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The process of buying property in Canada is different from that in the UK and because real estate laws are a provincial matter there may be differences between provinces.

Not only are our homes much more spacious than typical British homes and with a basement which can double the usable space, our methods of buying and selling are different.

You will be impressed by how one realtor can access information on all available properties as 95 per cent of all real estate companies are MLS (Multiple Listing Service) co-operative. There is no need to drive to various communities hunting for signs on your own or finding estate agents in each community. Your realtor can do the search for you.

When you first contact a realtor they will ask a series of questions which will establish the criteria for an MLS search. Those criteria are then input into a computer database which only MLS co-operative realtors can access and a list of potential properties is generated for you.

From there you and your realtor can review the information and narrow the group down to a short list of properties that you can decide to view in person. You will want to work with a realtor who will assist you in understanding the differences in terminology. For example a bungalow is a style of house where all of the main rooms are on one level. It will also have a full basement or even a walk-out basement doubling the living area of the home.

Your realtor will set up all viewing appointments and escort you through each property. The vendors will not usually be present for this viewing so you need not feel as if you are infringing on their territory. This gives you ample time and opportunity to take a really close look at things and visualise your furniture's placement in the home.

It's also part of your realtor's obligation to point out less obvious deficiencies in the home and location and bring them to your attention.