BUYERS GUIDE

Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or an experienced homeowner, the Buying Guide is designed to make your journey smooth and stress-free. Explore our FAQs, learn about optional upgrades, there’s information for Realtors, and understand every step of the sales process. We're here to help you build a home you love!

Frequently Asked Questions

Maybe. Each request to reserve a lot is reviewed on a case by case basis. If a lot reservation is agreed to a lot reservation form is completed, a FINTRAC form is completed, a deposit is delivered, and photo identification is collected. The length of the reservation varies but is commonly 20 to 60 days.

Yes. The Builder cooperates and pays Realtors. A Realtor needs to complete the Builder’s Potential Client Referral Form and submit it to the Builder. The form is available on the website.

A guideline to use for estimating the deposit is: The deposit is approximately 5% to 10% of the purchase price. This means if the purchase price is $550,000 the total deposit is most likely $27,000 to $55,000. The deposit is a onetime payment that is paid at the time the Agreement of Purchase and Sale is signed and the remainder of the funds owed are paid on the closing date. The Sales Representative can tell you the exact deposit amount as the deposits vary for each property.

A guideline to use for estimating the deposit is: The deposit is approximately 10% of the purchase price. This means if the purchase price is $700,000 the total deposit is most likely $70,000. The deposit is a onetime payment that is paid at the time the Agreement of Purchase and Sale is signed and the remainder of the funds owed are paid on the closing date. The Sales Representative can tell you the exact deposit amount as the deposits vary for each property (in some cases the deposits are $50,000).

Deposits provided with a lot reservation are typically refundable. Deposits provided with a conditional agreement of purchase and sale are usually refundable. Once an agreement is firm (meaning there are no conditions) the deposit is nonrefundable.

Payments to the Builder are made by bank draft and not personal cheques. Bank drafts are made payable to: Performance Communities Inc.

To see details about the Sales Process please click on the “Sales Process” button near the top of this page

Yes. The advertised prices include the net Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). Below is an image of the 'Price / Tax Summary' that is included in all Agreements of Purchase and Sale. The 'Price / Tax Summary' shows how the HST is calculated and is included in our advertised prices.

The Builder is not responsible to determine if a Purchaser is eligible for the HST rebate. It is the Purchaser’s sole responsibility to communicate with their lawyer to determine HST rebate eligibility. Purchasers are generally eligible for the HST rebate if they are considered a Canadian resident for income tax purposes the month before and at the beginning of the month in which the Canada Revenue Agency makes a payment. They also need to meet one of the following criteria: at least 19 years old, have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner, are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with a child.

Prices include the net HST with applicable rebates assigned to the Builder. This means the Builder pays the full 13% HST when items for the house are purchased but the Builder only charges the Purchaser a portion of the HST. The difference between the full 13% HST and the portion charged to the Purchaser is the rebate. The Purchaser receives the benefit of the rebate at the point of sale and because of this the Purchaser signs a form to say the rebate funds are due to the Builder.

The Builder does not determine how much property tax the Purchaser will pay. This question is best answered by the Purchaser’s lawyer. The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) assess the property and determines the value of the property. This value, called the ‘assessed value’, is the number that will be used by the Municipality to determine the property tax. As of March 1, 2020 an approximate property tax rate in the City of St.Thomas and the Town of Tillsonburg is 1.6%. If a property is assessed at $300,000 then the approximate property tax per year is $300,000 X 1.6% = $4,800.

The other fees the Purchaser pays are the Purchaser’s legal fees and the Provincial land transfer tax.

This question is best answered by the Purchaser’s lawyer. The Builder can only offer general guidelines about land transfer tax. Purchasers of houses and condos in Ontario pay land transfer tax when they purchase a property. The Purchaser’s lawyer will arrange for land transfer taxes to be paid when the deed to the new home is transferred (on closing day). Ontario land transfer taxes are based on a sliding scale and are difficult to calculate. Commonly land transfer tax on a house that sells for $450,000 is approximately $5,500.

Tarion provides new home warranty protection to Purchasers in Ontario. The Builder pays to enroll the Purchaser’s home into the Tarion Warranty Program. The Ontario government, through the Ministry of Consumer Services, has empowered Tarion to administer and enforce the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.

