Step by step, with real timelines and real costs. No glossy marketing version, this is the order of operations and the parts most people don't see until they're in it. Buyers, scroll down. Sellers, jump ahead.
From the first conversation to keys in your hand. Most timelines below run 60 to 90 days end to end, though it depends on your readiness and what we find along the way. Want a printable checklist? →
We talk through your timeline, budget range, must-haves, and dealbreakers. I'll explain how I work and what to expect; you ask anything that's been bugging you. If we're a fit, we keep going. If not, no hard feelings.
Before we look at houses, you talk to a lender. They check income, credit, and debts, then give you a written commitment for how much they'll lend. This number, minus what you've saved, sets your real shopping ceiling.
I can recommend lenders if you don't have one. Don't skip this step. Sellers take pre-approved offers more seriously, and often won't consider one without it.
I set up real-time alerts on the MLS® System for properties matching your criteria. When something looks right, I send it to you with the recent comparable sales already attached, you see what it should be worth before you walk in.
We book showings around your schedule. After each one I'll give you my honest take and point out anything worth having a licensed home inspector look at closely.
I prepare a Comparable Market Analysis (CMA) that shows what the property is actually worth. We discuss strategy, price, conditions, closing date, deposit. I prepare the Agreement of Purchase and Sale on the standard form and explain how it works in clear terms. For legal interpretation of any clause, your real estate lawyer is the right person.
Once you're happy, I submit. The seller's agent typically responds within 24 to 48 hours: accept, reject, or counter. We go back and forth as needed until both sides agree (or walk away).
This is when due diligence happens. Typical conditions:
Home inspection (typically $500 to $800 depending on home size and complexity; ask your inspector for an exact quote), a licensed inspector reviews the roof, foundation, electrical, plumbing, mechanical. Findings either reassure us or give us grounds to renegotiate or walk away.
Financing, your lender confirms the specific property meets their criteria.
Lawyer review. A real-estate lawyer reviews the title, taxes, and any covenants or easements. Legal fees in Newfoundland usually run around 1.5% of the purchase price (the lawyer's fee plus disbursements like land-transfer registration and title insurance). That is the largest single line item within your total closing costs. Every firm prices differently, so get a quote from two or three before you commit.
If anything significant shows up, we renegotiate. If everything checks out, conditions are removed and the deal is firm.
Your lawyer prepares closing documents and coordinates with the seller's lawyer. Your lender finalizes the mortgage paperwork. You arrange home insurance (closing requires proof of it).
You also start packing, schedule movers, and book your utility transfers. I'll keep you posted on any blockers.
Funds transfer between lawyers. Title transfers to you. You sign final documents at your lawyer's office (usually 30 minutes). I do a final walkthrough with you to confirm the property is in the condition you agreed to.
Keys are usually in your hand the same afternoon, once the lawyers confirm the money has moved. The house is yours.
From the first conversation to the day someone else owns your house. Most timelines run 60 to 120 days from listing to closing, depending on the market and how the property's priced. Want a printable prep checklist? →
I walk through your home, note what works in your favour, and flag what might give buyers pause. We talk timeline, motivation, and the price you have in mind. No pricing commitments yet, that comes next.
I pull every recent comparable sale in your area, adjust for your home's specific features and condition, and arrive at a defensible price range. You get a written CMA with three numbers: conservative, most likely, and ambitious, with the tradeoffs explained.
If your number and my number disagree by a lot, I'll tell you why. I won't take a listing I think is overpriced just to win the business.
Most homes need light prep before going on market: declutter, deep clean, minor paint touch-ups, a few specific staging tweaks. I'll give you a prioritized list focused on the items that actually move the needle on offer price.
On most listings I'll recommend professional photos, scheduled once the prep is done.
I list on the MLS® System with the photography, the listing copy I've written, and the full feature sheet. The listing also goes out on Realtor.ca, targeted social media, and the eXp agent network.
The first 7 to 14 days drive the most attention, most strong offers come from buyers who see it in that window.
Buyers' agents request showings; I coordinate around your schedule. After each one, I report back what the agent and buyer said. When an offer comes in, I explain each clause in clear terms and we discuss strategy, accept, reject, counter. For legal questions on any clause, your lawyer is the right person.
Multiple offers happen on well-priced listings. I'll explain how to evaluate competing offers fairly.
The buyer does their due diligence: inspection, financing approval, lawyer review. Some inspections turn up items that prompt the buyer to renegotiate; we strategize how to respond.
Once their conditions are removed, the deal is firm and the property is effectively sold.
Your lawyer wires the funds (minus commissions and any payoffs) to your account. You hand over keys. Title transfers to the buyer. The sale is done.
I typically meet you at the property for the final walkthrough with the buyer and do the key handover in person.
Five-minute intake form, no pressure. I'll be in touch with a real plan.