The Process

Um…how does this work exactly?

Making the choice to invest in real estate is the first smart decision you will need to make and from there we can help guide you through the rest while answering any questions you have along the way.

It is important to know that no two real estate transactions are the same, however, the underlying process they follow is. This typically takes the shape of the following 7 steps.

#1 Identify Wants and Needs

Your first step to buying a home is to 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."  Sometimes it takes seeing a few homes before you can come up with this list, sometimes you know exactly what you want down to the paint color before you even start – either way we can help!

#2 Call Sage

The minute you are considering a real estate investment in the Okanagan make sure to call your friends at Sage. If you are already working with a Sage Agent then they will outline this process in detail for you and if not then make sure to find your Sage Match by completing this form.

#3 Get Pre-Qualified

In an effort to help you avoid any heartbreak and ensuing stress it is best to figure out what kind of real estate investment you can afford to get into. At Sage we have access the best mortgage brokers in town who will quickly and easily help you get pre-qualified for a mortgage with no commitment attached. A pre-qualification simply allows you to know what will be affordable for your budget and does not tie you into “having” to buy a house or spend any money – it will simply help align your budget with your heart.

#4 Find the “One”

Once we know what type of property you are looking for, what requirements are important to you and what budget you have our local experts can get to work and use their magic to locate any and all potential contenders for you to look at. 

Finding the right property can take days, weeks or sometimes even years.  It will require time and patience...but the “right” place is out there and we will find it for you.  We are committed to finding you the home that you not only love but give you that “feeling” when you walk in the door.

#5 Negotiate, Negotiate, Negotiate

Sage Agents are trained negotiators and as your partner in this journey it is our job to get you the best deal possible on your home. Before an offer is drafted we will give you with a clear assessment on all the factors that can affect pricing such as:
How long has the house been on the market?
Has the seller made price reductions?
What did the seller pay for the property?
What has recently sold in the area?
Why is the house for sale?

#6 Follow Through

Once an offer is accepted congratulations are in order but there are still steps to complete before the ink dries.  Most purchase agreements have numerous contingencies or subjects in them that are there to protect you.  These are typically there to ensure you have the time you need to properly investigate the home, ensure all your ducks are in a row, and allow you the freedom to cancel the contract without penalty if things do not check out or go as expected.

These contingencies must be completed within certain time limits (as specified in the purchase agreement) and are critical to follow through on. Failing to get tasks done in a timely manner can result in losing the home of your dreams…which is where Sage comes in.  You already have many things on your plate and before anything falls through the cracks (or even comes close to resembling it could) we are there to help (and yes sometimes nag if needed) to make sure it gets done so you can enjoy your home worry and stress free!

#7 Complete and Move In

The last step in this process is to make your purchase legal while giving you a sore wrist from signing all those autographs!  Sage works with dedicated and proven legal experts, whether you prefer a real estate lawyer or notary public, we can help get you set up and make the contract signing a breeze so you can save up that energy for unpacking all those boxes.