Home / Buying a home
Buying a home
A clear, calm path from first showing to keys in hand, with a REALTOR® who reads the fine print for a living.
How it works
Six steps on the road home
-
A first conversation
What you need, what you’d love, your timeline and the communities you’re considering.
-
Get pre-approved
A lender or mortgage broker confirms your budget, so you can shop with confidence and act fast.
-
Search and showings
Jessica sets up searches that fit, books showings and gives you an honest second opinion on every home.
-
Make an offer
She prepares your Agreement of Purchase and Sale, with conditions such as financing and a home inspection, and negotiates for you.
-
Clear the conditions
Inspection, financing and any other conditions are completed on time, and your lawyer starts the title work.
-
Closing day
Your lawyer completes the transfer, and you get the keys. Welcome home.
Good to know
A few things worth planning for
First-time buyers
In Canada the minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 of the price and 10% of the portion above that. Ask your lender about the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan.
Closing costs
Budget for legal fees, the municipal deed transfer tax, a home inspection, insurance and adjustments for property tax or fuel. Your lawyer and lender can give you exact figures.
Rural and waterfront
Outside town, ask about well water testing, septic inspections, the survey and road access. On the water, look at shoreline and erosion too.
Does it cost me anything to work with a buyer’s agent?
Buyer agent compensation is usually paid out of the sale, but every situation is different. Jessica will explain exactly how it works for the homes you’re considering before you sign anything.
Should I get pre-approved before I start looking?
Yes. A pre-approval tells you what you can comfortably spend and shows sellers you’re ready, which matters when a good home gets attention.
What conditions should I include in an offer?
Most offers include financing and a home inspection; rural homes often add well and septic. Jessica will walk you through which conditions make sense for each property.
Can I buy in Cape Breton if I live somewhere else?
Absolutely. Many buyers start from away. See Moving to Cape Breton, then let’s talk about how to see homes before you travel.
How long does it take to close?
It depends on what you and the seller agree; closing dates are part of the offer. Your lender and lawyer need time for their work, so plan for at least a few weeks.
Let’s talk
Ready when you are.
Buying, selling or just wondering what’s possible? Call, text or send a note, and Jessica will get back to you personally.