The Blu Realty

Buyer’s Guide


STEP 1 : Break the Ice

STEP 2 : Define Your Desires

STEP 3 : Get Pre-Approved

STEP 4 : Choose Parameters

STEP 5 : View Properties

STEP 6 : Prepare an Offer

STEP 7 : Negotiations

STEP 8 : Remove Conditions

STEP 9 : Seal the Deal

STEP 10 : Move On In

Buying a home is fun and exciting. Whether you are a first-time home buyer, or a seasoned investor, having the Blu Realty team working by your side will ensure that your best interests are looked after. We will help you find exactly what you’re searching for, and we have prepared this guide to help you streamline the process and avoid pit-falls. Take some time now to understand the process and intricacies involved in this endeavour. Things can happen a lot faster than you may think so it is vitally important that you are as educated and prepared as possible. Ultimately we want your home buying experience to be happily memorable and rewarding.
The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 1: Break the Ice

This Is
Who We Are


WE ARE BOUTIQUE
We are boutique but what we lack in size we make up for in spunk. We believe in working together instead of against each other in the best interests of all of our clients.

WE ARE CAREFUL CURATORS
We are careful curators of Vancouver's unique and design-driven properties, be it lofts, net-zero mansions, or lakeside abodes.

WE ARE A CLOSE-KNIT BUNCH
We are a close-knit bunch and we treat each other (and our clients) like family.

WE ARE INNOVATORS
We are innovators and we believe in treating real estate marketing as an art form rather than a science. We are always looking for new ways to make our properties pop.

WE ARE GREEN
While we aim to do big deals we try to leave small footprints. We are committed to the environment and are making strides towards being a paperless office.

WE ARE CONNECTORS
We are connectors and do our best to give back to the community we live in and love.

WE ARE A DIVERSE GROUP
We are a diverse group made up of people (and animals!) from all walks of life.

WE ARE GOOD HUMANS
We are good humans or at least we try to be. We strive to bring integrity, dependability, and goodwill to all we do.

Blu Realty

Benefits of a
Boutique Brokerage


QUALITY OVER QUANTITY
We understand that every client has different needs and that excellent customer service is paramount. Blu isn't made up of hundreds of realtors racking up numbers. We focus on quality over quantity and therefore, have the capacity to make your transaction a priority.

ONLY THE GOOD ONES
We have a warm, engaged, and professional environment at Blu. All of our agents are knowledgeable, dedicated, and - most importantly - ethical.

TEAMWORK
Blu is a small, close-knit group that believes in collaboration over competition. By choosing Blu, you will have an entire team dedicated to your sale.

COMMUNITY
At Blu, we support other like-minded, boutique businesses and charities to enhance the community in which we live and work.

Questions to
Ask Your Realtor


How long have you been in the real estate business?

What was your experience before real estate?

Do you have any specific training or education that may give you a competitive edge in the business?

How many buyers do you work with at a time?

Do you work in a team or on your own?

How much do you charge?

What if I'm unhappy with your services?

Can you provide references?

What separates you from your competition?

Can you help me find other professionals?

The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 2: Define Your Desires
Here’s where we discover what kind of home fits your personal and financial needs. Are you looking for a larger space for your growing family? Or an investment property? Perhaps you’re downsizing or dreaming of life on your own island.

Let's Assess
What You Want


YOUR LIFESTYLE
Is it time for a new neighbourhood, or have you outgrown your current space? Perhaps you're moving into empty nest territory and need a smaller space. Or you're strictly looking for an investment that pays dividends. Knowing the reasons behind your desire to buy gets us all thinking big picture.

YOUR FINANCES
Your financial situation is always a determining factor in buying a property. We will consider your current mortgage situation and all of the financial factors involved to create a plan that will work for your lifestyle and your bank account.

THE MARKET
The current market conditions will dictate our expectations and our strategy for buying a home. There are advantages to every market condition and we are experts in capitalizing on these advantages to buy your property for the best price in a timely manner.

YOUR CURRENT HOME
Do you have to sell your current home to move into another? Is this strictly an investment move? Whatever your scenario is we will be able to cater to your lifestyle needs.

