Whether you purchase a property from a homeowner or from a broker, the steps involved and the legal implications are the same. You’ll see that buying without an intermediary has many advantages!

Prior to visiting a property, you should verify whether you have the means to purchase it by meeting with a financial advisor. Don’t forget, you must have enough money to cover both a down payment and the expenses related to the transaction (notary, "welcome tax", etc.).

Consult the listing to determine whether the property features meet your needs. If necessary, communicate with the homeowner to obtain additional information. You may then make an appointment with the homeowner for a visit and prepare a list of questions to ask him.

Verifying the condition of the property prior to purchasing it is a good precaution to take. In order to do so, you can hire a home inspector. He will intervene at a later date. Be prepared to add the inspection conditions to the offer to purchase.

Easily familiarize yourself with the market by visiting DuProprio.com and by verifying the price that comparable properties in the area have sold for. You’ll get a better idea of how much you should offer. You can also hire a licensed appraiser.

Have a discussion with the homeowner in order to come to an agreement on the price, the conditions of the sale and the possession date. You can then complete the offer to purchase form.

Thanks to DuProprio, the seller benefits from a legal assistance service and can ask their legal questions in order to properly complete the document.

The sale will be sealed with a notary, but until then, nothing prevents you from consulting a notary to write-up an offer to purchase. Once the deed of sale is drafted, you will be the new homeowner!