Farnaz  Bahramian Fard

Farnaz Bahramian Fard

Broker

HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*

Mobile:
416-825-7814
Office:
905-889-2200
Email Me

10 Step Guide to Buying Your Home


10 Steps to Buying a Home with Farnaz Bahramian Fard

Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking for your next dream home, the process can feel overwhelming — but it doesn’t have to be. Farnaz Bahramian Fard is here to guide you every step of the way.

Step 1: Is Buying the Right Move?

Choosing to buy a home is a big decision. To help you weigh your options, here are some key questions to consider when deciding between buying and renting.

How does buying build equity?

Each mortgage payment increases your ownership in the property. Rent, on the other hand, goes toward your landlord’s equity.

What are the upfront costs?

Buying requires a down payment, plus closing costs like legal fees, inspections, and land transfer tax. Renting typically involves a security deposit and the first month’s rent, making it cheaper upfront.

Who takes care of maintenance and repairs?

Homeowners are responsible for repairs and upkeep. Renters rely on their landlords for maintenance and property issues.

How does each option affect financial risk and stability?

Owning means long-term stability and control over your space, but it comes with market and interest rate risks. Renting offers flexibility and fewer financial responsibilities, but less control over future housing expenses.

If buying feels like the right step for you, let’s move forward.

Since 2005, Farnaz has been dedicated to helping clients navigate the real estate market with confidence while consistently creating value. She takes a personalized approach, aligning each client’s goals with strategic, results-driven solutions.

With a background in clinical psychology and extensive industry experience, Farnaz is a thoughtful and skilled negotiator who advocates strongly for her clients. Her business is built on trust, lasting relationships, and a strong network of repeat clients and referrals.



Area Covered: Areas of Service York Region, Toronto, Richmond Hill, Aurora




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Step 2: Know Your Budget

Knowing how much you can afford is key to a confident home search. Be sure to plan for both one-time costs and ongoing expenses.

Estimate Your Homeownership Costs

Home Price
$700,000
 

Upfront Costs

Down Payment $140,000
Closing Costs $155,175
 

Monthly Recurring Costs

Mortgage Payment $3,029
Property Taxes $583
Home Insurance $58

Note: Cost breakdowns are estimates based on averages for first-time home buyers in Ontario and should be used for reference only. Actual costs will vary by individual situation.

Most lenders use two main affordability guidelines:

Gross Debt Service (GDS):

Housing costs (e.g., mortgage, taxes, heating, and 50% of condo fees) should not exceed 39% of your gross household income.

Total Debt Service (TDS):

Housing costs plus debt payments (e.g., car loans, credit cards, and student loans) should not exceed 44% of your gross household income.

Get pre-approved for a mortgage to lock in your rate for up to 130 days and show sellers you're a serious buyer.

Not sure what your budget looks like? Use our Mortgage Calculators to find out.

Step 3: Set Your Home Search Criteria

Before diving into listings, take time to define what’s important to you.This keeps your search focused and aligned with your needs.

Things to consider:

Location

Is the neighborhood safe, convenient, and aligned with your lifestyle?

Size

How much space do you need now, and what about your future plans?

Condition

Are you open to a fixer-upper with potential, or do you prefer a move-in-ready home?

Type of property

Are you looking for a detached home, a condo, or a townhouse? Each has pros, cons, and cost considerations

 

Step 4: Work with the Right Realtor®

In Canada, REALTORS® are licensed professionals who must follow a strict Code of Ethics. Choosing the right one can make or break your home buying experience. Stick with one REALTOR® who understands your goal and preferences.

See what clients are saying about working with Farnaz Bahramian Fard, or reach out to start your journey.

