The Hidden Costs of Buying Your First Home
1. Home Inspection
- Highly recommended by real estate experts.
- Identifies potential issues (e.g., mold, roof damage).
- Can save thousands of dollars in future repairs.
2. Land Transfer Tax
- Varies by jurisdiction (provincial/municipal).
- Example: Toronto buyers pay both municipal and Ontario land transfer tax.
- Some areas, like British Columbia, offer rebates for first-time buyers.
3. Legal Expenses
- Real estate attorney assists with contracts and transactions.
- Costs include a flat fee, GST/HST, and disbursements (office expenses, title search fees, registration costs).
4. Title Insurance
- Provides coverage for legal ownership issues (e.g., record errors, property liens).
- Ensures peace of mind when transferring the title.
5. Land Survey
- Confirms property boundaries.
- Needed for tree placement, renovations, or additions.
- If not provided by the seller, buyers must pay for a new survey.
6. Condo Fees
- Monthly fees cover maintenance and reserve funds for emergencies.
- Important to consider future fee increases and current fund management.
7. Hook-Up Costs
- Includes connecting utilities, cable, and internet.
- Essential to budget for these often-overlooked expenses.
8. Moving Costs
- Expenses for professional movers or moving van rentals.
- May include additional storage costs if there are move-in delays.
9. Mortgage Default Insurance
- Required for down payments less than 20% of the purchase price.
- Purchased from entities like Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
10. GST/HST
- Additional 5-15% sales tax on new constructions.
- Varies by location (e.g., 5% GST in Alberta, 13% GST/HST in Ontario).
- Potential for federal rebates depending on circumstances.
Final Thoughts
- These hidden costs are common in the home-buying process.
- Prepare your budget to cover these expenses, adding up to 8% to your down payment.
- Proper planning ensures a smoother transition to homeownership.
For expert guidance, contact your local RealtyMan real estate agent.
Contact Information:
- Call or Text: (416) 707-1031
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: (416) 707-1031
- Website: www.realtyman.ca
- LinkedIn: Fardad F.
- Yelp: Fardad Farhanian
- Instagram: realtyman.ca
- YouTube: FardadFarhanianRealtyMan
- Pinterest: FardadFarhanianRealtyMan
- Facebook: FardadFarhanian
Are looking for affordable North York townhomes for sale