Sandra Conradie

When homeowners decide to sell their property, one important question arises: should you buy a new home before selling your current one, or sell first and then buy? This decision depends on various factors, such as whether you’re moving locally or to another province or country, whether you have children in school, and the need for a deposit.

Buying a home in any market can feel daunting, however, it can become even more nerve-wracking when the market is tight and you need to make decisions quicker than you would have if it wasn’t. So how do you approach a tight market as a buyer? What do you need to do to secure your dream home?

An Offer to Purchase (OTP) is a legally binding agreement between a buyer and a seller in a property transaction. Once both parties sign the OTP, it finalizes the terms of sale, including the purchase price, property description, and any special conditions. Buyers can withdraw under certain conditions, but doing so without meeting the terms may lead to penalties. It’s crucial for both buyers and sellers to review the document carefully before signing to avoid legal and financial complications.