Craig Johnston, REALTOR® · soldbycraig.ca · Updated May 2026
The Coquitlam Buyer's Checklist 2026 — print-ready PDF.
Everything you need to verify before writing an offer on a Coquitlam home in 2026. Use the print button below to save as PDF, or print directly. Updated for April 2026 GVR® market conditions.
Before you start shopping
Mortgage pre-approval — completed with a major lender or mortgage broker, with the BC stress test math applied. Pre-approval letter dated within last 90 days.
Budget defined — target purchase price, maximum stretch price, minimum down payment, closing-cost reserve (typically 1.5-3% of purchase price for BC PTT + legal).
Timeline clarity — your move-in window, any deadlines tied to existing lease or sale, school-year considerations if applicable.
Realtor selected — interviewed at least one buyer's agent. Confirmed they specialize in your target neighbourhood, not just the broader Tri-Cities.
Verifying the right neighbourhood
SkyTrain commute tested — actually rode the Evergreen Line from the target station at your peak commute time. Three SkyTrain stations in Coquitlam: Coquitlam Central, Lincoln, Lafarge Lake.
School catchment verified — verified your specific target address through SD43's online catchment lookup. NOT just listing claim.
Sub-neighbourhood character matches — visited the area at 4pm on a weekday + Saturday morning + Sunday evening. Driven the streets, not just the listed home.
Amenity inventory — confirmed walking distance to your daily needs (grocery, transit, schools, parks). Drive-time tested to your workplace.
Verifying the specific property
Property type confirmed — detached vs townhome vs condo decision finalized based on lifestyle priorities, not just price.
Strata documents reviewed (if strata) — depreciation report, recent minutes, financial statements, bylaws + rules, Form B. Look for any pending special assessments.
Pre-listing inspection report reviewed if seller provided one. If not provided, your own inspection is non-negotiable on any 5+ year old home.
Comps verified independently — recent sales in your block radius within last 90 days. Don't rely solely on Zillow or listing agent's claims.
Writing the offer
Offer price strategy — within 1-2% of true comp value, not seller's listing price. Over-paying by 5% is a real risk on motivated-buyer offers.
Subject conditions list — financing approval, home inspection, title review, strata documents review (if applicable). 5-10 business days standard subject removal window.
Deposit amount — typically 3-5% of purchase price, held in lawyer's trust or buyer's agent's trust account.
Closing date — aligned with your move-in plan, your mortgage rate hold expiry, and the seller's needs. 30-90 days standard.
After offer accepted, before completion
Final mortgage approval from your lender — they may require additional documents (T4s, employment letter, bank statements). Allow 5-10 business days.
Home inspection complete — review the report carefully. Negotiate any major issues with the seller before subject removal.
Title insurance + lawyer selected — your lawyer reviews title, prepares closing documents, coordinates with seller's lawyer + mortgage lender.
Insurance bound — home insurance policy active starting from closing date. Lender will require proof.
Utility transfers scheduled — BC Hydro, Fortis BC, City of Coquitlam utilities (water, sewer, garbage), internet/phone provider. Schedule for completion day or day after.
Closing + move-in
Final walkthrough — 24-48 hours before closing, verify property is in same condition as when you wrote your offer. Note any new damage.
Closing funds wired — your lawyer wires the down payment + closing costs to seller's lawyer.
Keys received — typically through your lawyer or directly from seller's realtor at the agreed time on closing day.
Move-in coordinated — moving company booked, utilities scheduled, address change submitted to government + banks + employers.
Need help with YOUR Coquitlam transaction?
Free 20-minute strategy call ends with a written one-page plan delivered within 24 hours. No pitch, no obligation. Or free Equity Map (24-hour turnaround) for sellers.
Craig Johnston, REALTOR® · 604-202-6092 · Craig@theMACNABS.com
Book at: soldbycraig.ca/book-a-strategy-call-with-craig-johnston/
Get your Equity Map at: soldbycraig.ca/home-evaluation/
© 2026 Craig Johnston, REALTOR® V99960 · The MACNABS · Royal LePage Elite West
This checklist is general information, not legal/tax/financial advice. Work with your own lawyer, accountant, and mortgage professional. Market conditions change; information current as of May 2026.
