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

No. A Realtor is not required to purchase a new home. If you choose to work with a Realtor, the Builder cooperates with and pays the Realtor, provided the Builder’s Potential Client Referral Form is completed and submitted prior to purchase.

Yes. Realtors must submit the Builder’s Potential Client Referral Form prior to their client purchasing. The form is available on our website.

Presentation Centre locations and contact details are listed on our website. Centres are typically open Tuesday to Friday from 12:00–5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 12:00–4:00 p.m. Calling ahead or booking an appointment is recommended.

Yes. Lot reservations are available and subject to approval. Once approved, a Lot Reservation Form, FINTRAC form, photo identification, and deposit are required. Reservation periods typically range from 20 to 60 days.

No. Lots are not sold separately from a home.

An Inventory Home is a home where the Builder has selected the features and finishes and construction has already begun. Available Inventory Homes are listed on our website.

Yes. Advertised prices include net HST and applicable development charges. A Price and Tax Summary is included in all Agreements of Purchase and Sale.

Deposit amounts vary by home type and community. As a general guideline:

• Freehold Towns and Semis: Approximately 5%–10% of the purchase price
• Single-Family Homes: Approximately 10% of the purchase price
• Inventory Homes: Approximately 10% of the purchase price

The full deposit is typically due within two (2) business days of signing the Agreement of Purchase and Sale. Your Sales Representative will confirm the exact deposit amount and payment details.

Deposits associated with lot reservations and conditional agreements are typically refundable. Once an agreement becomes firm (all conditions waived), the deposit is non-refundable.

Deposits must be paid by bank draft payable to Performance Communities Inc. Personal cheques are not accepted.

Purchasers are responsible for their own legal fees and provincial land transfer tax. Other standard adjustments (such as utilities and property tax adjustments) are handled on closing.

Land transfer tax is payable on closing and is calculated on a sliding scale based on the purchase price. Your lawyer will calculate the exact amount and arrange payment on closing.

As a general reference, land transfer tax on a $550,000 home in Ontario is approximately $8,500. First-time home buyers may be eligible for a provincial land transfer tax rebate, which can reduce the amount payable. Eligibility and rebate amounts should be confirmed with your lawyer.

The final price includes the lot price, base home price, upgrades selected, and standard closing adjustments. Final calculations are completed between the Purchaser’s lawyer and the Builder’s lawyer prior to closing.

A mortgage is a loan used to purchase a home. Before buying, Purchasers are encouraged to obtain a mortgage pre-approval (also called a Financial Approval Letter or FAL) from a lender or mortgage broker to understand their borrowing capacity and budget.

The Agreement of Purchase and Sale outlines the responsibilities of both the Purchaser and the Builder, including purchase price, deposit, and closing date.

A conditional agreement includes conditions—such as financing or legal review—that must be satisfied before the agreement becomes firm.

Eligibility for the HST rebate is determined by Canada Revenue Agency rules and should be confirmed with your lawyer. Prices include net HST, with applicable rebates assigned to the Builder.

Build timelines vary depending on design complexity and permit availability. Construction typically takes 180–300 days from the issuance of a building permit.

• Townhomes and Semis: Plan changes are not permitted.
• Inventory Homes: Plan changes are not permitted.
• Single-Family Homes: Single-family homes offer a high level of customization. After a deposit is received, Purchasers can work with the Sales Representative to request a wide range of plan modifications and design options. All changes are subject to review, approval, and applicable pricing to ensure compliance with building codes, scheduling, and community standards.

Purchasers work with the Builder’s Design Consultant to select approved colours and features at the Selection Studio. All selections must be completed within the designated timeframe. Selections apply to single-family homes only; finishes for Townhomes, Semis, and Inventory Homes are pre-selected by the Builder.

A Change Order documents any approved changes and must be signed by both the Purchaser and the Builder.

No. For warranty, safety, and scheduling reasons, all materials must be supplied and installed by the Builder, and Purchasers may not work on the home during construction.

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 PDI, a time is agreed upon for key delivery on the closing date.

All homes are covered under the Tarion Warranty Program, which includes:
• 1-year workmanship and materials warranty
• 2-year systems and building envelope warranty
• 7-year major structural defect warranty

Tarion administers Ontario’s new home warranty program under the Ontario New Home Warranties Plan Act.

Single-Family Homes: Appliances are not included. A decorative kitchen hood and dishwasher rough-ins are provided.
Towns and Semis: Appliances are not included. A microwave space and stove vent fan are provided.

Yes. The hot water heater is rented. In single-family homes, it may be purchased.

Purchasers are responsible for setting up utility accounts. Contact details are provided in the Ownership and Building Guide.

After the agreement becomes firm, Purchasers receive a guide outlining the construction process and key milestones leading up to closing.

Easements allow access for utilities or municipal services and cannot be altered or obstructed. Swales manage drainage across the property and must not be modified. Details are shown on the community grading plan.

Rental opportunities may be available; however, availability varies by community. Purchasers interested in renting should speak with their Sales Representative, who can connect them with a Hayhoe leasing agent to confirm current availability.

Yes. The Builder offers custom home construction on client-owned land and manages renovation projects. Please speak with a Sales Representative for a referral to the Hayhoe Custom Homes team.

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!