Try these resolutions when buying a home this year

New year’s resolutions are easy to make, but hard to keep. But buying a home is a serious commitment that calls for an extra dose of prudence. If you’re in the market for a home, keeping the resolutions below will go a long way to support you in having a positive experience.

1. Resolve to find the right salesperson. Before you hire anyone, make sure you evaluate candidates on four areas: their experience, their approach to finding properties that are right for you, the services they’ll provide, and the commissions or fees you’ll need to pay.

2. Resolve to confirm your salesperson’s registration. Before you start working with someone, confirm they are registered with the Real Estate Council of Ontario and legally permitted to represent buyers and sellers in the province. Use the search tool on the organization’s website.

3. Resolve to read and understand everything you sign. Every real estate contract is different, so it’s important to do your homework. Never sign a contract you don’t understand. Know what you’re agreeing to, and if you’re not sure about something, ask your salesperson for clarification or your lawyer for advice.

4. Resolve to be an active participant. Your real estate salesperson is your guide, but you also need to do your part by being involved. Make sure you understand how the process works by asking questions along the way and communicating openly so your salesperson understands what’s important to you.

Bought or sold recently and have opinions about real estate? Sign up to be a consumer representative for the organization’s consumer industry advisory group at reco.on.ca. (NC)