Guide for Cortes Island Home Buyers

Buyer's Resources & Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are experienced buyer in need of guidance on an investment purchase or a first time home buyer obtaining a mortgage loan, I am here to help.

I will make the process of purchasing your dream property easier, more enjoyable, less time-consuming, and less expensive than if you undertook the challenge on your own. I will help you prepare so that sellers perceive you as a preferred buyer.

Additionally I will locate and assess properties for sale that match your specifications making sure we do not miss out on any seen or unseen opportunities. With skill, I will guide you through the myriad of details and paperwork involved in the actual transaction so that your purchase completes susccessfully.

I would love to have a brief 20- 30 minute buyer interview phone call. Spending this time upfront will save us valuable time later. I will review my buyer process and will answer any questions you might have. You can also easily sign up to receive emails about listings that meet your search criteria. You can do that by clicking here , or calling me directly at 250.203.5145. Unless I am out of service at a remote property location or in the middle of a negotiation, you will hear back from me quickly.

I enter into a committed relationship with my clients. Sometimes after meeting with a client I might decide that it would be best for you to work with another agent. This might be because I am not able to provide you with the level of service due to a full roster of clients, or because I think my style might not be the best fit for you. If this is the case I will introduce you to a couple of other agents I know and trust and they will be able to help you.

The short answer is yes. And you want to know you have an agent with experience. I am specifically skilled in working with clients on Cross-border clients and have relationships. with lawyers and accountants who can answer the tricky questions that might come up. I have experience working with both internationally based Non-residents and Permanent Residents.

With my background in tourism accommodation, experience with raw land development, and a husband in the construction industry I offer you direct connections to a network of trades and contractors on the BC Coast. I know who to call, when.

Step 1: Research

Do you already know where you want to buy? If you want a condo, townhome, or single-family home? Which features do you like and dislike? What’s available on the market now? If you answered no to any of these questions, now is the time to start researching. In addition to looking for homes that interest you, also take note of any changes in asking prices. This could give you valuable insight into housing trends in specific neighborhoods and help you when the time comes to make an offer.

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Notice I said to decide on your budget—not determine how much the mortgage company will give you. In many cases, a mortgage company will pre-approve you for more than you’re comfortable spending, which is why you need to determine the monthly payment you feel comfortable with before talking to a lender. This likely includes doing a full household budget and taking into consideration what changes other than a mortgage payment will occur once you move into your new home. If you’ve lived in an apartment or with roommates, you may overlook new expenses like garbage, water, or HOA fees that could easily blow your budget.

Step 3: Get Prequalified

Just because you think you can afford a certain payment every month doesn’t mean the mortgage company will agree. Just as they may approve you for too large of an amount, they may also approve you for a lesser amount or deny you a mortgage altogether. Lack of time at a job, insufficient credit, past bankruptcies, or other financial issues can cause major problems when trying to secure a mortgage. Before you get your heart set on a home, talk to a mortgage professional to find out what amount you can qualify for. This will also be an advantage when you make an offer on a home, as some sellers won’t entertain offers from those who aren’t already prequalified for a loan.

Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

Can you shop for, look at, and ultimately make an offer on a home without a real estate agent? Technically yes, but why would you when it costs you nothing for an agent like me to take much of the stress off your shoulders? Not only will I help identify properties you might be interested in, arrange showings, and ultimately handle the offer process, but I also have a knowledge of the market that you don’t possess. Finding the perfect home can be a daunting task, this is where my expertise and wealth of knowledge come into play. Let me show you around some homes that meet your dream home criteria so you can find the one that's right for you.

Step 5: Find the Right Home

This should be the most enjoyable step of the entire process (other than moving in!). I will arrange showings of homes you’re interested in that are within your price range. Take notes about what you like and don’t like, and make sure to pay attention to details. Turn light switches on and off, open and close doors, and run the faucets in various rooms. Don’t limit your inspection to the home itself. Make sure to take time to explore the neighborhood and keep an eye on traffic at certain times of the day, the parking situation, and how close it is to necessities like schools and grocery stores.

a couch sitting on top of a wooden deck with a round table with red chairs

Step 6: Make an Offer

Once you have selected the perfect home, work with your agent to craft a fair offer based on the value of comparable homes on the market. Depending on what the home is listed at and whether the current environment is a buyer’s or seller’s market, your offer may be below, at, or even above the asking price. I will be able to help you negotiate if you receive a counteroffer and reach an agreement. At this point, the house will go into escrow.

Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

In most cases, your offer will be contingent on having the home inspected to ensure there is no major structural damage or large repairs needed. I can help you arrange this, and you can schedule it within days of making an offer. If there are no major issues, the process goes to step eight. If there is, you can renegotiate your offer based on what needs to be fixed, or you can withdraw it.

Step 8: Select Your Loan

Now is the time to go back to the mortgage lender who pre-approved or pre-qualified you and choose your mortgage. You will be presented with various options based on your unique financial situation, including fixed-rate, variable-rate, 15-year, 30-year, or special programs such as VA loans or FHA loans. Work with your mortgage lender to select the option you feel the most comfortable with.

Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Your lender will have your new home appraised so they have their independent value of it. The appraisal is to ensure that all parties involved are paying a fair price for the house.

Step 10: Finish Paperwork

No one looks forward to all the paperwork involved in buying a home, but it’s a necessary part of the process. Fortunately, everything will be arranged by your lender and title company and, when you’re finished, you’ll know you are the legal owner of your new home.

Happy Clients

Keara M.

Jeramie is the absolute best, it’s as simple as that. From making us feel supported and cared for- to going above and beyond. We received the type of treatment you would expect from an incredible therapist, to take things one s...

Ron A.

I am the executor of an estate located in Vancouver. I engaged Jeramie to sell a property of the deceased on Cortes Island. She was very diligent in keeping me informed about her marketing and provided excellent information abo...

Danica D.

Jeremie did an amazing job helping us with our recent property purchase on Cortes. Prior to working with her we had been looking for the right place for years and lost out in multiple bidding wars. Within 6 months of working wi...

Michael D.

Jeramie is such a joy to work with. She manages the make the process of purchasing a home—which, I think most people will agree, can be a rather stressful experience—a smooth and manageable series of sensible steps. She is both...

Julie T.

Jeramie is the best real estate service I’ve ever experienced in initial introduction, follow-up, and general professionalism. Always answers with cheerful enthusiasm. Really enjoyed working with you. Thanks for your patience!

Anita & Ante

We had a great experience with Jeramie while searching for property on Cortes. She is very knowledgeable about the area and helped us find a wonderful vacation home. She was very accommodating and a pleasure to work with. Even ...

David D.

Jeramie was terrific in advising me on a recent transaction. Very knowledgeable about the market, super efficient, and quickly focused on the project. Couldn't be happier.

Julia B.

Excellent service, extensive knowledge regarding the real estate market, good communication skills, honest, hard-working, very approachable, and a pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Jeramie whether you're buying or selling...

Bradley M.

Jeramie was a trusted advisor who helped us through every step of our complicated purchase. She understands the complexities of cross-border deals, is always responsive, and anticipates our questions before they arise. Highly r...

Sadhu J.

Jeramie helped our Housing Society purchase a property to provide much-needed rental housing. She was great to work with and I'd recommend her.

Follow Me on Instagram

Follow Me

Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. I will be in touch with you shortly.

Buyer's Guide

Buyer's Resources & Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of buyers do you work with?

What should I expect if I buy a property with you as my agent?

If I am ready to buy, what's the first step?

What do you mean, "if we decide to work together"?

Can I buy a property if I am not a Canadian Resident?

Is it hard to find tradespeople on the islands?

A Step-by-Step First Time Buyer's Guide

Step 1: Research

Step 2: Decide on Your Budget

Step 3: Get Prequalified

Step 4: Choose a Real Estate Agent

My Goal Is To Provide You With the Most Personalized Service That Is Designed To Help You Buy Your Dream Home

Step 5: Find the Right Home

Step 6: Make an Offer

Step 7: Have the Home Inspected

Step 8: Select Your Loan

Step 9: Get a Home Appraisal

Step 10: Finish Paperwork

Congratulations!