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Ottawa Property Guide · ottawapropertyguide.ca

The buying process — step-by-step checklist

Tick each step as you complete it. Statuses below are the ones saved in your browser when this sheet was printed.

Date printed: 22 September 2026, 6:15 pm

Still deciding Budget, financing, resale or new build, where

Done Step Action Status
01 Work out what you can afford What you'll need: Pay stubs, current debts, down-payment total, a realistic monthly budget Not Done
02 Get pre-approved and gather your team What you'll need: A completed mortgage application, proof of income and assets, and a shortlist of professionals to interview Not Done
03 Decide: resale or new build? What you'll need: A clear read on timeline — whether you need to move in months, or can wait a year or more Not Done
04 Choose your areas and home types What you'll need: A weekday commute test, a shortlist of areas, and a view on upkeep vs. fees Not Done

Under contract Viewings, checks, offers, closing

Done Step Action Status
05 View homes and do the checks What you'll need: A written question list, a flexible viewing schedule, and an inspector or condo-document reviewer on call Not Done
06 Make an offer What you'll need: Your pre-approval, a deposit ready to move, and clarity with your agent and lawyer on which conditions you will and won't waive Not Done
07 From acceptance to closing What you'll need: Your lawyer engaged early, funds for closing costs set aside, and your lender's paperwork moving Not Done

Living in it The first year of ownership

Done Step Action Status
08 Move in — and own the first year well What you'll need: Utility and property-tax accounts set up, insurance active from day one, and a maintenance rhythm for the season you move into Not Done

Summary

Total checklist items8
Completed0
Not completed8
Completion0%
Overall statusNot Started

Ottawa Property Guide is an independent information publication — not a brokerage, real-estate agent, or financial advisor. Content is general educational information, not professional advice.

ottawapropertyguide.ca/buying/