Laura Thibeault, your local White Rock REALTOR®

You are faced with a multitude of decisions when buying a home! The first is whether you are actually prepared to make that purchase. Locating the perfect home isn't an easy task, and obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process. However, once you have determined that you are ready to move forward, the rewards are unquestionable.

I will make the process of purchasing a home easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. I can show you how to be prepared so sellers will perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you find and assess properties for sale that match your specifications, and assist you through the myriad of details attending the actual purchase.

I am very familiar with the current homes on the market, and know neighborhood values well, so I can help you determine which properties are fairly-priced and in good condition before you start your search. My background includes working in construction project co-ordination, horticulture and landscaping as well as the myriad of upgrading courses I take every year through the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. The experience I've gained over the years is available to help you all through the home-buying process.

Your first step to buying a home is to ask yourself what the primary reason is for making a purchase. To stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To entertain business associates? To move up to a bigger house? Secondly, with that reason in mind, list what kind of home you'd like and where you would like to be. Be specific. Separate the "must haves" from the "want to haves."

Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (city, suburban neighborhood, country); community (north, south, east, or west side); neighborhood (older and settled or sparkling new; a particular school catchment area; recreational facilities; and other community services such as transportation, day care, library, stores, entertainment). Ask yourself how many minutes you are willing to commute to work.

Think about home styles. How much space do you need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Consider size and kind of property. Do you want a newer home, or maybe an older one to fix up? Someday you or your heirs will want to sell. Consider how long you expect to live in this particular home.

Once you have addressed the above needs, your next step in the purchasing process is to get pre-qualified with a mortgage company. This can be done over the phone or even online in a matter of minutes.

Call me and I will refer you to mortgage professionals that have an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients. You can choose from this selection the individual with whom you feel most comfortable. Remember, there is no fee charged for mortgage broker services; they are paid by the lender.

Once you've been pre-qualified and know your price range, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs by using the (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system to locate them along with personal connections I have with other realtors who may have exclusive listings and individuals I know personally who may be ready to sell their property.

I have the best possible resources and communication systems available today to help you locate the homes on the market that match your specifications. You can even search my listings here at my website.