Yes. The Purchaser receives substantial warranty protection as set out by the Tarion Warranty Program (in accordance with the Ontario New Home Warranty Act). Under the plan, the Builder warrants that the house will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year. There is a two-year warranty with respect to electrical, plumbing, heating systems, cladding, caulking, windows, and doors, and the building envelope (all parts of the structure that contain the living space is free of water penetration). The Builder warrants for two years that the basement remains free of water penetration through the foundation. The Purchaser is protected for seven years against major structural defects with the Tarion Warranty Program.

A Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) is an inspection of the house by the Purchaser prior to the closing date. The Purchaser attends the PDI with the Builder’s Service Team. The Builder will contact the Purchaser to arrange a PDI date and time.

At the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) the Purchaser and Service Team member agree on a time the keys will be delivered on the closing date.

Yes, the Development charge is included in the price of the Townhome and single-family home.

A mortgage is a type of loan often used to buy a home or other property. A mortgage allows the lender to take possession of the property if you don't repay the loan on time. The property is the security for the loan. Normally, a mortgage is a large loan and is paid off over many years. When a Purchaser gets a mortgage loan, the Purchaser is called the mortgagor. The lender is called the mortgagee. Under a mortgage, the Purchaser is responsible for making regular payments to the lender. The payments cover the interest on the loan plus part of the principal (the amount of the loan). Payments may also include property taxes, insurance and similar charges.

A mortgage calculator is a tool that asks the Purchaser questions about their financial position and then estimates what size of mortgage the Purchaser might qualify for. Many bank websites have a mortgage calculator.

Before a Purchaser begins looking at houses to purchase they can talk to a Mortgage Broker / financial institution about a pre-approval mortgage letter. This letter is commomly called the Financial Approval Letter (FAL). A Financial Approval Letter means a Mortgage Broker learns how much money a Purchaser is qualified to borrow and at what interest rate. The Financial Approval Letter is commonly used to determine the approximate price range the Purchaser should buy within.

The agreement of purchase and sale (also called the ‘agreement’ or APS) is the document that states the responsibilities the Purchaser and the Builder each have to complete the transaction. The agreement is signed after the Purchaser has selected the lot, the house, and the upgrades. The agreement states the closing date of the transaction. The closing date is the day the Purchaser pays the Builder and the keys are delivered to the Purchaser.

A conditional agreement states events that must happen prior to the agreement being binding and firm. Typically, an agreement is conditional upon the Purchaser securing financing or the Purchaser’s lawyer reviewing the agreement to ensure the terms in the agreement are accurate.

The length of time to build a house varies depending on the complexity of the house and when building permits are available. Typically, the build time is between 180 to 300 days - counted from when the building permit is obtained. The Builder has never missed a closing date.

The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) is Canada’s financial intelligence unit. The Centre assists in the detection, prevention and deterrence of money laundering and the financing of illegal activities. FINTRAC's financial intelligence and compliance functions contribute to the safety of Canadians and the protection of the integrity of Canada's financial system.

Yes, the hot water heater is provided on a rental contract. In a single family home the hot water heater can be purchased.

An assignment clause can be in the agreement but this does not mean the Builder will agree to allow assignment of the property. The assignment clause will only say that the Builder has the sole right to choose to allow assignment of the property if all terms of the assignment clause are agreed to by the orginal Purchaser (typically there is a fee to execute an assignment clause).

Maybe. The Builder owns rental properties, however; they are frequently all rented. Ask to speak to the Builder’s Rental Manager to see if a unit is available to rent during the build time.

The Presentation Centres are listed on the website along with the contact information. The Presentation Centres are typically open Tuesday to Friday from 12 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 12 to 4 p.m. It’s recommended to call ahead to confirm the Presentation Centre is open and / or set an appointment.

No. A Realtor is not required to purchase a new home. A Purchaser is required to have a lawyer to purchase a new home. If a Purchaser has a Realtor the Builder pays a commission to the Realtor (the Potential Client Referral Form has to be completed).

No appliances are included in the base price of a single family home. All appliances are supplied and installed by the Purchaser after the closing date (appliances cannot be delivered to the house prior to the closing date). Single family houses include a decorative hood with a fan insert in the kitchen. A space for a future dishwasher is provided along with a water supply line, water drain line, and electrical power.

No. Towns and Semis do not include appliances. A space for Microwave is provided. A vent fan over the stove location is supplied and installed by the Builder.

