You Closing Costs

Know Your Closing Costs

When buying your new home, make sure you put some money aside for the costs that will arise when you finally complete your purchase.  Costs such as legal fees, appraisals, insurance, and taxes can add up if you’re not planning for them.  As your real estate professional, I can help you make a budget so that you are well prepared when your dream home becomes a reality.

Costs Involved when buying a home

Appraisal Fee

A lending institution may require an appraisal of the home before approving your loan, it may be your responsibility to pay the appraiser’s fee.

Deposits required by utility companies

Setting up a new account with a utility company can require additional fees and time off work for technicians to access your home and set up the new services.  

Fire & Liability Insurance

The mortgage lender will require that you purchase an insurance policy which guarantees that, in the event of fire, the lender will receive the balance owing on the mortgage loan before you receive any insurance proceeds.

GST

If you purchase a newly constructed home, you may be subject to GST on the purchase price. There may be some rebates available depending on the value of the home. 

Home Inspection Fees

Home inspector fees are often overlooked, but a good inspector can help you save money in the long run.  Not only can a home inspector give you the peace of mind that you are buying a solid property, they can also advise you about any major repairs that will be coming up, and any regular maintenance that will help prevent issues from arising.

Household Goods

Depending on where you are coming from, and what type of home you are buying, set aside some money for things like kitchen appliances, garden equipment, garbage cans, tools, window coverings, etc.

Legal Fess

Legal advice and assistance can help make your home transfer much smoother.  Fees to consider will include the transfer of home ownership from the seller to the buyer, which must be recorded in the Land Title and Survey Authority Office. As well, if you are financing your purchase with a new mortgage loan, there will be a further fee and disbursements to prepare and register the mortgage documents. 

Life & Disability Mortgage Insurance

At your option, you may purchase insurance which will ensure that your outstanding mortgage balance is paid if you die or become disabled.

Mortgage Application Fee

Lending institutions may charge a mortgage application fee. This application fee may vary between lending institutions.

Mortgage Default Insurance

This type of insurance is required on most mortgage loans in excess of 80% of the appraised home value. Its purpose is to ensure that the lender will not lose any money if you cannot make your mortgage payments and the value of your home is not sufficient to repay your mortgage debt. The insurance premium is paid to the lender and, in most cases, is added to the loan amount and paid for over the term of the loan.

Moving Expenses

Depending on how many things you have to move, and how far you are going, moving expenses can include buying boxes, hiring people to pack your home, hiring movers, and renting trucks.

Property Tax

If the current owners have already paid the full year’s property taxes to the municipality, you will have to reimburse them for your share of the year’s taxes.

Property Transfer Tax

The British Columbia Provincial Government imposes a property transfer tax, which must be paid before any home can be legally transferred to a new owner. There are exemptions from this tax.

Redecorating or Renovations 

There will likely be a few things you will want to add to your new home when you finally move in.  These costs will vary with your taste, needs, and situation, but be sure to keep them in mind when making your budget.

Survey Fee

The lending institution may also require that a survey certificate be presented to them. The purpose of the survey is to formally establish the boundaries of the property and to ensure that all buildings are within those boundaries.  If the current owner cannot provide a recent survey certificate, it will be your responsibility to pay the surveyor’s fee.