Homebuying Step By Step:

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you will make, so it pays to make an informed decision by first looking at the main advantages and disadvantages of homeownership.

In this Step you will find a number of simple calculations that will help you evaluate your current financial situation and determine how much house you can afford and the maximum price that you should be considering.

After you have calculated the maximum home price you can afford, you will need to calculate the up-front costs and expenses associated with buying a home to make sure you are financially prepared.

Before you start searching for a home you need to think about your current and future housing needs and what characteristics are important to you in a home.

This Step describes the roles played by the professionals you will call on in the homebuying process: real estate agent, mortgage broker, lawyer/notary, inspector, insurance broker.

If you have decided that you are ready to start your search, this Step offers information on ways to find the home that is right for you, useful tips for your search and Home Hunting worksheets.

Once you find the home you would like to buy, you will need to present the vendor with an Offer to Purchase or Agreement of Purchase and Sale. This Step describes the Offer to Purchase process.

Describes the final steps in the homebuying process: things you will need to do on closing day, and how to hire and work with a moving company.

The real financial responsibilities of home ownership begin when you take possession of your new home; you will need to budget for mortgage payments, ongoing operating costs and an emergency fund.

This section offers useful tips for new homeowners on home repair, maintenance and renovations, and discusses the importance of security and fire safety. Also includes a practical Maintenance Calendar.