10 Step Guide to Buying Your Home
10 Steps to Buying a Home with Cari Hewick
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. Cari Hewick 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.
Buying or Selling your home should be a positive experience.
And, at the same, time it can be a very daunting task.
Allow me to help you through it all.
Having grown up here in K-W, I know the neighbourhoods well and understand the values and advantages of each. I have been a real estate investor myself for the past twenty-nine years and around the business my entire life. As a result, I understand intimately both the economics of buying and selling a property and, literally, the nuts and bolts of preparing your home for sale or “kicking the tires” of a home that you’d like to make your own.
In addition to my practical 28 Years of experience buying, selling, and managing residential properties and my extensive work renovating homes, I hold degrees in Finance & Economics and French from Western. Having studied French the better part of my life as well as attending the University of Nice, I am bilingual in English and French. I specialize in residential and multi-residential properties. I am a real estate investor and have served on the Board of Directors for the YWCA.
Before you call me, see if you think my approach to our relationship seems right for you. First, if we work together, your needs come first. You are always my number one priority. And, since no two people are alike, my first job is to understand your needs and objectives. If you are uncertain, I can put my expertise, passion, and understanding to work to help you clarify your goals. Next, I study recent market trends and current and near-future property availability to find and present to you just what’s best for you. Finally, my proven negotiation skills will be invaluable when we’ve found just the right opportunity for you. From brainstorming ideas to closing the deal, I’ll be with you every step of the way.
If you’re thinking about buying or selling, please give me a call. Whether you're a first time home buyer or looking for a top luxury realtor to sell your family home, I know my professionalism, enthusiasm, and market knowledge will win you over.
Sincerely,
Cari Lassel-Hewick
"With You Every Step of the Way”
A Top Realtor in Kitchener and Waterloo helping homeowners sell strategically
Designation: BA HBA
Education: University of Western, London, Ontario
Administrative & Commercial Studies - Finance & Economics,
University of Nice, Nice, France,
French Language & Literature,
Canadian Securities Investment,
Real Estate Broker
Speciality: Residential - Luxury Homes, Family Homes, Condos, Mulit-Residential Investment
Years of Experience: 21
Awards: Chairman's Club, Platinum Club, Hall of Fame
Area Covered: Waterloo, Kitchener, Baden, Wellesley, Cambridge, Guelph, Hamilton, Tillsonburg, Stratford, Woodstock, Collingwood, Southern Ontario, Cottage Country
Languages Spoken: English, French
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
$700,000Upfront 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
Already have a neighbourhood in mind?
Sign up for our Neighborhood Buzzer to get updates as soon as new listings hit the market.
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 Cari Hewick, or reach out to start your journey.
TESTIMONIALS
“Cari helped me last year to buy an apartment for my son. She really knows how to treat people. Overall a very good experience. I would recommend Cari as one of the best real estate agents I've ever worked with.”
Dan Rusnac“Cari is a great real estate agent. I buy a lot of investment properties and Cari understands that busy as she is also a real estate investor. There are so many run of the mill real estate agents out there that when you find a good one she really stands out from the rest. Cari is my go to person for anything in the Kitchener-Waterloo area.”
Top qualities: Personable, Expert
David Cefai“Cari has been an excellent agent to work with. Has provided my wife and I with responsive service and really worked to understand what was important to us and was a real go-getter for us!! Would use her again in a second and I recommend her to all our friends.
"From the important stuff like negotiation all the way down to little details like giving us a ShopVac for our new house Cari wow'ed us the whole way through!!”
Top qualities: Great Results, Expert
K. Chapman“Cari is a great person to work with. She was patient and provided excellent results. I was extremely pleased with her work and recommend her without hesitation.”
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert
Daspina Fefekos"We started our home search with Cari and also got a home with the help of her. She clearly understands the buyers needs and therefore, it saves a lot of time. House searching & buying was a wonderful experience for us with Cari."
Prajna Dash & Akshaya Mishra"My husband and I sold our house this year with big thanks to Cari and her amazing work. She was recommended to us by friends, and we were impressed with her dedication and commitment. We will definitely be recommending Cari to all of our family and friends."
Top Qualities: Expert, High Integrity, CreativeE. Reed"Totally on her "game". I would highly suggest her to anyone who needs results in a timely fashion. I got Cari's name from a friend. Cari is now...."I know the perfect person for you"."
Top Qualities: Great Results, Personable, ExpertRandy Hofstetter"Cari is excellent at what she does! I bought my first home with Cari's assistance and we continue to stay in touch. She is extremely knowledgable, confident and very easy to work with. I would recommend Cari to anyone in Waterloo Region looking for a top notch realtor!"
M. Schlotzhauer"Top notch service, professional approach and brings a confident and bold style to the table."
A. Hansen"I have used Cari to buy and sell three homes. Cari really get's to know you and ensures that she finds you the perfect home. She takes the stress out of buying and selling a house and will walk you through the process ensuring you feel comfortable. With Cari you create a realtor relationship, it's not just business. I highly recommend Cari!"
Angela Kressler"Cari reached out to me when I was just beginning to look for a new place. She found exactly the home I was looking for; walked me through the offer; was available at all hours by phone, text and in person -- in short, she went above and beyond at every stage of the process. I will be recommending Cari to everyone I know."
Kim MorouneyI cannot say enough good things about Cari! We were from out of town & purchased a condo. She took our daughter out & treated her like her own. She communicated with us after every visit. We ended up with a beautiful unit that served us well until this year when my daughter graduated University. Cari then showed us what a fierce negotiator she can be. She sold our condo over ask. I more than highly recommend her for any transactions in the KW area!!
Jacqueline M.
Step 5: Begin Your Search
Now for the fun part - house hunting!
With your criteria and budget in place, Cari Hewick will set up personalized alerts directly from the MLS® so you’re the first to know when a suitable property hits the market.
You can also explore Cari Hewick’s featured listings to get a feel for what’s available.
Open houses and scheduled private showings are a great way to see homes up close and evaluate homes beyond surface features. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about maintenance, renovations, or the neighborhood during your visits.
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 Cari Hewick 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? Cari Hewick 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 — Cari Hewick 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!