Buyer Information

• You'll save time. An agent can pinpoint homes that fit your needs and dismiss those that don't.
• You benefit from an experienced negotiator. Your agent will manage your offers and counter-offers, ensuring that you get the best possible price for your home.
• You'll get the right information. Your agent knows the neighbourhood and can give you accurate information on local real estate values, taxes, utility costs, services and amenities.
• You can always count on great advice. Because your agent is familiar with the entire home purchasing process, he or she can advise you of your legal and financial options, and recommend appraisal, home inspection and contracting services.

• Will you be representing my interests?
• Do you have access to MLS information?
• Will you provide market evidence to support the price?
• Will you look after closing and possession details?
• Can you be contacted at any time?

Working with an agent Let your real estate agent do the searching for you. The best buys aren't in the newspaper ads; most great opportunities are on "hot sheets" that are available every morning to salespeople with access to MLS information. An agent's job is to: Provide information on the property and the area Negotiate a price and terms that are agreeable to both buyer and seller Help arrange a source of financing

• Offer a detailed description of your property needs and wants. If you will absolutely not consider a house without a hardwood floor, say so. And if air conditioning is a "nice to have" rather than a "must have," communicate that, too.
• Be specific about where you want to live. If you refuse to live outside a certain area, it might take longer to find you a home, but your agent will know not to waste your time with anything not in your chosen neighbourhood.
• Tell your agent what you can afford. He or she can help you get a pre-approved mortgage so you know for sure what your price range will be.
• Communicate your likes and dislikes for each property you see. It will help your agent narrow down the possibilities.
• Commit to one salesperson.
• Respect and perform the terms of the purchase agreement.
• Keep an open mind. Agents know about those charming little areas that you've never even heard of. You might find your dream home in a completely unexpected place.

After you have bought a home,

Here is a moving checklist of things you can do to make your move go smoothly:

As soon as you know your moving date:

• Inform the following of your change of address, either by mail, phone or in person:
  • Banks and credit card companies
  • Insurance companies
  • Friends and family
  • Doctors, dentists
  • Professional Associations
  • Fitness Centre
  • Revenue Canada

• Set up mail forwarding at the post office - you can do this in person at any Post Office or online.  Copy and paste the following link into your browser.  http://www.canadapost.ca/ecoa_dm/coa-e.html
• Get estimates from moving companies if you plan to use one, and book your move as soon as possible (especially if you plan to move during a high-volume period such as a holiday weekend or the first of the month)
• Conduct an inventory of items in your home for insurance purposes (consider using a digital camera)
• Purchase or obtain packing materials (boxes, tape, packing paper, markers, bubble wrap, plastic sheeting etc.) and make a packing plan

One Month Before Moving Day

1. Make a list of essential items you will need right away at the new house: bedding, towels, toilet paper, light bulbs, first aid kit, toolbox containing hammer, screwdriver, nails and screws, duct tape, pliers, etc. Pack these items in a box clearly marked “First Unpacked”
2. Set up Home insurance for your new home.
3. Arrange for transfer or new installation of these utility services to your new home:
   
   • Enbridge Gas 1-800-668-4732
     • Online Service for First time customers: Copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://portal-plumprod.cgc.enbridge.com/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=267&PageID=0&cached=true&mode=2&userID=2
     • Online Service for existing Enbridge customers who are moving.  Cut and paste the following link into your browser: https://portal-plumprod.cgc.enbridge.com/portal/server.pt?open=512&objID=262&PageID=0&cached=true&mode=2&userID=2
   • Ottawa Hydro 613-738-6400
     • For online service of hydro set up, please copy and paste the following link in your browser  https://secure.hydroottawa.com/moving/mfscenario.aspx
   • Water and Sewer 613-580-2444
   • Bell Canada 1 866-585–1890 - They handle home phone, Bell Direct Satellite, and internet
     
   • Rogers - 613 759-8551 - They supply home phone service, TV cable and internet. Call John Dudek (our Roger's Royal LePage Team Rep) at the number above or email at john.dudek@rci.rogers.com 
4. Newspaper delivery and Magazine Subscriptions
   
   

Two Weeks Before Moving Day

• Change your address on your driver’s license, health card, and other identification effective the date of your move
• Arrange to have all metres (electricity, gas, water) read and phone, cable and internet services disconnected or transferred to your new home on moving day