June 30, 2026 | Buying
Steps to Buying A House
Buying a home, whether it is your first home or a forever home, is one of the most exciting financial milestones. If you find the process stressful, especially if it’s your first time or if it’s been a while, know that you are not alone.
This blog is here as your trusted companion, offering clear, step-by-step guidance to support you confidently every step of the way.
Working With A Realtor
The first step to buying a home is deciding whether to work with a licensed Realtor or be a Self-Represented Party. If working with a Realtor is best and you don’t have a recommended agent, form a list of qualities you want in a Real Estate Agent.
Note the factors most important to you. Then research the agents in their area, their expertise, services, and what their brand or self-mantra stands for.
Getting ready to start house hunting? Read these other blog posts for more advice!
- Your Essential Home Buying Checklist
- How Much is a Down Payment on a House?
- What’s The Average Home Price in Guelph?
Interviewing Agents
Once you have a few appealing options, contact agents and initiate an interview. This will let you see in person if trust and knowledge align with your non-negotiables. After interviewing a few agents, start to consider your wants and needs.
See which agents’ expertise best matches them. For example, if you want a rural property, work with a local Real Estate team specializing in this field. If you want a home zoned for a commercial business, choose a commercial real estate agent over a residential specialist. Consider expertise, access, and experience when choosing your agent.
Starting Your Buying Search
Once you and your Realtor have established your wants and needs, start viewing properties. You may already be searching REALTOR.ca for listings that match your criteria. Meanwhile, your agent will check with colleagues for off-market listings or recent listings on the internal MLS board.
A saved search is a strategic tool Realtors use. It sets up clients in targeted areas that meet specific criteria, such as bedrooms, land size, and budget. The system then automatically finds matching listings and emails them to you and your agent. When a new listing appears on the Real Estate Board, it will be emailed automatically.
Booking Showings
Booking showings is an exciting step. Once you find a home worth a closer look, contact your agent to help with booking. Your agent may also suggest seeing several homes that fit your needs. As you tour each one, your agent will note your likes and dislikes to refine your search. Viewing homes is like shopping; you are taking into consideration the fit, size and price of the home and may not purchase that one, but will continue looking around until you find the one that is the perfect feel for you.
Writing An Offer
Finding your dream home feels surreal. If you want to make an offer, your agent should either sit down with you or call you to explain the paperwork. The Agreement of Purchase and Sale has several parts. The first breaks down the price and address and requires initials from both seller and buyer. The second covers what is included in the home purchase and what is being removed.
Once an offer is presented to the seller, they can sign back and request changes, accept, or reject it. Your agent handles all communication between you and the seller’s side. Remember, your Realtor must always act in your best interests and relay any information that protects you as their client.
Accepted Offer
At closing, your Real Estate Agent will ask about your lawyer selection. The lawyer handles the legal side and ensures title transfer at closing. Lawyer fees are unavoidable, so plan for them in advance.
Your lawyer will get all the Offer paperwork from your Real Estate Salesperson once you share the lawyer’s details. Then your agent connects your lawyer to the other party’s lawyer. Each party helps with the transaction until completion. At closing, the seller’s lawyer will provide access instructions, such as a lockbox or door code, and officially close the transaction.
If you need help choosing a lawyer for your property sale or purchase, reach out to our agents for a list of recommended local lawyers. We are proud to highlight strong service providers in Guelph.
How Deposits Work
After an offer is accepted, either conditional or firm, the buyer must pay the deposit listed. Deposits are normally 5% of the home’s price. All deposits are due within 24 hours and can be made by direct deposit, verified cheque, electronic funds transfer, wire transfer, or bank draft.
When you start searching for a home, your Realtor should tell you the approximate deposit needed for homes in your range. This way, you can make sure the money is ready when you want to buy.
Budgeting for Pre-Closing Costs
Some of the common expenses to keep your eye out for are:
- Moving Expenses
- Utility Connections
- Renovations
- Immediate Repairs & Maintenance
- Land Transfer Tax – If Applicable
- Deposit
If you have questions about the buyer process or just want to discuss the next steps that make sense for you, we are here to help! Schedule a no-obligation meeting and feel the support of a team dedicated to your success.
Need more advice on buying a house? Read these blogs next!
- The Cost of Closing in Real Estate
- Guelph Neighbourhoods: Where to Buy Your First Home
- How To Make An Offer On a House
Preparing to Close
Closing day comes with a few duties before the keys are handed over. First, your lawyer will contact your Realtor and ensure that the funds have been properly dispersed and both sides are prepared for the close.
Amongst those responsibilities, your lawyer will also ensure the title is transferred over into your name, exchange essential legal documents and then hand over the keys to you. In most cases, the lockbox code is released from the seller’s lawyer to the buyer’s lawyer and sent via email so that the door can be opened once the property is closed.
Buying a home? We can help! Reach us by email at info@capstonereps.com or call 519.824.9050.
Ready to Get Started?
Thinking about buying or selling a home in Guelph or Wellington County? Start the conversation with our team today.
