Help from the Home Buying Experts

BMO^® Mortgage Specialist

A BMO Mortgage Specialist is a lending professional who provides you with a customized home financing plan and helps to guide you through the entire mortgage process, when and where it’s best for you.

Working with a BMO Mortgage Specialist means:

• Meeting at your convenience: Whether you want to talk in-person or over the phone, wherever and whenever, your BMO Mortgage Specialist will accommodate you.
• Respecting your time: Between work and home life, your time is precious. When you reach out to your Mortgage Specialist, they’ll be ready with prompt, expert advice.
• Offering pressure-free advice: A BMO Mortgage Specialist is here to help. Meet with a member of our team to get commitment-free advice on one of the biggest purchases of your life.

Find a BMO Mortgage Specialist near you.

BMO In-Branch Mortgage Representative

Who: An in-branch mortgage representative is a lending professional who can assist you with getting a mortgage. They can be located in a BMO Branch or by calling our national Customer Contact Center at 1-877-225-5266.

Why: They are also able to help you with other financial services such opening bank accounts, getting a line of credit and making investments.Why They are also able to help you with other financial services such opening bank accounts, getting a line of credit and making investments.

What to Look for: All of our in-branch mortgage representatives are fully qualified to provide professional advice and to help arrange your home financing solution. To get started, you can make an appointment online to meet with a mortgage representative in a BMO Branch.

REALTOR^®

Who: A REALTOR^® is a licensed real estate professional who is a member of the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

Why:

• A real estate agent has access to listings that may not be available through public sites, and can arrange private viewings.
• More importantly, he/she will save you time by showing you only homes that meet your personal and financial requirements.
• Experienced in the buying and selling process, he/she will provide guidance, prepare the Offer to Purchase, and help you negotiate the price. Real estate professionals work on commission and are paid by the person selling the property. So, in the purchase of a re-sale residential property you may have a real estate agent and the seller may have one too.

What to Look for: If you can, get referrals from friends, family, or people you work with. Some agents specialize in specific areas or types of housing (condos, for example), which may be useful. Real estate professionals must have a provincial license. A REALTOR^{®##hashtag hashtag} is a licensed real estate sales person, agent, or broker who belongs to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA).

Home Inspector

Who: Your partner in ensuring your home is in good condition and that you are aware of any issues related to the home's major systems (electrical, plumbing, heating, roofing, foundation) in any house you're thinking of buying.

Why: It's always advisable to have a house or condo unit inspected before you place an offer. An inspection isn't a guarantee or a warranty, but it does provide an informed opinion about the soundness of the home.

What to Look: for Choose a qualified, registered inspector with lots of experience and who has errors and omissions insurance. Ask friends or family for a referral, or contact the Canadian Association of Home and Property Inspectors (CAHPI).

Builder

Who: Your partner in constructing your new home.

Why: To provide expertise in the construction of new homes.

What to Look for:

• Visit the sales office and review the model homes or suites.
• Ask about new home warranties and after-sale service.
• Get to know the builder's reputation by inspecting his or her other developments and try to speak with current owners about their satisfaction. Consider builders that are members of the Canadian Home Builders' Association as a gauge for new homebuilders that are professional, dedicated to the business of home building, committed to customer satisfaction and are in business for the long term. Find out the quality of workmanship you can expect, and the builder's track record for completing projects on time.

Lawyer (or Notary in Quebec)

Who: Your partner in protecting your rights and interests by getting the paperwork and legal documentation in order that's required to close the deal for your house. Solicitors and Notaries are required by law to facilitate the closing transaction and registration of mortgage documents so you must have legal representation in a real estate transaction.

Why:

• To help you get what you bargained for, at the price you agree to pay, and on the terms you understand.
• The lawyer's or notary's role is to ensure the Offer to Purchase reflects your understanding of the agreement before signing it.
• One of the most important tasks your lawyer or notary will conduct is a title search, to check for liens or outstanding work orders and to ensure the legal ownership lies with the people selling the house.
• The lawyer or notary's is also responsible for closing arrangements, adjusting the costs, and may also review the Offer to Purchase if you request. The lawyer or notary can provide you with legal advice as required on matters related to the purchase of your home.

What to Look for: Be sure to work with a qualified real estate lawyer or notary. Get referrals from trusted sources (your real estate agent may be able to help, or you can ask friends or family members), or check your local listings. Try to find someone who can explain your obligations in plain language.