Let me help you every step of the way.
When purchasing a home, you are faced with a multitude of decisions! The primary one is whether you are actually prepared to purchase a home. Locating the perfect home is not always an easy task, and obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process. Although, once you have determined that you are ready to move forward with the required effort towards your home-purchasing goal, the rewards are unquestionable.
While at your side each step of the way, I will make the process of purchasing a home easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. I will help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you locate and assess properties for sale that match your specifications, and help you through the myriad of details attending the actual purchase.
I am always familiar with the current homes on the market, and I know neighborhood values well, so I can help you determine which properties are fairly-priced and in good condition before you start your search.
Let me help you with your first purchase!
Call me today at (604) 764-6873 or e-mail me at geraldinesantiago@shaw.ca
Your First Step
Your first step to buying a home is to first ask yourself why you want to buy a home: to stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain business associates? To move up to a bigger house? Next, list what kind of home you'd like and where you would like to be. Be specific. Separate the "must haves" from the "want to haves."
Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (city, suburban neighborhood, country); community (north, south, east, or west side); neighborhood (older and settled or sparkling new; a particular school zone; recreational facilities; and other community services such as transportation, day care, library, stores, entertainment). Ask yourself how many minutes you are willing to commute to work.
Think about home styles. How much space do you need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home, or maybe an older one to fix up? Someday you or your heirs will want to sell. Consider how long you expect to live in this particular home.
Your Next Step: Loan Pre-Qualification
Once you have addressed the above needs, your next step in the purchasing process is to get pre-qualified with a mortgage company. This can be done over the phone or even online in a matter of minutes.
Call me and I will refer you to a mortgage professional that has an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients.
I Will Find The Right Homes For You!
Once you've been pre-qualified and know what price range you want to stay in, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs by using the (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system to locate them.
I have the best possible resources and communication systems available today to help you locate the homes on the market that match your specifications. You can even search my listings here at my website.
I Will Help You Every Step Of The Way!
I will help you complete your financing and inspections, and close on the transaction. My top priority is to make sure that your home buying experience is pleasant, cost-efficient, and successful.
Geraldine Santiago, Published Author of the, "Complete Home-Buyer's Guide for Canadians" Self-Counsel Press Ltd. (Over 7,000 copies sold!)
The Complete Home-Buyer's Guide for Canadians is written by an experienced real estate agent who specializes in working with first-time home buyers. This book is written in an easy-to-understand manner, guiding the home buyer from obtaining financing to the final paperwork. Whether it is a condominium, a newly built house, or a resale home, the Complete Home-Buyer's Guide for Canadians will help you decide which home is best for you.
The following questions are answered in this book:
- Where can I get a mortgage?
- What kind of interest rates can I expect?
- What is my borrowing capacity?
- Are financing options available for first-time home buyers?
- Can I use my RRSP for a down payment on a new home?
- What is the relationship between the buyer and seller, and the realtor representing each party?
- How do I make an offer?
- What is a fair price when I place an offer?
- How do I remove subjects?
- What does a building inspection include?
About the author
Geraldine Santiago is a licensed realtor who specializes in first-time home buyers. She conducts regular seminars on buying a home and is a member of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver, the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and the Greater Vancouver Home Builder's Association. (GVHBA)
Editorial Reviews
Edmonton Journal, November 1, 2003
Written in an easy-to-read format, the [Complete Home Buyer's Guide for Canadians] provides useful tips intended to make the home-buying process less stressful.
Victoria Times Colonist, October 18, 2003
Written in a straightforward manner, the guide de-mystifies the home-buying process and offers insider tips on home-purchasing pitfalls.
FREE Home buying seminars near you
I take great price in co-ordinating on-going seminars for first-time home buyers, focusing on issues that first-time home buyers are concerned with, as well as explaining the steps involved in purchasing a home. Guest speakers such as a mortgage broker, building inspector, and lawyer provide insight into the various steps and process of purchasing. I hope that these seminars will give buyers confidence in their own choices and decisions.
Please reserve your seat as space is limited. All classess are from 7-9pm. Check your local community centre for space availability and dates or call me directly at (604) 734-2128 or (604) 764-6873 or e-mail me at geraldinesantiago@shaw.ca to reserve your space!
January 19, 2006: East Hastings Community Centre
January 26, 2006: Mt. Pleasant Community Centre
February 23, 2006: Roundhouse Community Centre
March 4, 2006: Burnaby Public Library (Kingsway) 2:15-4:00pm
March 22, 2006: Ironwood Public Library, Richmond 6:30-8:30pm
April 4, 2006: Greater Vancouver Home Builder's Association
April 5, 2006: Trout Lake Community Centre
April 6, 2006: Cambie Library, Richmond 6:30-8:30pm
April 8, 2006: Chapters Bookstore, Richport, Richmond
April 13, 2006: Roundhouse Community Centre
April 26, 2006: Renfrew Community Centre
June 1, 2006: EV Logistics-Ambient (For EV Logistics Staff and Family only)
September 27, 2006: Renfrew Community Centre, 7:30-9:30pm
October 5, 2006: East Hastings Community Centre, 7-9pm
October 12, 2006: Mt. Pleasant Community Centre, 7-9pm
October 19, 2006: Richmond Cambie Library 6:30-8:30pm
October 26, 2006: Richmond Ironwood Library 6:30-8:30pm
October 26, 2006: Roundhouse Community Centre, 7-9pm
November 23, 2006: Roundhouse Community Centre, 7-9pm
Do you want to have a seminar at your office during your lunch hour? Let me know when you would like it done and we will make it convenent for you!
Can't make it to our free seminar? I will make it convenient for you! I will have a free one-on-one seminar with you at your convenience! Send me an e-mail and let's set it up! You need to get this information BEFORE you buy! Call me today at (604) 764-6873!