No. The Builder must supply and install all items in the house. This is due to many reasons. Some of the reasons are warranty coverage, scheduling of the project, compliance with the Building Codes, and job site safety.

No. The Purchaser isn’t allowed to work on the house during the construction process.

No, the Builder will not sell just the lot.

An Inventory Home is a house that the Builder has selected all the features and finishes for and has begun to build prior to a Purchaser buying the house. A list of available Inventory Homes is shown on the website.

A guideline to use for estimating the deposit is: The deposit is approximately 10% of the purchase price. This means if the purchase price is $700,000 the total deposit is most likely $70,000. The deposit is a onetime payment that is paid at the time the Agreement of Purchase and Sale is signed and the remainder of the funds owed are paid on the closing date. The Sales Representative can tell you the exact deposit amount as the deposits vary for each property (in some cases the deposits are $50,000).

The final price of the house is comprised of the lot price, house price, upgrades in the agreement, upgrades purchased during the selections process, and typical real estate adjustments (e.g. utilities, property tax, etc). To determine the final price the Purchaser directs their lawyer to contact the Builder’s lawyer. Once this contact between lawyers is established the Builder’s lawyer starts collecting the information needed to determine the final price. The final price takes into account lawyer fees, land transfer fees, property tax adjustments, etc. The process of the Purchaser’s lawyer communicating with the Builder’s lawyer is followed because this ensures both lawyers know all the communication about the final price.

The single-family house price list states the width of the house (e.g. 39’ wide). A general principle is add 8’ to the width of the house and that’s the width of lot that’s required for the house. For example: A 39’ wide house needs a 47’ wide lot. Other factors have to be taken into account to determine if a house fits on a lot. For example: Does the house meet the coverage requirements of the lot (only so much of the house can ‘cover’ the lot). The shape of the lot also influences whether or not a house fits on a lot. For example: A ‘pie-shaped’ lot may only be 28’ wide at the very front of the lot but further back on the lot the width of the lot will be very wide and therefore fit many sizes of houses. The sales representative can confirm if the house fits on the lot.

No, the Builder does not permit changes to a Townhome plan.

Yes, once a deposit is provided the Purchaser can work with the sales representative to request some minor changes to the house plan. Not all changes are possible or permitted. Each request is reviewed on a case by case basis.clo

Yes. Ask a Sales Representative for the contact information for the person who manages all custom built homes.

Yes. Ask a Sales Representative for the contact information for the person who manages renovations.

An easement is the right to cross or otherwise use another’s land for a specified purpose. Central to the concept of an easement is that they are a right of use, not ownership. For example, property may have an easement over neighbouring property (such as in the case of a Townhome) to allow access to the backyard. An easement may also protect buried infrastructure which has been installed on a portion of the property (for example a drainage pipe or communication cables). An easement gives legal access to Municipal officials to enter onto the property for the purposes of inspection and/or maintenance. Sheds, pools, decks, fencing or any means of blocking or altering an easement is not permitted.

A swale is a sloped parcel of land designed to direct water to a specific area. A swale prevents puddles or bodies of water from forming on properties. Blocking or altering a swale in any way is not permitted. Every lot has a swale located somewhere on the property. The severity and location of the swale is shown on the master grading and drainage plan for the community.

If a change to the house is permitted the change is documented on a Change Order and signed by the Builder & Purchaser.

The Purchaser works with the Builder's Design Consultant to select colours and some of the features for the home. The Design Consultant can provide guidence on colours and assists in the administrative process (prepares Change Orders and other related documents). The Builder’s selection and building process ensures quality standards are met, the requirements of the Ontario Building Code & local building rules are met, the jobsite is safe, and the house is completed by the closing date. To achieve these objectives selections for the house are completed within the timeframe provided and all products are selected at the Builder’s Selection Studio from the approved products. Items supplied by the Builder are under warranty and meet the required safety requirements.

  • Purchaser Info: Full legal name, email address, cell phone, current address
  • FINTRAC Info: Date of birth, occupation, government-issued ID with number (e.g. driver's license).
  • Photocopy ID: Copy of government-issued ID.
  • Lawyer Info: Lawyer's name, firm name, email, phone, address
  • Lender Info: Company name (e.g. TD Canada Trust), representative's name, email, phone, address.

After the agreement is firm the Builder provides the Purchaser with an Ownership and Building Guide. The guide explains the homebuilding process and a timeline for tasks for the Purchaser to complete prior to the closing date.