TESTIMONIALS

    • Featured Listing 27 Bedle Avenue Toronto Ontario Canada Sale residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      27 Bedle Avenue
      44Toronto
      $1,258,000 Read More
    • Featured Listing 2 MENOTTI Drive Richmond Hill Ontario Canada Sale residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      2 MENOTTI Drive
      56Richmond Hill
      $1,998,000 Read More
    • Featured Listing 326 Rhodes Avenue E Toronto Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      326 Rhodes Avenue E
      21Toronto
      $239,999/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 1111 - 1346 Danforth Road Toronto Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      1111 - 1346 Danforth Road
      22Toronto
      $2,450/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 1801 - 2920 hwy 7 Road Vaughan Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      1801 - 2920 hwy 7 Road
      1 + 12Vaughan
      $2,400/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 2309 - 72 Esther Shiner Boulevard Toronto Ontario Canada Sale residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      2309 - 72 Esther Shiner Boulevard
      1 + 11Toronto
      $538,800 Read More
    • Featured Listing 103 - 4800 Dufferin Street Toronto Ontario Canada Sale commercial Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      103 - 4800 Dufferin Street
      Toronto
      $298,800 Read More
    • Featured Listing 901 - 75 oneida Crescent Richmond Hill Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      901 - 75 oneida Crescent
      12Richmond Hill
      $2,400/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 4169 Hillsborough Crescent Oakville Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      4169 Hillsborough Crescent
      44Oakville
      $4,500/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 1106 - 33 Mill Street Toronto Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      1106 - 33 Mill Street
      1 + 11Toronto
      $2,800/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 2B14 & 2B15 - 7215 Goreway Drive Mississauga Ontario Canada Sale commercial Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      2B14 & 2B15 - 7215 Goreway Drive
      Mississauga
      $529,000 Read More
    • Featured Listing 6 Restwell Crescent Toronto Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      6 Restwell Crescent
      4 + 13Toronto
      $5,200/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 39 - 6108 Curtis Point Road Alnwick/Haldimand Ontario Canada Sale residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      39 - 6108 Curtis Point Road
      43Alnwick/Haldimand
      $598,000 Read More
    • Featured Listing 1003 - 85 North Park Road Vaughan Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      1003 - 85 North Park Road
      11Vaughan
      $2,200/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 508 - 1 Avondale Avenue Toronto Ontario Canada Sale residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      508 - 1 Avondale Avenue
      22Toronto
      $698,888 Read More
    • Featured Listing 3705 - 120 Homewood Avenue Toronto Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      3705 - 120 Homewood Avenue
      11Toronto
      $2,200/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 232 - 55 Merchants' wharf Toronto Ontario Canada Rent residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      232 - 55 Merchants' wharf
      2 + 12Toronto
      $4,300/MO Read More
    • Featured Listing 58 Thornbrook Court Vaughan Ontario Canada Sale residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      58 Thornbrook Court
      54Vaughan
      $1,739,000 Read More
    • Featured Listing 200 Main Street Newmarket Ontario Canada Sale commercial Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      200 Main Street
      Newmarket
      $188,000 Read More
    • Featured Listing LPH08 - 503 Beecroft Road Toronto Ontario Canada Sale residential Farnaz Bahramian Fard HomeLife/Bayview Realty Inc., Brokerage*
      LPH08 - 503 Beecroft Road
      11Toronto
      $448,000 Read More

    Step 6: Find a Real Estate Lawyer

    A trusted real estate lawyer protects your legal and financialinterests throughout the transaction. Start by asking friends, family, or Farnaz Bahramian Fard for recommendations.

    While your lawyer handles the legal side, don’t miss opportunities on the market.

    Here’s how your lawyer helps:

    Review the Agreement

    Ensure all terms in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale are accurate

    Run a Title Search

    Confirm there are no liens, unpaid taxes, or legal claims against the property

    Handle Closing Costs

    Calculate and pay land transfer taxes, title insurance, and prepare legal documents

    Register the Property

    Transfer ownership and register the property in your name with the provincial land registry

    Coordinate Mortgage Funds

    Work with your lender to transfer mortgage funds to the seller on closing day

    Step 7: Make an Offer

    Found the one? Farnaz Bahramian Fard will help you craft an offer that aligns with your needs and stands out to the seller.

    What’s in an Offer?
    • Purchase Price
    • Deposit (often 5% of the price, held in trust)
    • Conditions (typically home inspection, financing, and sometimes a sale of your current home)
    • Inclusions (items to remain in the home e.g., appliances, blinds, fixtures)
    • Closing Date and Irrevocable Period
    Types of Offers
    • Firm Offer: This means you’re ready to buy the home as-is, with no conditions; be sure everything checks out before going this route.
    • Conditional Offer: It includes specific conditions that must be met before the deal becomes binding.

    The seller may accept, reject, or send a counteroffer. Don’t worry — Farnaz Bahramian Fard will negotiate the best terms on your behalf.

     

    Step 8: Get a Home Inspection

    Even if a home looks great on the surface, an inspection can uncover hidden issues that could cost thousands to fix later.

    Tips

    Attend the inspection if possible. it’s a great opportunity to ask questions, learn about the home’s condition, and pick up useful maintenance tips.

    If the home doesn’t pass or you decide to keep looking, stay in the loop with our Just Listed alert. It’ll help you spot your perfect home the moment it’s available.

    Step 9: Finalize Your Mortgage

    Your offer has been accepted — congrats! Now it’s time to lock in your financing.

    You’ll need to:

    1

    Agreement

    Submit your signed Agreement of Purchase and Sale

    2

    Financial Documents

    Provide your financial documents such as proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, and a void cheque

    3

    Mortgage Terms

    Review and confirm your final mortgage terms, including the loan amount, interest rate, and amortization period

    Tips

    Between now and closing, avoid major financial changes like taking on new debt, changing jobs, or making large purchases. These can put your mortgage approval at risk.

    Hold off on big financial decisions, but keep your home search moving. Set up a PRICE DROP alert to catch any deals that come up.

    Step 10: Closing the Deal & Moving In

    You’re almost home! As closing day approaches, your legal and financial team will handle the final paperwork.

    Before closing, make sure you have:

    • Mortgage approval and insurance
    • Finalized legal documents and title transfer
    • Fund ready for closing costs (typically 1.5% - 4% of the purchase price)
    • Utility and services set up

    Once everything is signed and processed, you'll get the keys and can officially move in. Schedule a final walk-through, book movers, and celebrate this exciting milestone!

     

    Have Questions?

     

    Let's Talk!

    Have questions or just curious about the process? I'd love to chat and help you figure out your next step.

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