Kris Ong Real Estate — BC Lower Mainland

Your Complete
Home Buying Roadmap

8 simple steps from pre-approval to keys in hand — I guide you through every one so you never feel lost, pressured, or unprepared.

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Scroll to explore
40×
More net worth —
avg BC homeowner vs renter
~70%
Average home appreciation
in BC over 10 years
5%
Minimum down payment
to get started today
Your 8-Step Journey to Home Ownership
1
Pre-Approval
2
Wish List
3
The Search
4
Viewings
5
The Offer
6
Due Diligence
7
Closing Costs
8
Keys!
01
💳
Step 1 — Before You Do Anything Else

Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

This is the single most important step — and most buyers skip it. A pre-approval tells you exactly how much you can spend, shows sellers you're a serious buyer, and speeds up the entire process. Don't fall in love with a home you can't finance.

Pre-Qualified vs Pre-Approved
Pre-qualification is a rough estimate. Pre-approval is a lender's commitment based on your real income, credit, and assets. Always get the real thing.
Budget for Closing Costs Too
Add 2–4% on top of your purchase price. These extra costs catch many buyers off guard — don't let them catch you.
First Home Savings Account
The FHSA lets first-time buyers save up to $40K tax-free. If you qualify, this is free money — ask me if you're eligible.
💡 Kris's Tip

Work with a mortgage broker — not just your bank. Brokers have access to 30+ lenders and often find better rates. I can refer you to two I trust personally.

02
📋
Step 2 — Get Clear on What You Need

Build Your Wish List

Knowing your budget is step one — knowing what you want to spend it on is step two. Before we start searching, let's get specific so we don't waste time on properties that don't fit your life.

Must-Haves vs Nice-to-Haves
Separate what you absolutely need (bedrooms, suite, parking) from what would be a bonus. This keeps your search focused and fast.
Neighbourhood Priorities
Schools, commute time, walkability, transit, parks — what matters most to your daily life? Surrey, Langley, Coquitlam all have very different feels.
Home Type
Detached, townhome, or condo? Each comes with different costs, strata fees, maintenance responsibilities, and investment profiles.
💡 Kris's Tip

Think about your 5-year plan. Are you buying to live in long-term, or is this a stepping stone? Your strategy changes based on your timeline — and I help you plan for both.

03
🔍
Step 3 — The Hunt Begins

Start the Search

Once your wish list is clear, I set you up with instant MLS alerts so you see new listings the moment they hit the market. But here's what most buyers don't know: the best homes often sell before they're publicly listed.

MLS Alerts
You'll get an email the second a home matching your criteria hits the market — before the weekend open house crowd even knows it exists.
Off-Market Access
Through my network of agents, I often know about listings before they go live. This is a real advantage in a competitive market.
Pre-Sale Options
Buying new construction at today's price for a home completed in 1–3 years can be a powerful strategy — especially in growing areas like Langley and Surrey.
💡 Kris's Tip

Speed matters in BC real estate. When the right home hits, you need to be ready to move within 24 hours. That's why having your pre-approval done first is non-negotiable.

04
🏠
Step 4 — Seeing It in Person

Touring Properties

Photos lie. Lighting, wide-angle lenses, and staging can make a poor layout look incredible. I attend every showing with you and help you see past the staging to evaluate the actual bones, layout, and potential of each home.

  • Check natural light at the time of day you'll actually be home
  • Look at storage, closet space, and flow — not just square footage
  • Walk the neighbourhood — street noise, parking, nearby development
  • Note the age of the roof, windows, and mechanicals — replacement costs add up fast
  • For condos/townhomes: ask about strata fees, bylaws, and pet rules before falling in love
💡 Kris's Tip

I'll pull the sales history and comparable data on any home you like so you know if it's priced fairly — before you even think about making an offer.

05
✍️
Step 5 — The Most Critical Moment

Writing a Competitive, Protected Offer

This is where experience pays off. Writing an offer isn't just about the price — it's about structure, timing, terms, and strategy. I advise you on every element so your offer is compelling to the seller without leaving you exposed.

