Buying a House in Nova Scotia, Canada in a few easy steps. The process is nearly identical all across Canada. Here are some terms to start you off:

• Realtor (sometimes referred to a a broker) -  A realtor is a trained estate agent and they can spend between one month and 6 months becoming a realtor with mandatory training every year to update and keep their license. They are only not the only person in the process, but they will have a real knowledge of their area and specialty. I can't tell you they are all wonderful, but trying to work in a strange country without a realtor is simply a waste of your valuable time. One important thing to note is that YOU DON'T PAY THE REALTOR, the seller of the listed property does. When you have chosen your realtor he/she will then show you all the houses that are for sale in the area that match your "wish list". When you have decided upon a home the realtor will write a contract offer to the Selling agent and this will initiate the start of the sale process.
•     •    If you are a non-resident or offshore buyer you are known as an expat (you won't hear that in the US so much, but Canada has more familiarity with the term)
•     •    MLS is a a giant data base and it is a North American invention and it works...so that realtor will have access to information to thousands of home and will have the ability to show you almost all houses in the market place.
•     •    If you are purchasing for an investment property, there is tax information that will affect you. A local tax specialist should be on a list that your Realtor will have you.

Okay, so next comes your wish list. What do you want in a home? Nova Scotia has over 4,000 feet of oceanfront and plenty of lakes, so that determines where many want to live. There is also verdant farm land in the Annapolis Valley, and other places way into the woods where you can buy hundreds of acres for under $100,000 CAD/USD.  The first thing you need to do is talk to your partner and your family, and see if you are all somewhat on the same page, then make a list of your wants and needs.  I've included below some ideas of the types of things you may decided to include on your wish list:

• Safe, quiet neighborhood or private estate lot, where you can't see neighbours.
• Garden, or a landscaped lot with the work already done
• Ability to add on, or completely turn key
• No major repairs needed, or you will trade off for maybe a great view
• Close to downtown or maybe beside the ocean
• Detached home, or a townhouse condo with no work
• Well insulated or you like the house so much you will add insulation yourself
• Parking
• Good investment with good resale value
• Affordable property taxes
• Neighborhood matches family personality, culturally and politically
• Enclosed laundry area
• Walk-in closet in master bedroom
• Gas hookup for stove
• Back deck or patio
• Close to work, schools, church
• Finished basement for office or guest room
• No threat of commercial encroachment
• Within one hour of the airport
• Hardwood floors
• The neighbourhood is a cultural match; if you are retired or want to live in a very quiet neighbourhood, then a neighbourhood full of young children may not be your match.
• Close to public transportation

I usually say to people, what is your vision of having a home? It may seem simple, but my idea of a home at this point in my life is one under 1,000 square feet on the ocean; I am willing to trade-off a big house for my place by the sea. Now, 15 years ago, I needed that larger house as my son had not left and there was a dog and all of the things that you have when you are still raising children. Now  my small home may seem ridiculous to some, but I can trade that off for freedom to travel four months a year. So be sure to think about your lifestyle and what the trade-offs can be, and don't be afraid to tell your realtor which needs and wants are important to you.

A lender in Canada will not be chasing you down the street to give you money, you will need your information and they can pre-qualify you and that is supreme in a negotiation, as your agent can say, well you might have an offer from another client, but my client is pre-approved, and many times it can  take money off the selling price.

Many real estate companies will have their own brokers and most agent will suggest brokers according to your profile....if you an offshore buyer, it may be more complicated, so ask your realtor's advice, they don't get money from the lender (and if they do, they have to declare that to you), but if you just walk into the first door, you may end up with someone who has no idea the complexities of a non resident buyer and may thwart any sale or at least not assist it.

Your realtor can give you a pretty good idea of where your price should be. Broker wisdom says that monthly payments should be 25 to 33 percent of your monthly gross income.
Keep in mind that in addition to the purchase price you will pay between 1 to 2 percent of your sale for deed transfer tax. You will also have closing costs for your legal fees and usually those costs are between $700. and $1,000 for a transaction. Your bank or mortgage person will go through the closing costs at the start of the application, so that there are no nasty surprises in store. If they do not, then ask for an itemized statement of costs. Be straight and upfront with this person, ensure that you are as honest as you can with the bank or mortgage officer, about your situation, any nasty shocks can break a deal.