home.

There are many options in Canada for buying a home, and many New Canadians are choosing to build brand-new homes to suit their needs. We’re here to help you get started, so let’s take a look at the new home-buying process for new Canadians.

The New Home Buying Process for New Canadians

1. First Steps in the Home Buying Process for New Canadians

Getting Started

So you’ve arrived in Canada and are ready to buy a new home! You want to put down some roots and really get your family settled in your new country. The key thing to remember when starting out is that while the process can feel overwhelming, understanding the major components will go a long way in helping you find the right home for you and your family.

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2. Setting Your Budget

Preparing your Finances

It’s quite important to have a solid idea of how much home you can afford, which should include your down payment information (starting at 5% of the purchase price and going up from there) and closing costs, which are dependent on a variety of factors. It’s also important to take a look at your credit score, as it plays a major role in determining your mortgage.

Setting Your Home Buying Budget
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Mortgage Pre-Approval
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Monthly Budget Worksheet

3. Choosing The Best Community

Where Do You Want To Live?

Finding your perfect home isn’t just about the building - you also need to consider the area you want to live in. Finding the right location can make your life easier in all sorts of ways.

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Remember To Think About Amenities

No matter where you choose to buy your new home, it’s essential to remember to consider outside factors. As a new Canadian, it’s important to think about being closer to amenities such as specialty grocery stores, community centers or places that offer English language courses, if that’s something your family needs.

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4. Finding The Perfect Home Style

What Kind Of Home Do You Want To Live In?

Now, it’s time to determine the best home layout. There are a number of things to consider here, such as the size of your family, your budget, and any additional needs you might have.

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5. Searching For A Home

Finding The Right Home

Now that you know what style of home you want and where you want to live, it’s time to start searching for what type of home will work best. This is where you’ll decide if you want to buy a resale property or build a new home from scratch.

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Choosing The Ideal Home

This is the part most home buyers are the most excited about - choosing your home! Here, you want to make sure you’ve decided on any specific features that are a must-have. For example, if you’re a multigenerational family, maybe you want a basement suite with a separate entrance so relatives can keep some independence while living in the same home.

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Working With The Right People

When it comes to your new home, you need to make sure you have a good team. As a new Canadian, experience and trust are key to ensuring you’re getting exactly what you want.

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6. Get Your Financing Finalized

Mortgages in Canada

Now that you have the perfect home, you need to get the last of your financing in order. You now know how much of a minimum you need for the down payment, so you need to talk to your mortgage specialist and get the details of your mortgage completed.

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7. It’s Moving Time!

Preparing For Moving Day

You’ve found your dream home and successfully navigated the home-buying process. Now it’s time to plan for the move into your fabulous new home! This can be stressful, but with proper planning and some helpful guides, you can help the process go a lot smoother.

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Hiring a Moving Company

As well as creating a detailed plan, you can also make your move easier by hiring some professionals to take care of your move for you. This often means a little extra expense, but can save you a huge amount of time and effort if done correctly.

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