The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 3: Get Pre-Approved
Getting pre-approved for a mortgage is key before we begin the home hunt. Knowing what you can afford helps us fine tune the search and saves everyone time. Now is the time to reach out to a trusted lender that can evaluate your current financial situation and credit history. And if you need help, we have excellent broker allies that can get you up to speed and secure the best rate. Once this process is complete, we’ll know exactly how much we have to play with.
The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 4: Choose Property Parameters
Before we hit the MLS (and the pavement) in search of your dream home, it’s important that we define your property parameters. The easiest way to begin this process is to decide on these 3 keys to finding your home.

The 3 Keys to
Finding Your Home


A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD
Let's be realistic with our expectations. It can be fun to dream of the lifestyles of the rich and famous but unfortunately, not all of us can afford a multi million dollar property. So let's make sure we're all on the same page and we stay within your budget.

AN AREA YOU WANT TO LIVE IN
Location. Location. Location. This is of the utmost importance to finding the perfect neighbourhood that suits your needs and lifestyle.

THE TYPE OF HOME YOU WANT TO LIVE IN
Whether it's an urban condo in the city or a sprawling estate in the burbs, we need to establish what you want and need in your next home.

The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 5: View Properties
Now that we’ve clearly defined what you’re looking for, the real fun begins. Chances are you’ve already started viewing homes online. And if you haven’t, realtor.ca and rew.ca are two great sites to get you started.

While you’re busy perusing, your Blu Agent will be scouring the MLS for your desired property. The Multiple Listings System offers the most reliable and comprehensive listing data available and has the largest pool of homes to choose from. Your agent will set you up on a ‘Search’ of this platform that will automatically email you active listings within your desired parameters.

Your agent will now begin coordinating virtual or in-person viewings of the properties that have caught your eye. This process also includes reviewing strata documents and bylaws and deep diving into the condition of the properties of interest.
The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 6: Prepare an Offer
Whether you’ve fallen for a penthouse condo or a cottage diamond in the rough, the next step is to prepare and present an offer. It’s our job to put your offering price and necessary contingencies into a formal contract. You’ll need to review this document carefully and make sure your terms are exactly as you agreed upon. We will now present this offer to the seller’s agent in person or via email, and always in the best possible light. After you’ve made your offer, the seller will have the option to accept, reject, or counter your offer. This is when the negotiations begin.
Contract of Purchase and Sale
The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 7: Negotiations
In most cases, sellers don’t accept initial offers outright. But don’t be alarmed! By making modifications to purchase price, closing and possession dates and other inclusions, deals can still be put together. Just be prepared for the negotiations to go back and forth until terms are agreed upon. You might also have to compete with other interested buyers in certain market conditions. Luckily, all of our agents have experience handling multiple offer situations in competitive market conditions.
The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 8: Remove Conditions
Removing conditions or subject removal is the process in which buyers perform due diligence on the subjects/conditions that were in the original contract. These may include subjects around financing, inspection, title, property disclosure statement, and the review of strata documents. If all looks great, your Blu Agent will then walk you through ‘removing subjects’ by filling out a subject removal form stating that you’re satisfied with the results and are committed to buying the home.

At this point a deposit is taken. This is not to be confused with your down payment. A deposit is typically 5-10% of the purchase price and is held in Blu Realty’s Trust account in good faith that you will proceed with the transaction.
The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 9: Seal the Deal
Your closing date will be negotiated in the offer. A normal close is anywhere from 30 – 90 days. Things happen quickly so this is the time to get yourself prepared for the move.
The Blu Realty Buyer's Guide - Step 10: Move On In
Your possession day and time will be clearly indicated on your contract. This is when the keys are yours and you’re free to move in. Your Blu Agent will be there to ensure the place is in good order.

Helpful Tips


Look at the floor plan for your new home, and start planning your furniture arrangement so you know where to put things when they arrive.

Arrange to collect your security deposit if you are moving out of a rental.

Put your linens and pillows somewhere accessible so you can make your bed easily the first night in your new home.

Pack an overnight bag with your essentials.

Have cash on hand to tip the movers.

Click on the button below for our comprehensive moving checklist to ensure a smooth and enjoyable moving day.

Our Moving Checklist
We sincerely hope we’ve given you the insight and answers you need to feel confident teaming up with us for the purchase of your home.
Blu Realty Business Card
Get In Touch With Us

We are ready to help you
find your perfect home now!

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 604.730.0076