For Buyers

Congratulations! You have decided to purchase a home, or are thinking about buying one. You’ll be joining the ranks of hundreds of families who realize that home ownership offers a number of benefits including building equity, saving for the future, and creating an environment for your family. When you own your own home, your hard-earned dollars contribute to your mortgage. The equity you earn is yours. Over time, your home will increase in value.

“To leave satisfied you must arrive prepared.”

Consider this your home buyer’s toolkit. Open it up, take a look around, and if you like, start equipping yourself with the tools necessary to make your best purchase. In most businesses, knowledge equals power, and real estate is certainly no exception.

I hope you enjoy the free reports I’ve provided, and I hope you learn a little more about what it takes to make your important purchase a great one.

The real estate market in Burnaby is certainly volatile, and all of the information about buying a home can be overwhelming. I can help.

Please contact me if you have any questions about buying a home in Vancouver, Burnaby or elsewhere in British Columbia.

I fight on behalf of my buyers.
I negotiate the absolute best price.
I protect you.
I simplify your transaction for you as much as possible.

I look forward to working with you.

Thanks for stopping by,
Gary Gao

Let Gary Gao Help You Every Step Of the Way.

When purchasing a home, you are faced with a multitude of decisions.  Finding that perfect home is not an easy task, and obtaining a mortgage loan can be a complex and tiring process.  Once you’ve made the commitment to reach that home-purchasing goal, though, the rewards you can achieve are unquestionable.

Assisting you every step of the way, Gary will make the process of purchasing a home in Vancouver easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook this challenge on your own. Gary will help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer, help you locate and assess properties for sale in Vancouver that match your specifications, and guide you through the myriad of details attending the actual purchase.

Gary has his finger on the pulse of the Vancouver real estate market, and knows neighbourhood values inside and out.  Gary will help you determine which properties are fairly-priced and in good condition before you start your search.

Your First Step

Your first step in the home-buying process is to define the reasons why you want to purchase a new home.  To stop paying rent? To start building equity? To have a place of your own? To raise a family? To move up to a bigger house?
Determine the style of home you prefer and the Vancouver/Burnaby area in which you’d like to live. Be specific.

Develop a needs vs. wants list.

Everyone has a picture of their ideal home. This home would include all the features you not only need, but have long desired. However, when it comes time to buying a home, these desired features constitute additional costs. While it’s nice to think about having an artfully landscaped backyard, or built-in appliances, these are usually considered luxury items, which can add considerably to the price of your property.

Begin the list with items you absolutely need like adequate room, garage space and number of bedrooms. How much space do you really need? Does your situation require a one-level home, or are stairs acceptable? Basic needs should be considered first. After these have been established, you can consider additional features if you can manage these benefits financially. With such a list in your hands, you’re less likely to be caught up in the excitement of the pursuit. You’ll have a good idea of what you want, the features within your price range, and whether or not you can afford those additional items.

Think of yourself as zeroing in on a target, going from the general to the specific. Consider area (downtown Vancouver, Burnaby, Port Moody); neighbourhood (older and settled or brand new).  Check out the neighbourhoods you’re considering, and ask around.  What amenities does the area have to offer?  Are there schools, churches, parks, or grocery stores within reach?  Consider visiting schools in the area if you have children.  How will you be affected by a new commute to work?  Are there infrastructure projects in development?  All of these factors will influence the way you experience your new home, so ensure you’re well-acquainted with the surrounding area before purchasing.  To learn more about what to look for in a new neighbourhood, please visit my Special Reports section!

Your Next Step: Mortgage Pre-Approval

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, you’re ready to take the next step in the purchasing process:  getting pre-approved with a Vancouver bank or mortgage company.  While getting pre-approved may sound daunting, it actually just involves getting an idea of what you can afford.  When you’re pre-approved, this means that a lender has reviewed your credit history, verified your assets and employment, and has approved your loan before you’ve found a Vancouver home to purchase.

Pre-approval gives you substantial leverage: sellers immediately see you as a serious buyer. Not only will you know the exact price range you can afford, but you’ll also be able to negotiate a better deal and move more quickly when you see a Vancouver house you like.

Depending upon market conditions, a seller may lean towards an unconditional offer, so you’ll have less negotiating power if you have to wait for mortgage approval. Banks and financial institutions have developed many programs catered specifically to home buyers. Once you review your needs and objectives with a lending officer, you’ll be one step closer to purchasing your home in Vancouver.

Contact Gary Gao and I’ll be happy to refer you to a Vancouver mortgage professional with an excellent reputation and track record for successfully acquiring loan approval for his/her clients.

Let Gary Gao Find the Perfect Vancouver / Burnaby Home for You

It is a very time consuming process to view every home available that meets your needs. Gary can do much of the work for you, by establishing your needs, then reviewing a range of properties and advising you of potential matches. I have my finger on the pulse of housing trends and prices and access to the best possible resources and communication systems available today to help you locate homes on the Vancouver real estate market that match your specifications.  A comprehensive knowledge of the available homes in your Vancouver neighborhood is one of my strongest assets.
Once you’ve been pre-approved and know what price range you plan to stay within, I can help you determine which properties fit your needs and wants, using the (MLS) Multiple Listing Service system.

Start your search now – and view my current listings!

Gary Gao Will Help You Every Step Of The Way

As a top Vancouver Realtor with years of experience and a proven track record, it is Gary’s job to guide you through this complicated process, from beginning to end. Contact me today, together we will prepare a unique system to suit your particular needs and goals. From helping you find your dream home to closing the deal – and every small or large step in between – Gary will be there to ensure journey to life behind a new door is a smooth one!

Buyer Resources

Thinking About Buying Your First Home? With interest rates low, many renters are starting to think about purchasing a home of their own. While simple rental cost vs. mortgage cost comparisons can be very attractive, buying a home is a serious commitment, and there are many factors to consider…

How to get THE home at THE price Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, the process of buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming venture.  Feeling that, in the end, you made the right decision and got a good deal can make all the difference…

But do you need it? Various house toys weigh in. Of course a basement waterfall and grotto is a practical and useful addition to any home.  That’s pretty much the only thing standing between you and the playboy lifestyle you’ve always dreamed about, right?  But who’s going to clean it?

Avoid Common Buyer Errors Shopping for a new home is an emotional experience.  It is, however, also a business transaction, and must be treated as such.  Three of the most devastating things that can go wrong are: ……

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