New to Canada

Finding the Right Agent

Welcome! As a newcomer to Canada, you are learning a new environment and perhaps even a new language. Our brokerage has a diverse group of experienced agents with the ability to speak different languages and help cater to your needs. Understandably, there is a lot to consider and learn, so finding the right real estate professional to help you through this process is important. When searching for your real estate agent, here are some things to consider:

Trust

Do your research! Purchasing a home is a big decision and will require you to have someone who can help guide you through the process. Make sure to partner with someone who you know will be looking out for your needs and put your best interests first. When selecting an agent or broker, take the time to interview them and get to know them. As the house-hunting process can be tedious and emotional, find someone who aligns with you. You can also check if your real estate agent is in good standing through the Real Estate Council of Ontario. Agents with Right at Home complete ongoing training and have access to all the latest information and tools to support you.

Knowledgeable

Find someone who knows the local market and neighbourhood you want to purchase a home. If you are still determining the location, you can rely on your agent to guide you to the right neighbourhood.

Resourceful

A Right at Home agent has connections with trusted industry professionals whom you can choose to work with when closing the deal.

• Mortgage broker, bank or financial institution: You must determine what you can afford. There are many ways you can acquire a loan or mortgage for your new home, and many institutions offer mortgages that cater to newcomers to Canada.
• Real Estate Lawyer: Hire a lawyer to assist with the transfer of sale documentation.
• Home Inspector: Before you close on your property, hiring a home inspector to review and help evaluate the properties you are considering is important. They will walk through the property to identify any problems or major issues.

Finding a real estate agent who is right for you is essential. Let’s start the conversation and connect you with one of our Right at Home Realty real estate agents today!

Contact an Experienced Agent

Understand the Housing Market

From determining the right location to understanding property values, it is important to understand the housing market in Canada. Research the prices of the homes in the areas you are interested in purchasing, noting those that are within your budget.

Requirements to Buy

Welcome to Canada! This beautiful country is a wonderful place to call home. As you settle into your new surroundings and learn more about life in Canada, buying a new home can be a great opportunity to establish roots and build a future. As regulations and laws vary significantly from country to country, it is important to gather information around the home buying process and work with a knowledgeable real estate professional to help you find the right place to call home. There were no restrictions for purchasing a home in Canada for many years. However, the Canadian government has made changes regarding who can buy property in Canada. Your immigration status can determine if and when you can purchase a property. For the most up to date information, visit the Canadian Government Website.

How to finance your new home

Obtaining financing for a new home can be more challenging for a newcomer. Banks and financial institutions will require certain information and documentation to prove your ability to pay the monthly payments. They will verify your job, require a deposit and complete a Canadian credit check. Make sure to look at all options available to you. If you are still trying to figure out where to start, one of our real estate agents can guide you as you begin your search. Finding financing as a newcomer can be challenging as you will not have had a credit history established in Canada. It is important to establish your credit by ensuring bills are paid on time, having a Canadian bank account and credit card, and securing a job with regular pay. There are several ways to secure a mortgage for purchasing a property. Many banks offer financial advising and can work with you to establish your financial footprint. Obtaining a pre-approval for a mortgage will help you understand how much you can afford.

Where to Look

Canada is a vast and beautiful place with many wonderful neighbourhoods. As a newcomer, it might feel overwhelming when you first arrive to find the right place to call home. Here are some ways to help you begin your search:

Work with a real estate agent:

Finding a real estate agent who knows the local neighbourhoods well will help you discover more details about the places you are researching. Many agents live in the areas where they work, and they can give you an insider’s view as to what to look for in the neighbourhoods you are researching. They will also bring their expertise regarding property value, community resources and services.

Online research:

There are manywebsites and resources online that provide recommendations on where to live in Canada. Many of these sites offer a lot of information and can help guide your initial search. Pay close attention to sites that are user-based as they will provide great information about local amenities, services and programs.

Go exploring in person:

One of the best ways to get to know the different areas is to explore different areas on your own. Walking or driving through a neighbourhood will give you a feel for what it might be like to live there. Talking to people in the community will also give you a better idea of the neighbourhood. If you have friends and family in Canada, talk to them and seek their advice on neighbourhoods that suit you and your family.

Social media:

There are many local neighbourhood groups on social media platforms where people discussavailable properties, market trends and tips about the home buying process. It is a great place to connect with other people and ask questions. Suppose you still need to migrate to Canada. In that case, this is a great way to get a feel for a community and connect with people that you might become neighbours with. Now that you know how to look, here are some things to keep in mind for what to look for when searching for the right neighbourhood for you:

Access to amenities:

Transit, schools, groceries: When moving to a new country, there is a lot to learn and take in. Suppose you you do have access to a car. y In that case, it is necessary to find a home that allows you access to transit options that will make it easier for you to get to and from work, buy groceries or drop kids off at school. If you have school-aged children, not all schools offer access to a school bus and it will be important to know what is available for your family as you plan your move.

Rural vs. urban:

When moving to a new country, many recent immigrants tend to gravitate towards the city centres, often because of job locations or access to amenities. However, it is important to look at all your options. City centres can be quite congested. Suburbs cater to growing families and are still transit-friendly. Alternatively, explore a rural space for more land and property around your home.

Community:

Finding a sense of community and belonging is so important when searching for a new home, especially in a new country. When searching, keep in mind factors such as access to community programs. Community members with similar values or family structures may help ease settling in a new place. Do you have friends or family members who you would like to live near? Do you want to be close to a place of worship? Consider this when selecting a location. Ready to take the next step in finding your new home in Canada? Contact one of our Right At Home Realty sales professionals for more information.

Make an offer

Once you have found a house you like, work with your agent to make an offer. Things can move quickly, as real estate is highly competitive in Canada, especially in the larger city centres. This can be a very emotional, as buyers often begin to envision their lives in their new homes. However, it is important to keep to your budget and pay attention to things that could be flagged about the property. Work with your real estate agent to negotiate the best terms that meet your needs and circumstances.

The closing

Once the seller has accepted the offer, many time-sensitive things need to be completed.You will require the support of a real estate lawyer to finalize the legal paperwork around the sale of the home, as well as start to book moving services, give notice of leaving for your current residence (whether you are renting or staying with family or friends), move or book essential services such as water, hydro, postal services.