Ask an Expert Qualified Realtor

Before you can buy your first home, you’ll need to get approval for a mortgage. Unless you plan on paying for your house in full (this is very rare), getting a mortgage is the most critical first step. Once you’re approved, you can start looking for a qualified, experienced Ottawa real estate agent to help you with your next steps. 

The answer to this question depends on multiple factors; you may need more equity or more funds. Depending on your current situation, you may not get approved for a second mortgage. Selling your existing property may be the only way to purchase another one.

A mortgage is a loan, and the home you take the mortgage out on is used as collateral – if you don’t pay, you lose the home. This will likely be one of the most significant investments that you’ll make in your lifetime. 

Generally, it can take anywhere from four to six weeks or more to sell a home once it’s on the market. Depending on how hot the Ottawa real estate market is, it could also sell in under a week. If the property isn’t exceptionally desirable or in poor condition, or if there’s a lull in the market, it could take significantly longer to sell. Your Ottawa real estate agent can give you a better estimate based on their knowledge of the market and homes they’ve sold similar to yours.

The selling price of a home depends on factors such as:

• The neighbourhood

• The selling price of other similar-sized homes in the area
• Age and condition of the home
• Repairs
• The real estate markets

Yes, absolutely, you can always try negotiating. The price that a home is listed for is very rarely the price it sells for. Having a great Ottawa real estate agent on your team can help ensure that you get the best price for your dream home.