Buying, owning & selling a home
Last reviewed July 2025 by the Clicklaw editors
Buying a home is a significant milestone for many. There is a lot to consider when purchasing property and taking on a mortgage. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned homeowner, or contemplating selling your property, it’s important to know what’s involved and what options you have.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
Click on a topic to see a list of resources.
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Your Real Estate Buying Journey
BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
This guide will walk you through the buying process and provide you with resources you can use to help you make an informed decision that is best for you. The guide follows the progression of a real estate transaction beginning with helping you determine if you are ready to purchase and ending with information on making an offer.
Last reviewed July 2025
Getting a Mortgage
People’s Law School
Explains what’s involved in getting a mortgage, and key things to watch for. These include signing the mortgage contract, deciding on the mortgage term, and negotiating the right to prepay. It explains why you might want an assumable mortgage, and describes mortgage loan insurance.
Last reviewed July 2025
Buying a Home (CMHC)
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Links to information from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) about buying a house. Content includes home-buying step by step, the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, expansion of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), planning and managing a mortgage, and information for newcomers.
Last reviewed July 2025
Your Real Estate Selling Journey
BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA)
So, you have decided that you are ready to sell your home. But where do you start? This guide will walk you through the selling process and provide you with resources to help you make an informed decision that is best for you.
Last reviewed July 2025
Selling Your Home
People’s Law School
Learn about what you should consider before putting up the “For Sale” sign. It explains the difference between selling your home yourself or hiring a real estate agent. It covers the process of selling a home, from getting a valuation to completing the sale.
Last reviewed July 2025
The Renovation Process
Canadian Home Builders’ Association
This resource discusses the importance of good communication and clear documentation during a renovation, and the specific responsibilities of the renovator and homeowner. It highlights the use of change orders for alterations or extra work and the necessity for homeowner approval before any work that results in added costs.
Last reviewed July 2025
Dial-a-Law: Home Repair Contractors
People’s Law School
Explains your legal rights if you want to hire someone to do repairs or renovations on your home. It covers what you should know, like holding back 10% of the contract price for a period of time. It also explains how to prevent problems, like checking about permits and getting written estimates and a contract.
Last reviewed July 2025
Dial-a-Law: Builders Liens
People’s Law School
Occasionally, those who work or supply materials on a construction project aren’t paid for the work or materials supplied. A “builders lien” can help them collect the money they’re owed.
Last reviewed March 2024
If You’re Facing Foreclosure
People’s Law School
Explains foreclosure, the legal process the lender can take if you default on your mortgage. Find out your rights and options if you’re facing foreclosure — you don’t automatically lose your home if you default on your mortgage. It gives you steps to take to work out the problem.
Last reviewed July 2025
Buying or Selling a Home
People’s Law School
This resource helps potential buyers and sellers understand the steps to real estate transactions including understanding paperwork and contracts.
Last reviewed July 2025