by Teri Conrad
Editor: Watch out for more great & insightful articles from, Teri Conrad, our new featured columnist and regular monthly contributor to the Zoocasa Real Estate blog!
I’ve worked with so many 1st time buyers. You’re a ton of fun to work with because you’re so excited to finally get into the market and be an owner! But you often have a ton of questions from hidden costs, to procedure to where do I even begin??
Today I want to discuss some of the key costs that you should be aware of. Here they are. (This is written for BC, Canada Real Estate transactions but most states/provinces will have similar costs.)
1. In BC, every purchase will have a Property Transfer Tax and it’s always 1% of the first $200,000 and 2% on the balance. So for a $300,000 condo you can expect to pay $4000.00. This would be money up front that cannot be rolled into your mortgage.
2. If you’re purchasing a brand new property you will be paying HST as of July 1st , 2010. (Up until now you would always have paid GST.) If your purchase is for the same $300,000 condo, then you will be eligible for a partial rebate. (The Government increased the threshold from $400,000 – $500,000. There is an excellent Real Estate law article written here. Talk to your lender about rolling these costs into your mortgage.
3. There is another new change this year for home purchasers. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a federally driven mortgage insurance program. (Most people are confused and believe that they are personally insured with CMHC but in fact it’s purpose is to ensure the lending institution should you fail to pay your mortgage. )
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty announced in February, 2010 that the government planned to tighten lending regulations and so all new buyers will have to qualify at the higher 5 year fixed rate. Keep in mind if you have 20% or more down payment you will not be required to purchase CMHC insurance.
4. Every time you write an offer, you will be expected to have a cash deposit. Cash upfront (by way of bank draft usually) that will be held in trust by the Real Estate Brokerage as a measure of good faith that you intend to complete the sale. These funds will be applied to your purchase. However it is an additional cost upfront that is usually 5 – 10% of the total purchase price.
5. First Time Homebuyers are eligible for a Tax Credit and the Federal Government has made it easier for 1st Time buyers to get into the market by allowing you to withdraw funds from your RRSP’s tax free up to $25,000! Canada’s Government introduces financial help for first-time home buyers. The Tax Credit is not huge – only $750, but hey – every little bit counts!
So there you go. Your other major cost will be your legal fees. Plan to spend around $1000 that include the cost of transferring Title. The silver lining is that right now, you as the Buyer do not have to pay the commission of your Realtor. The Listing Realtor pays the Buyer Realtor out of their own commission although that may one day change…
… but that we’ll discuss in another post!
About the Author
A modern Realtor® for 4 years, Teri is passionate about and embracing Web 2.0, utilizing online marketing initiatives and social media to maximize exposure and sell properties! She earned a diploma in Radio Communications from British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) which positioned her well with the knowledge and experience to anticipate the new media and new technology world. Teri’s background is in marketing and selling radio advertising for Rogers Communications Inc.
Teri founded the Fraser Valley Social Media Meetups to share her knowledge and facilitate learning and networking in her community of Langley, BC, as well as sits on the Communications and membership committees of the Langley Chamber of Commerce. Teri also consults with clients who need guidance with their social media strategy and content management. Most recently, Teri was asked to speak at Inman’s Agent Reboot Conference in Seattle and Portland. Known as @TLCHOME on Twitter… Teri is happily married and has 2 great sons and a step daughter.
