Buyer's Guide

Buying a Home in Burnaby

Saeed Farahani · Re/Max Crest Realty

Everything you need to know about buying a home — from pre-approval to possession day.

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Prepare & Get Pre-Approved

Before you start touring homes, know your budget. Work with a mortgage broker to secure a pre-approval — it locks in your rate for 90–120 days and signals to sellers you're serious. Saeed Farahani works with trusted BC mortgage specialists who can often pre-approve you within 24 hours, with access to 30+ lenders and no hard credit pull at the inquiry stage.

Know Your Budget
Pre-approval tells you exactly what you qualify for — no surprises at offer time.
24-Hour Pre-Approval
Access to 30+ lenders for fast approvals. Get pre-approved before you start your search.
Rate Lock
Pre-approvals typically lock your rate for 90–120 days while you search the market.

The Buying Process

STEP 01
Search & Evaluate

Get set up with real-time MLS® alerts the moment matching homes hit the market. Your agent provides full sold data so you can evaluate value before making any decision. In a seller's market, being first matters — same-day showing capability keeps you ahead.

STEP 02
Make a Winning Offer

When you find the right home, your agent prepares a data-backed offer: price, deposit, subjects, and completion date — all optimised for your position. Negotiation depth and subject-clause strategy make the difference.

STEP 03
Subject Period & Due Diligence

Home inspection, strata document review (if applicable), financing confirmation, and title review — all coordinated within 5–7 business days. For condos: depreciation report, 2 years of strata minutes, and contingency reserve fund are always reviewed.

STEP 04
Completion & Move In

On completion day your lawyer or notary transfers funds and registers title. Your agent stays available through possession day and beyond — every detail handled so nothing surprises you at closing.

See a home in person today
Same-day showings available Mon–Sun. No commitment required.
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Buyer Costs Breakdown

Cost
Amount
Notes
Down Payment
5–20% of purchase price
$35K–$200K on a $1M home
Legal / Notary Fees
$1,200–$2,500
Title transfer + mortgage registration
Property Transfer Tax
1% on first $200K, 2% on balance
First-time buyer exemption may apply (homes ≤ $500K)
Home Inspection
$400–$600
Recommended on all property types
Strata Docs Review
$200–$400
Lawyer reviews minutes + depreciation report
Moving Costs
$800–$3,000
Depends on size and distance

Get Pre-Qualified Free

Saeed Farahani works with licensed BC mortgage brokers — no hard credit pull, no obligation, access to 30+ lenders.

30+
Lenders
24hr
Pre-approval
Free
No hard pull
How do I get pre-approved for a mortgage?+
Contact a mortgage broker or your bank to start the pre-approval process. You'll provide proof of income, employment, and assets. A pre-approval locks in your rate for 90–120 days and shows sellers you're a serious buyer. Your agent can refer you to trusted local mortgage brokers.
How much of a deposit do I need to make an offer?+
Deposits in BC are typically 1–5% of the purchase price, submitted within 24 hours of an accepted offer. The deposit forms part of your down payment and is held in trust until completion. It is separate from your total down payment.
What are subjects (conditions) in a real estate offer?+
Subjects are conditions that must be satisfied before your purchase completes — most commonly financing approval and a satisfactory home inspection. The subject period is typically 5–7 business days. Once subjects are removed, the contract is firm and binding.
What closing costs should I budget for?+
In addition to your down payment, budget for Property Transfer Tax (1% on first $200K, 2% on the balance — first-time buyer exemptions may apply), legal/notary fees ($1,200–$2,500), home inspection ($400–$600), and moving costs. Your agent can provide a full cost estimate before you make an offer.
How long does the buying process take?+
From starting your search to moving in, most buyers complete a purchase in 30–90 days. Being pre-approved and working with an agent who provides instant listing alerts speeds this up significantly. Completion typically takes 4–6 weeks after an accepted offer.
Are there programs for first-time buyers in BC?+
Yes — first-time buyers may qualify for the BC First-Time Home Buyer exemption on Property Transfer Tax (homes up to $500K fully exempt), the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), and the federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive. Ask your mortgage broker which programs apply to your situation.
Do I pay my buyer's agent's commission?+
In most BC transactions, the buyer's agent commission is paid by the seller through the listing brokerage. As a buyer, you receive full representation, market data, and negotiation support at no direct cost to you.
Saeed Farahani
Saeed Farahani
Re/Max Crest Realty
778-883-3264
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Rough estimates are fine — we match you to the right lender.
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Buying a Home in Burnaby | Saeed Farahani