The Purchaser contacts each utility provider and sets up an account. The Ownership and Building Guide contains a list of all the Utility Companies along with the contact information.

Request Info & Realtor Info

Thank you for your interest in a Hayhoe Homes property! Whether you are a private individual or a Realtor representing a Client you are invited to request information from a Sales Representative. We co-operate with Realtors and pay a commission as stated on the Potential Client Registration Form. A Client can be referred by completing a Potential Client Referral Form (below) and emailing us a signed copy. To qualify for a commission a Client needs to be registered prior to the Client contacting us and starting the sales process. Thank you for considering a Hayhoe Homes property and we look forward to hearing from you!

POTENTIAL CLIENT REFERRAL FORM

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REQUEST INFORMATION

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Optional Upgrades

Your new home comes with exceptional standard features - and you have opportunity to work with a Sales Representative to add more features! The Sales Representative can show you all the available upgrades, helping you personalize your new home to make it truly your own. Plus, with the Tarion Warranty, you’ll have complete peace of mind your new home is protected by a warranty!

OPTIONAL UPGRADES

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Sales Process

To begin the sales process various forms are completed. The information on the forms is required by Ontario laws, is needed to understand each Purchaser’s individual purchasing situation, and is needed to stay in contact. In some instances, some forms are not required. For example, if a Townhome is purchased we do not collect the “Optional Features List” and this is because all the features for the Townhome have been selected. Please click on a question to reveal the answer.

What is a Financial Approval Letter (FAL)?

A FAL is a letter issued by a Mortgage Broker that states a Purchaser has been pre-approved for a mortgage that covers the entire price of the property (the lot, the house, the upgrades).

Why is a FAL always required?

A FAL is always required to show that a Purchaser has spoken to a Mortgage Broker and has been pre-approved for a mortgage that covers the entire price of the property. In the event a Purchaser doesn't require a mortgage to purchase a property then the Purchaser let's the Builder know they do not require a mortgage.

Where does the FAL come from?

The FAL is issued by the Mortgage Broker that the Purchaser is working with to obtain a mortgage.

When is the FAL completed?

A FAL is completed prior to meeting with the Sales Representative.

What is the Potential Client Referral Form (PCRF)?

A PCRF shows to the Builder that a Purchaser is working with a Realtor.

Why, when applicable, is a PCRF required?

When a Purchaser is working with a Realtor the PCRF is required so the Builder knows the name of the Realtor the Purchaser is working with, the Builder knows how much commission to pay to the Realtor, and the Builder knows the Purchaser has agreed to work with the Realtor.

Where is the PCRF?

Click here to see the PCRF.

When is the PCRF completed?

The PCRF is completed by the Realtor at the start of the sales process. The PCRF is signed by three parties – the Purchaser, the Realtor, and the Builder.

What is the FINTRAC form?

FINTRAC (FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS & REPORTS ANALYSIS CANADA) is a government agency that assists in the detection, prevention and deterrence of money laundering and other illegal financial activities. FINTRAC's financial intelligence and compliance functions are a unique contribution to the safety of Canadians and the protection of the integrity of Canada's financial system.

Why is a FINTRAC form required?

The government can use a FINTRAC form to audit a real estate transaction to ensure it is compliant with Canadian financial laws. The government requires that a FINTRAC form is completed with every real estate transaction.

Where is the FINTRAC form?

Click here to see the FINTRAC form.

Who completes the FINTRAC form?

The Sales Representative works with the Purchaser to complete the form at the start of the sales process (typically when a deposit is provided).

Why is photo identification (ID) always required?

The Canadian government requires that photo ID accompanies the FINTRAC form.

What documents can be used for photo ID?

Documents issued by the government can be used for photo ID and the document must include the Purchaser’s name and photo. Common photo ID documents are a driver’s license or a passport.

Where is photo ID delivered?

FINTRAC requires that photo ID be included - photo ID is delivered at the time the FINTRAC form is given to the Sales Representative.

When is photo ID required?

Photo ID is required at the time the FINTRAC form is completed.

Is a lot and unit reservation form always required?

No, the form is not always required. The form is only required when a lot or unit is being reserved.

What is a lot reservation form?

