information for buyers

My motto is to provide Service Excellence for all your real estate needs. Throughout the entire process, I am committed to earning your trust and confidence and to exceed your expectations by providing the following services:

  • Recommendations to respected sources of financing.
  • Information about available properties.
  • Providing accurate answers to questions regarding properties.
  • Explaining the forms used in the real estate transaction
  • Negotiating a fair market price.
  • Familiarize you with the steps to Completion of the Sale.
Once you have selected a property, the next step is to make an offer. At this point I will draft up a Contract of Purchase and Sale to present to the Sellers. Some of the items for consideration in the Contract are:
  • Professional inspections
  • Deposit amounts and terms
  • Subject Clauses to include
  • Transfer and possession dates
  • Inclusions
  • Other legal considerations
Once a transaction has been successfully negotiated on your behalf, I will continue to offer assistance to ensure that you are able to complete your obligations in a timely fashion to fulfill the contract. You must be prepared to pay for any closing costs which may apply to your transactions. Some of the following fees may be required only if a lending institution is involved.
  • Property Purchase Tax (1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the balance)
  • H.S.T. (usually applies to new homes and properties purchased from the developer)
  • Property Tax
  • Survey Fees
  • Legal Fees
  • Mortgage Application Fees
  • Fire and Liability Insurance
  • Appraisal Fee, Mortgage Default and Life and Disability Insurance
The Responsibilities of a Buyer is to carefully read all documents and understand what you are signing. When special advice is needed, you are advised to seek out experts or professionals such as lawyers, notaries, accountants, home inspectors, contractors, engineers, and surveyors.

Hornby Island is Unique.

The Island’s Trust establishes the zoning of property on the island. The zoning establishes issues such as, the type and use of buildings. With few exceptions, only a single dwelling is permitted on each lot or parcel of land.

Building Permits are not required. However, under Section 28 or the Island’s Trust Act, Siting and Use Permits are required. These permits verify that any proposed construction, siting, and use, complies with the requirements of the land use bylaws and must be obtained prior to construction. It is recommended that buyers refer to local land use bylaws at www.islandstrust.bc.ca before making decisions about such things as water supply and sewage disposal plans.

Water on Hornby is mainly supplied through a) surface water (lakes, ponds, or streams), b) ground water (accessed by wells or drilled holes), or c) cisterns that collect rain from roofs or store water from a low producing well.

Some properties on Hornby are not serviced by Septic Systems. The use of out- houses and composting toilets are permissible. The installation of a sewage disposal system usually includes a septic tank, a distribution box, and an approved method of ground disposal. The process to install such a system is as follows:

The sewerage system regulation that came into force May 31, 2005 changed the old permit process into a filing process; the health authorities no longer approve the construction and maintenance of on-site septic systems. With the new filing process, the owner retains the services of an authorized person who will assess your needs and design, install, and maintain the septic system; while these three functions are separate, they may be done by a single authorized person if he/she is so qualified. An authorized person may be a registered on-site wastewater practitioner (ROWP) with the Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of BC (ASTTBC) or a Professional Engineer (PEng) and registered with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC). As for the filing process, the authorized person (planner) assesses the site, determines your needs, and designs an appropriate system being in general conformance with the standard practice manual. The authorized person then submits the design to the health authority for filing. Once an authorized person (installer) installs the system as designed, the planner then submits a letter certifying that the construction is in accordance with the filed design as well as an as-built drawing of the installation and a maintenance plan/manual for the system. The owner should get a copy of all the documents that are given to the health authority for filing, especially the as-built drawing and the maintenance plan/manual for future reference. For more information click here.

information for sellers

What the value of your home in today’s market?

For up to date information on the value of your home in today’s market, I would be happy to prepare for you a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA ). This will outline comparable current listings for sale, and those that have recently sold, or expired. This analysis along with my knowledge of the market will inform you of the best price at which to list your property.

How will your property be marketed?

My affiliation with RE/MAX, The Islands office on Hornby Island will ensure that your property receives competitive exposure.

  • Photos and property description will appear in RE/MAX, The Islands Office window.
  • Your property will be advertised in all brochures and electronic mail outs.
  • Regular ads will run in the local Grapevine.
  • Your property will be featured on such websites as Islandsrealestate.com, HornbyHomes.com, plus we will create an interactive website especially for your property
  • A booklet will be available in the RE/MAX, The Islands office with details about your property.
  • Exposure in Homes & Land magazine (25,000 printed every 28 days and www.homesandland.com)

What are the responsibilities of your listing agent?

  • Your listing agent has a legal duty to protect and promote your best interests at all times. This includes the duty to disclose any information pertinent to the transaction that could influence your decisions.
  • Should the listing agent also represent the buyer interested in your property, the agent has a responsibility to inform you of the legalities of such a duel agency.
  • Your listing agent will provide you with information on current market conditions affecting the sale of your home.
  • Your listing agent will assist you to ‘stage’ your home and to create a more marketable product.

What are the seller’s responsibilities?

The seller must provide accurate and honest information about the home they are selling. A Property Disclosure Statement will enable sellers to inform prospective buyers about some basic information about the property, which may not be readily apparent to the buyer on casual inspection. This statement usually becomes a part of the contract of purchase and sale.




contact

Please contact me for further information or for questions regarding the information presented here.

Tel: 250-335-9025
Contact via email
 RE/MAX The Islands, 4325 Shingle Spot Road, Hornby Island, B.C.