Revelstoke Buyers Guide

Use this Revelstoke Buyer’s Guide with John Sparrow, Coldwell Banker Executives to maximize your home buying experience in Revelstoke

Text or call anytime (403) 605‑2200 or email john@johnsparrow.com for personalized help from Revelstoke’s Local Realtor

1. Define Your Goals & Budget

Knowing why you’re buying and what you can afford is key. Ask yourself:

Are you buying a primary residence, vacation property, or investment home?
What features matter most—bedrooms, layout, acreage, views?
Determine a realistic budget: down payment, closing costs, taxes, insurance, strata or utilities. Business Insider
Utilize the Revelstoke Real Estate Buyers Guide and connect with the most experienced real estate agent in Revelstoke to help guide this very important purchase for you.

2. Get Your Finances Ready & Pre-Approved

Speak with a mortgage broker or lender to get preapproval—this strengthens your offer.
Understand types of mortgages: conventional, CMHC-insured, or rehab-loan options.
Explore programs like the BC First-Time Home Buyers’ Exemption (up to $835K) and CMHC Shared Equity Incentive (5–10% assistance).
Include closing costs: lawyer or notary fees ($2,000–$2,500), inspection ($600–$700), appraisal ($400–$500), and Property Transfer Tax.

3. Build Your Buyer Team

A strong support team ensures success:

Real Estate Agent: Provides local insight, market trends, and purchase strategy.
Mortgage Broker: Finds competitive financing and explains incentives.
Home Inspector: Uncovers issues before closing.
Real Estate Lawyer/Notary: Manages legal transfer, title registration, and paperwork.
Other Specialists (optional): strata professionals, appraisers or renovators for investment properties. Revelstoke Mountaineer

4. Identify Ideal Neighborhoods & Property Types

Revelstoke offers a variety of options:

Detached homes, condos, townhomes, recreational or income properties.
Watch upcoming developments (Raven Townhomes, RMR Mountain Real Estate, Mackenzie Village, Mountain Road Estates, Peaks Garden Suites) for long-term growth.
Evaluate lifestyle needs: commute, schools, services, recreation, and avalanche/snow-loading for alpine properties.

5. House Hunting & Making Offers

Prioritize “needs vs wants” and consider resale value and future growth.
Attend open houses and private viewings—ask about snow clearance, commute times, neighbours, and services.
When ready, submit a smart offer with competitive price, deposit, and conditional subjects (inspection, financing, appraisal, insurance).

6. Subject Removal & Conditional Approval

Within the subject period (typically 7–10 days), confirm financing, complete home inspection, and review strata docs or title.
Once satisfied, remove subjects and lock in your deal.

7. Close the Deal & Move In

On completion day, your lawyer/notary handles title registration, adjusts payments, and transfers keys.
Set up utilities: Fortis BC (gas), BC Hydro, Telus or Starlink internet.
Arrange Canada Post mailbox — common in Revelstoke.

8. Post-Purchase Planning

Budget for home maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and strata fees (if applicable).
Consider eligibility for First-Time Home Buyer incentives or rebates.
Plan renovations or energy upgrades with CMHC or provincial rebate programs.

9. Common Pitfalls & Buyer Mistakes

Don’t skip mortgage preapproval — you need to know your budget.
Avoid opening new credit lines during your buying process.
Don’t get emotionally attached—focus on comparable sales data when making offers.
Beware of cosmetic fixes vs structural issues—look past staging to evaluate actual condition.

10. Why Work with John Sparrow?

As Revelstoke’s top marketing agent with Coldwell Banker Executives:

I offer deep local market knowledge, exclusive access to off-market listings, and insight into new developments.
I coordinate your full buying journey: financing, inspection, negotiation, and move-in.
Buying is effectively no-cost to you—my commission is paid by the seller.

Ready to Find Your Dream Home?

Let’s make your Revelstoke homeownership dream come true.

Text me at (403) 605‑2200
Email: john@johnsparrow.com

Get a personalized home search plan, insights into upcoming properties, and guidance every step of the way. Contact me for a pdf guide on Revelstoke’s Buyer’s Guide

Raven Townhomes