Buying Your Home

Expert guidance through every step of your home buying journey in the Port Alberni Valley

How to Make an Offer

When you have found a home you are interested in buying, I will walk you through the process of drafting an offer to purchase. I will communicate the offer to the seller or the seller's real estate agent for you.


Some properties are in demand and you will not be the only interested party making an offer. I will assist you in generating an offer that is reasonable and protects your interests using specified terms and conditions.

The Offer Process

1

Draft Your Offer

An offer can be drafted with or without conditions. A firm offer has no conditions, while a conditional offer includes protective conditions like "subject to financing approval" or "subject to home inspection".

2

Present & Negotiate

The seller may accept your initial offer, reject it, or present a counter-offer. Counter-offers can go back and forth until one party accepts or rejects, ending the negotiations.

3

Finalize Terms

Once accepted, we'll work through any conditions, arrange financing, complete inspections, and prepare for the closing date when ownership transfers to you.

Key Components of an Offer

💰 Purchase Price

The amount you're offering to pay for the property. This is usually dependent on market conditions and may differ from the seller's asking price.

📋 Terms

Specify the total price offered and how financing will be arranged - whether through a financial institution, mortgage broker, or taking over the seller's mortgage.

📦 Inclusions & Exclusions

Detail which items are included or excluded from the purchase, such as appliances, window coverings, fixtures, and decorative pieces.

💳 Deposit

A token of your assurance and intention to buy the property. The deposit is applied against the purchase price once the sale closes.

⚖️ Conditions

Items put in place to protect your interests, such as financing approval, home inspection, or your current home selling.

📅 Closing Date

The date when legal ownership transfers from seller to buyer and funds for the purchase are concluded.

First Time Home Buyers

As a first time buyer, you're likely to have many questions about selecting, financing and buying your first home.

I can provide the answers to your questions and walk you through the entire process, from viewing potential homes to making an offer to setting up mortgage financing.

Although buying your first home can be overwhelming, you can be confident that I will be available to help you every step of the way. I can make buying your first home simple and straightforward, eliminating any confusion and doubt.

Common First-Time Buyer Questions

  • How do we start looking for a home?
  • How much money will we require to purchase?
  • How much will mortgage payments be each month?
  • Can we afford the monthly payments?
  • How does the home buying process work?
  • What can we expect along the way?

Home Inspections

A home inspection is an objective visual examination of a home's structure and systems. It's a crucial step in the buying process that can save you from costly surprises.

I can provide you with a list of qualified Port Alberni / Alberni Valley home inspectors who are trained and certified by national organizations such as CAHI or NIBI.

The inspection should be ordered after your offer has been accepted, and you should accompany the inspector to understand their findings firsthand.

Why Get a Home Inspection?

  • Ensure you're not surprised by major defects
  • Learn about heating, cooling, electrical, and plumbing systems
  • Understand how mechanical systems work and need maintenance
  • Get objective assessment without emotional attachment
  • Identify existing and potential problem areas
  • Receive cost estimates for required work

Ready to Start Your Home Buying Journey?

Let me guide you through every step of finding and purchasing your perfect home