Purchase Price
Based on a full CMA — what the home is actually worth today, backed by real comparable sales data. No guessing.
Subject Clauses
Financing, inspection, and title review subjects protect you legally. I advise when to include them — and when waiving one strategically makes sense.
Completion Date
The right timeline aligned to your mortgage closing, the seller's needs, and your moving plans can win a deal when two offers are equal.
Deposit
Typically 5% of purchase price, due within 24–48 hours. A strong deposit signals you're serious and financially ready.
💡 Kris's Tip

In a multiple-offer situation, price isn't always the winning factor. Terms, deposit size, completion flexibility, and how your offer is presented all matter. I've helped buyers win in competition without being the highest offer.

06
🔎
Step 6 — Protect Yourself Before You Commit

Due Diligence

Your offer was accepted — congratulations! Now you have a short window (typically 7 days) to verify everything before removing subjects and committing fully. This is your last chance to catch problems.

  • Home Inspection — Always get one. A $500 inspection can save you from a $50,000 surprise
  • Strata Documents — For condos/townhomes: review minutes, depreciation report, financials, and special levy history
  • Title Search — Confirm no liens, easements, or restrictions on the property
  • Financing Confirmation — Your lender finalizes the mortgage and locks in your rate
  • Final Walk-Through — Optional but recommended — confirm the property is in the agreed condition
💡 Kris's Tip

I review the strata documents with you and flag red flags — underfunded reserve funds, pending special levies, or bylaw issues that could affect your lifestyle or resale value.

07
💰
Step 7 — Know What You're Actually Paying

Closing Costs Breakdown

Closing day has additional costs beyond your down payment. Budget 2–4% of the purchase price for these. I walk every buyer through this before we write an offer so there are zero surprises.

Property Transfer Tax
1% on first $200K, 2% on the remainder. First-time buyers may be exempt — potentially saving $8,000+ on a $500K purchase.
GST (New Builds Only)
5% on new construction. Rebates are available for homes under $450K — I help you understand exactly what applies to your purchase.
Legal / Notary Fees
Typically $1,500–$2,500. Your notary or real estate lawyer handles title transfer and mortgage registration.
Home Inspection + Moving
Inspection: $500–$700. Moving costs vary. Factor these in — they're easy to overlook when you're focused on the purchase price.
💡 Kris's Tip

First-time buyers in BC can save thousands through the PTT exemption, FHSA withdrawals, and the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit. Don't leave money on the table — I'll make sure you claim everything you're entitled to.

08
🗝️
Step 8 — The Best Day

Keys in Hand — You Own a Home

Subjects removed. Deposit paid. Lawyer has the paperwork. On completion day, the title transfers to your name and the keys are yours. After years of renting — or months of searching — this is the moment that makes it all worth it.

  • Sign final mortgage documents with your lender
  • Balance of down payment and closing costs transferred to notary
  • Title registers in your name — you're now a homeowner
  • Pick up the keys — celebrating is mandatory
💡 Kris's Tip

My job doesn't end at closing. I'm a resource for recommendations — trusted trades, property managers, strata advice, and when the time comes, I'll be there to help you sell or invest again. Many of my clients have been with me through 2–3 transactions.

Why Work With Kris

You Deserve More Than a Realtor
Who Just Unlocks Doors

Here's what you actually get when you work with me — beyond the standard service.

📊

Market Intelligence

Real-time data on what's selling, what's overpriced, and where the opportunities are — so you buy smart, not just fast.

🤝

Network Access

20 years in the Lower Mainland means connections — off-market listings, trusted lenders, inspectors, and trades that don't advertise.

🛡️

Protection First

I structure every offer to protect you. I'd rather lose a deal than put you in a home that costs you more in the long run.

📱

Always Reachable

When you text me at 9pm because you just saw a listing, I answer. Real estate doesn't work 9-to-5 and neither do I.

🏗️

Pre-Sale Expertise

I specialize in presales — buying new construction at today's prices. It's a strategy most realtors can't execute well. I can.

📈

Investment Mindset

I'm an investor myself. I look at every purchase through a long-term lens so your home builds wealth, not just shelter.

Ready to Find Your
Perfect Home?

Let's start with a free 30-minute consultation. No pressure, no obligation — just a clear plan to get you home faster and smarter.

Book a Free Consultation Call Kris Directly