There is more to buying a house than just picking your favourite. Be prepared before you go looking, so that you know what to expect in terms of the other costs associated with a real estate transaction.
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1. The deposit
This amount can vary. Ask your real estate agent what you can expect. In Kingston we see a lot of deposits between $1,000 and $5,000 but for more expensive homes or in unique situations a deposit can exceed $10,000.
2. Provincial Land Transfer Tax
There’s a pretty straight forward formula for figuring out how much land transfer tax you’re going to have to pay.
The tax rates calculated on the value of the consideration are:
- 0.5% up to and including $55,000
- 1% above $55,000 up to and including $250,000
- 1.5% above $250,000
- 2% above $400,000 where the land contains one or two single family residences.
If you just want a rough idea see below:
Purchase Price = $250,000. Land Transfer Tax = $2,250
Purchase Price = $500,000. Land Transfer Tax = $6,475
3. Lawyer’s Fees
These fees can range depending on the complexity of the purchase. Expect something in the neighbourhood of: $1,000 – $1,500. Better yet, call up a few lawyers and get an estimate.
Buying a home can be a complicated process, especially if you’ve never done it before! If you’re thinking about buying a home, here are a few more posts you might find interesting:
- Buying a Home: Separating Fact from Fiction
- 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a REALTOR®
- Buying a Home: 5 Tips to Get Started
4. Home Inspection
Approximately $500…spend the money, it’s worth it!
5. Pre-paid property tax
Many people will have paid property tax in advance. This means that you may be on the hook for some of what they’ve already paid.
6. Moving expenses
Are you doing it yourself, or hiring movers? The costs will vary dramatically.
7. Mortgage loan insurance
Are you buying a home with less than 20% down? This will likely come into play. Ask your mortgage agent.
Do you have more questions about buying or selling? Looking for a Kingston real estate team to partner with? Contact us today by filling out the form on this page, calling us at 613.449.6588, or emailing us at caldwellco@royallepage.ca.
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Caldwell & co. is your all-in-one resource for everything real estate related in Kingston, from community highlights to market-shifting trends and hands-on transaction guidance.