In some instances, the Builder allows a Purchaser to reserve a lot or a unit (e.g. a completed Townhome that’s for sale) for a short period of time. When this reservation is allowed the lot and unit reservation form is completed. The lot reservation form is needed to show that a lot or unit is reserved and that the Builder received a deposit to reserve the lot or unit.

Where is the lot reservation form?

The lot and unit reservation form is with the Sales Representative at a Presentation Centre.

Who completes the lot and unit reservation form?

The Sales Representative completes the form and the Purchaser signs it.

Does a Purchaser always have to provide a deposit?

Yes. When a Purchaser decides to buy a property a deposit via a bank draft is always required.

Why is a bank draft required?

The deposit is delivered via bank draft because it shows the Builder that the Purchaser’s financial institution has verified the funds are available. The deposit is to provide security to the Builder in the act of good faith that the Purchaser has a financial stake in the transaction.

Where is the deposit delivered?

The Sales Representative will let the Purchaser know how to deliver the deposit. The most common delivery methods are by mail and in person to a Presentation Centre.

When is the deposit due?

The Sales Representative will let the Purchaser know the date the deposit is due. Typically, the deposit is due at the time a lot reservation is signed or an agreement of purchase and sale is signed.

This step applies when a new home is being built and doesn't apply if an Inventory Single, Town, or Semi is being purchased.

Select a lot that suits your needs (detailed information about individual lots can be provided by the Sales Representative). Next, choose a house plan from the floor plan package or browse the options on our website. If needed, minor revisions to the floor plan can be discussed with your Sales Representative. Finally, select the features for your house using the Optional Upgrades list.

This step applies when a new home is being built and doesn't apply if an Inventory Single, Town, or Semi is being purchased.

The Sales Representative prepares a quotation based on the selected lot, house, and features. The process of selecting a lot, reviewing the house plan, and preparing the quotation typically takes 20 to 50 days. Once finalized, building a new home takes approximately 180 to 365 days, with the closing date outlined in the agreement.

After selecting all desired features, the Purchaser can proceed to sign the agreement. The deposit structure required to begin construction will be provided by the Sales Representative. Once the agreement is signed, the Purchaser should distribute copies to their Mortgage Broker, Lawyer, and Realtor.

Some agreements may include conditions, such as requiring finance approval or lawyer review. To finalize the agreement, an amendment is signed to confirm that these conditions have been met or removed. Once the conditions are cleared, the agreement becomes firm.

This step applies when a new home is being built and doesn't apply if an Inventory Single, Town, or Semi is being purchased.

The Builder creates the house plans based on the details outlined in the agreement. The Sales Representative then reviews these drawings to ensure all selected items are accurately reflected. Once the drawings are approved, a building permit is obtained, and the home is enrolled in Tarion. Meanwhile, the purchaser selects their appliances and provides a specification sheet for each, which will be needed later in the process.

This step applies when a new home is being built and doesn't apply if an Inventory Single, Town, or Semi is being purchased.

After the drawing review, the Builder's Design Consultant contacts the Purchaser to arrange selection meetings, where choices for paint, flooring, lights, and other finishes are made. The Purchaser provides the Design Consultant with their appliance specifications, which detail the required opening sizes. The selection process typically involves 3 to 6 meetings at the Builder's Selection Studio over a period of 30 to 60 days. If the Purchaser fails to complete the selections within the timeline, the Builder may either extend the closing date—charging approximately $300 per day—or proceed to make irrevocable selections on the Purchaser's behalf. Additionally, the Builder completes an electrical plan, outlining the locations of lights and other fixtures.

To ensure a smooth closing process, start by connecting with your mortgage broker to formalize the necessary mortgage documents. Next, reach out to your lawyer to confirm they have all the required paperwork for Closing Day. Finally, contact utility companies and service providers to set up accounts in preparation for your move.

Approximately 15 to 25 days before closing, the Builder will contact the Purchaser to confirm the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI). During the PDI, the Purchaser meets the Builder's Service Team to inspect the house and identify any deficiencies. The Service Team works to address these deficiencies between the PDI and the closing date. Additionally, the Purchaser and the Service Team will arrange how the keys will be delivered on the closing date.

On Closing Day the Purchaser's Lawyer and the Builder's Lawyer collaborate to ensure a smooth transfer of funds. Once the transfer is complete, the Service Team delivers the keys, allowing the Purchaser to take possession of the property!