Buying a home in Ontario: the 15 steps

More space, a better school, a shorter commute. Your reason decides what to look for and what to skip.

Meet two or three agents. Ask how they price, how they win in multiple offers and how they communicate.

A lender confirms what you can borrow and holds a rate. Sellers take pre-approved buyers more seriously.

Plan for land transfer tax (double in Toronto), legal fees, title insurance and adjustments on top of the down payment.

Compare prices, schools, commute and resale value street by street before you fall for a house.

See them in person. Look past the staging at layout, light, roof, windows and the furnace age.

We pull recent sales nearby so you know what the home is really worth before you write.

Price, deposit, conditions and closing date. Each one is a lever in the negotiation.

We work the price and terms with the listing agent, in a bidding war or one-on-one.

Your deposit goes to the listing brokerage in trust, usually within 24 hours of acceptance.

Financing, home inspection, status certificate for condos. Each one has a deadline.

Once conditions are waived the deal is firm. Now it is about getting to closing.

Your lawyer searches title and prepares the closing. Home insurance has to be in place before closing day.

See the home again before closing to confirm everything is as agreed.

Funds move through the lawyers, the deed registers, and you pick up the keys.