Buying a Home with `The Crowds`

Know your budget.

Before you even start looking at houses, it is essential that you know how much you can or are willing to spend. I help you to factor in closing fees, taxes, utilities, repairs and maintenance, and also allow for the lifestyle factors that are essential to you. I also ensure that you talk to your bank or mortgage broker to get pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) for your mortgage so that when it comes time to make an offer you are absolutely certain of your financial position.

Choose your neighbourhood.

Once you know your budget, you can start to look at where you want to live. Where you live goes beyond the house or unit, or even the street. Think about restaurants, shopping, schools, parks, recreational facilities, neighbours and how close you are to your work, family and friends. Look at access to highways and public transportation. There are a lot of great neighbourhoods in Toronto so make sure where you are looking is a reasonable fit for your budget and lifestyle. If there are several neighbourhoods that interest you, walk around them, try out the shops and restaurants, talk to people who live there and find out everything you can about what it’s like to live there. Finding the right house is a whole lot easier when you know where you want it to be. 

Know what you want.

Make a list of both the “must-have” features and the “nice to have” features you are looking for in your home. Your search will be much easier when you know what you want. Know what your “deal breakers” are . For example, private parking might be essential to you, or you might decide that for the right house you can live with street parking. You might have an eat-in kitchen on your list, or maybe you don’t have a strong preference. Maybe you want a big back yard, or maybe you are happier with a small low-maintenance outdoor space. Remember that some features on your list, such as a main floor powder room, natural light, or garage, might be possible to add later, so look for potential in a home as well as existing features. The more you know about what you like, the more fun and productive your search time will be. Be prepared for your ‘want list’ to change or grow as you look at specific properties.

Know what you can manage in special projects.

Let’s face it - not everyone has a home renovation in them. It’s helpful to know how much work you are willing to do to a house that you buy – a renovation budget is only one factor. Most people prefer to buy a house that is ready to move in and enjoy right away. Some welcome a renovation project and being able to choose their own style and finishes. Know which category you fall into.

Be both prepared and patient.

Your ideal home could come to you quickly or it could take some time to find a good fit. Once you know your budget and wish list, and start to look at houses that fit your basic criteria you will begin to recognize what is right for you. But be patient. Choosing a home is an important decision, so it pays to look around.

When you see a property you want, go for it.

When you see a property you want, be ready to take immediate action.  If you are in competition, do all you can to make your offer appeal to the Seller. Price is very important of course, but conditions such as financing or home inspection, along with the deposit and closing date will also affect your offer’s chances of acceptance. Put as much as possible in your favour and work to win.

Working with me and following these six steps, you will find Just the Right Home! Promise.