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Costs to be Aware of When you Buy... Don't forget the tax The 7% GST applies to new housing. However, there is a rebate, to a maximum of 2.5%, if your home costs less than $450,OOO.There is no GST on resale housing unless the home has been substantially renovated, and then the tax is applied as if it were a new home. In some provinces, the GST has been replaced by an Harmonized Federal and Provincial Sales Tax known as the HST. Also in other provinces, provincial taxes may be applicable. Appraisal fee If your loan is not insured, your lender may require a property appraisal at your expense.A basic appraisal for mortgage purposes will probably cost between $150 and $250. Actual cost should be confirmed as it may vary with the location and complexity. Property taxes Taxes are always a certainty. If you have a high-ratio mortgage, your lender may require that you have your property tax instalments added to your mortgage payments. Survey fee Your lender will require an up-to-date survey. Ask the vendor to provide one as a condition of your Offer to Purchase, or you will have to pay to have one done. Property insurance This insurance covers the replacement value of the structure of your home and its contents.Your lender will insist on this because your home is the security for your mortgage. Prepaid taxes or utility bills You will have to reimburse the vendor on a prorated basis if some bills have been prepaid beyond the closing date. Land transfer tax This applies in most provinces. It varies as a percentage of the property's purchase price. It is usually about I%-4%. Service charges You'll be charged a fee to hook up new services and utilities, such as your telephone, at your new home. Lawyer (notary) fees Even a straightforward home purchase requires a lawyer to review the Offer to Purchase, search the title, draw up mortgage documents and tend to the closing details. Lawyers' fees for a mortgage range widely depending on the complexity of the deal but will probably be at least $500. Mortgage loan insurance premium and application fee
If you have a high-ratio mortgage, your lender will require mortgage
loan insurance provided by CMHC or a private company. The insurance
will cost between 0.5% and 3.25% of the amount of the total mortgage
(additional charges may apply) and can be included in the mortgage.The
application fee will range from $75 to $235 depending upon how the
lender processes your application. (consult your local lender for
further details). Moving costs The cost of a professional moving company or a rental truck if you move yourself. Fees for a professional mover can range from $50 to $ 100 an hour for a van and three movers.These costs may be 10%-20% higher at the end of the month and in the summer. Estoppel certificate (Also called a certificate of status)
A certificate that outlines a condominium corporation's financial
and legal state. Fees may vary and may be capped by law (does not apply
in Quebec).
Condominiums charge monthly fees for common-area maintenance, such
as groundskeeping and carpet cleaning. Fees range widely depending on
the type of structure but will probably be at least a few hundred
dollars.
Inspectors are unregulated in many provinces, so fees range widely,
from about $150-$350 for a home priced under $300,000. Larger, more
expensive homes cost more to inspect. A two-hour inspection carried out
by an engineer who provides a written report will cost closer to the
upper limit. Municipalities can also supply any available inspection
reports on the property for a fee. A home inspection may indicate that the home needs major structural repairs such as a new roof. Don't forget to factor these costs into the price of the home. Water quantity and quality certification If you're buying a home with well service, you'll have to pay a fee from $50-$100 to certify the quantity and quality of the water. |
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