Step By Step Buying Guide

Step-By-Step Buying Guide

When it comes to the homebuying process, knowing what to expect will help you buy with confidence.

At Tamarack Homes, we have helped thousands of homeowners navigate the process and we are here to make your journey as smooth and transparent as possible as well. This guide will break down each key step with links to additional resources for further details.

Budget and Pre-Approval

Before you start browsing listings and scheduling walk throughs, it is essential to know what you can comfortably afford. The first step is to map out your finances and get pre-approved for a mortgage.

Financial Assessment: Review your entire financial picture including income, monthly expenses, savings, and investments. Consider how much you can comfortably allocate for a down payment, closing costs, and ongoing expenses.
Meet With A Mortgage Specialist: These professionals can help determine your borrowing power and estimate your monthly expenses.
Mortgage Pre-Approval: This is written confirmation from your lender which shows exactly how much you can borrow. This not only helps narrow your search but also demonstrates to sellers that you’re serious about buying.
Explore Incentives: In Ontario there are numerous incentives and rebates available for buyers to help purchase their home.

Pro Tip: Many homeowners find that getting pre-approved early helps them move quicker to find the right home.

Learn More About Pre-Approval Tips
Learn More About Incentives And Rebates

Choose Your Community

The community you choose to call home shapes everything from your daily routine to your future home value. Tamarack carefully designs each of their communities for exceptional quality of life with parks, trails, schools, shops, and more.

Things to Consider:

Location: Take into account your commute, proximity to family and friends, and access to services such as shopping, healthcare, and recreation.
Lifestyle: Do you prefer an upbeat, urban lifestyle, or a quieter community?
Future Growth: Tamarack builds in areas that are poised to continue to evolve, ensuring your home remains a smart investment now and into the future.

Pro Tip: Explore our numerous neighbourhoods across Kingston and Ottawa, each offering a distinct design and a strong sense of community.

Learn More About Our Communities

Select Your Model

Once you’ve had the chance to tour our communities and you’ve found one that suits you, it’s time to select your home design. Tamarack offers a wide range of singles, townhomes, and semis, all complete with energy efficiency, comfort, and modern living in mind.

What Can You Choose From:

Browse Home Models: Explore our floorplans and virtual tours online or visit one of our model homes to take a look at the layouts in person.
Choose Your Lot: A lot’s orientation, size, layout, and proximity to amenities can affect property value.
Finish Options: Depending on your home model, you may have additional options for finishes in bathrooms, kitchens, etc.

Pro Tip: A Tamarack Sales Representative can help you easily compare models and layouts to best suit your needs.

Agreement of Purchase and Sale

Once you’ve found the home of your dreams you’ll need to formalize your purchase with the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS).

This Includes:

All Property Details: The APS will outline your home model, purchase price, lot number, deposit schedule, and scheduled closing date.
Conditions: These can include mortgage approval, or the sale of your current home.
Deposit Schedule: Your Tamarack Sales representative will explain to you the deposit structure, payment schedule, and answer any questions you may have.
Review With Lawyer: It’s strongly recommended that your lawyer look over your agreement before signing to ensure you understand everything in your agreement.

Pro Tip: Transparency is key and that’s why Tamarack helps to make sure you have full confidence before you sign.

Pre-Delivery Inspection

Before taking possession of your new home you’ll complete a Pre-Delivery inspection (PDI). Approximately one week before possession, a Customer Care Representative will reach out to schedule your PDI.

Your PDI entails:

Touring Your Home: You’ll be able to walk through the entirety of your new home and review every feature to ensure it is up to your liking.
Learning How Your Home Functions: A Tamarack Inspector will show you how to operate key systems such as heat, water shut off, appliances, etc.
Taking Note of Any Deficiencies: Anything you notice in your home that requires adjustment or repair will be noted and scheduled for completion. At this time, you will also be given contact names and emails for after-care service.

Closing And Move In

When closing day finally arrives your lawyer will take care of any remaining legal or financial steps required to officially transfer ownership. Once all the loose ends have been taken care of, you’ll be able to receive your keys and take possession of your new home and move in.

After moving in, your relationship with Tamarack still continues into the future. Every Tamarack Home is protected under the Tarion Warranty Program, ensuring you peace of mind for years to come. Our customer care team will be available to help with any service requests, or maintenance questions. We take pride in every home we build and we stand by it long after you move in.

Learn More About Warranties
Learn Some Helpful Moving Tips
Learn More About Being A Homeowner