DRUMMOND REAL ESTATE MARKETING GROUP : Royal LePage Elite West : Buying Resources

Buying

Let Shannon, Pat and Brittni of the Drummond Marketing Group guide you every step of the way. Purchasing a home comes with many decisions, starting with whether you’re truly ready to make the move. From finding the right home to navigating mortgage financing, the process can feel complex and overwhelming. Once you’re ready to move forward, however, the rewards of homeownership are well worth the effort.

With the Drummond Marketing Group by your side, buying a home becomes easier, more enjoyable, and far less time-consuming than going it alone. We’ll help position you as a strong, confident buyer, identify and evaluate properties that fit your needs, and guide you through every detail of the purchase from start to finish.

Because we stay current on homes available in the market and have a strong understanding of neighborhood values, we can help you recognize well-priced properties and avoid costly surprises before you even step through the door. Our goal is to make your home-buying experience informed, smooth, and successful.

Guiding You From First Step to Front Door

When you work with Shannon, Pat and Brittni, our first step is understanding why you want to buy a home. Are you ready to stop paying rent, start building equity, find a place of your own, or move into a home that better fits your lifestyle? Knowing your motivation helps us guide you in the right direction from day one.

Next, we’ll help you define what you’re looking for — the style of home, the location, and the features that matter most. Together, we’ll separate the must-haves from the nice-to-haves and narrow your focus from general ideas to specific goals. We’ll talk through neighbourhoods, commute times, schools, amenities, and the type of community that feels right for you.

Finally, we’ll consider the home itself — size, layout, property type, and whether a newer home or one with character makes sense for your plans today and in the future. Our goal is to help you find not just a house, but a home that fits your life now and as it grows.

Start Your Home Search on Solid Ground

Once your needs and goals are clearly defined, the next step in the buying process is getting pre-qualified with a mortgage professional. This can often be completed quickly — over the phone or online — and helps clarify your purchasing power before you begin your search.

When you work with the Drummond Marketing Group, we’re happy to connect you with a trusted mortgage professional known for their strong reputation and proven success in securing loan approvals. We’ll make sure you have the right support in place so you can move forward with confidence.

Finding Your Perfect Home, Together

Once you’ve been pre-qualified and have a clear price range in mind, we’ll help you narrow in on the homes that truly fit your needs. Using the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), we identify properties that match your criteria and keep you informed as new opportunities come to market.

At the Drummond Marketing Group, we use the best tools and communication systems available to make your home or condo search efficient and stress-free. You’ll also have the option to explore current listings directly through our website, giving you easy access to homes that meet your specifications.

More Than a Transaction — Your Long-Term Partner in Real Estate

We’ll guide you through every step — from finalizing your financing and inspections to closing day and beyond. At the Drummond Marketing Group, our goal isn’t just the transaction; it’s the opportunity to help you build long-term wealth through homeownership and equity. We take pride in teaching our buyers how real estate can be a powerful tool for financial growth.

We want to be your Realtors for life — supporting you today, and continuing to guide you as your needs and goals evolve in the years ahead. Our top priority is making your home-buying experience smooth, cost-effective, and truly rewarding — both now and for your future.

What are the costs involved with a purchase?

If you’ve decided to buy a home, it’s important to go into the process knowing all of the costs involved beyond the asking price of the property.

Here’s an overview of costs involved.

Buying costs

Mortgage application

Lenders may charge a mortgage application fee, which will vary depending on the lending institution.

Mortgage insurance

The federal government requires high-ratio mortgages (with less than 20% down payment) to be insured against default. The cost ranges between 1.25 to 3.75 per cent of the mortgage amount which is added to the mortgage principal.

Appraisal fees

Before your lender approves your mortgage, you may be required to have an appraisal done. Sometimes your lender will cover this cost, if not, you are responsible. The fee ranges and is typically as much as $500.

Land survey fees

Lenders may require a survey of the property. Survey costs vary.

Home inspection fees

A home inspection is a report on the condition of the home that can alert you to any potential issues such as structural and moisture problems, as well as electrical, plumbing, roofing and insulation. Fees can range from $500 - $1000 depending on the size of the home and the complexity of the inspection. Some inspectors have surcharges for a secondary suite, a crawlspace, over even an older home.

Provincial Sales Tax

The PST is generally not payable on services except for legal and notary fees.

Both the GST and PST are paid on legal and notary fees.

Property Transfer Tax

Home buyers in BC pay a provincial Property Transfer Tax (PPT) when they buy a home. The tax is charged at a rate of 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price and 2% on the remainder. First-time home buyers may be exempt from paying the PTT of 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder of the purchase price of a home priced up to $475,000. There is a proportional exemption for between $475,000 and $500,000. At $500,000 and above the rebate is nil. Ask us for information on more cost saving programs.

Property taxes

Some lenders require property buyers to add property tax installments to monthly mortgage payments.

Pre-paid property taxes or utility bills

A buyer typically is required to reimburse the seller for any prepayments.

Mortgage life insurance

If the owner dies, this type of insurance will pay off the balance owing on their mortgage.

Fire and liability insurance

Most lenders require property buyers to carry fire and extended coverage insurance and liability insurance.

Home insurance

Buyers will a mortgage will be required to buy home insurance. To be safe, make the insurance effective on the earlier of either the completion date or the date that you pay the balance of the funds in trust. Most lenders also require property buyers to carry fire and extended coverage insurance and liability insurance.

Legal or Notary Public fees

Legal or notary public fees and expenses will likely apply to assist with drafting documents and ensuring the title of the home is transferred properly and without incident.

Moving fees

Moving fees vary depending on the distance moved and whether professional movers do all of the packing. Rates vary.

Contact us today to schedule a meet and greet. This is an opportunity to see if we could be a good fit for you. Even if it's not the right match, you'll leave with excellent information and resources to get you started.

Use the contact form at the bottom of this page.

(604) 817-8664 | drummondteam@gmail.com

Awards

Diamond Master Medallion

Top 10% of all @Realtors in the RBGV for over 19 yrs.

Lifetime Award of Excellence RLP

Diamond Award (Top 3% RLP)

Director's Platinum Award RLP

Keller Williams Top 3%