Be fully prepared to buy. Have a REALTOR® on your team.
Hi Guys,
Today I would like to share with you some handy tips about buying and being prepared to buy your home. I know it can be stressful, but it's emotionally rewarding. Just picture this: you are tired, hungry and angry after a whole day of work and stuck in the traffic, rushing home. When you make a first step into your beautiful home, you have already forgotten all your problems and you are looking forward to relax on your comfortable couch and watch this 65' TV. Does it sound about right?
Association of Realtors prepared this amazing road-map for all home buyers and I would like to share it with you:
"Take a few minutes and all the ways a REALTOR® can help you succeed with the biggest purchase of your life.
1. Make sure you're ready to buy
If you're thinking of buying a home, you've come to the right place. This website can fully prepare you for the home-buying process. Before we jump right in, you have to make sure that, just like Tyler, it's the right time for you to buy. A REALTOR® can help take care of the rest.
Are you ready? Be sure
Few joys can match the pride of owning the roof over your head, but you will have to make some sacrifices. There's the obvious financial responsibility, but your home will also require constant care. That's what real pride of ownership is all about.
Is your bank account ready? Check it twice
Your first home will be the biggest financial obligation you've ever faced, so do it right with the help of a REALTOR® and avoid regretting taking on more than you should. It is ideal to have saved up some money and manage any ongoing debts. In a couple steps, you can determine how much you can afford.
Is right now a good time to buy?
Markets go up, markets go down and even the smartest experts can't accurately predict when a market will peak or bottom out. If you're buying a home as a long-term investment (and for long-term enjoyment), you should be protected from short-term changes in the market. Pick a home that meets the needs of you and your family. Then you'll enjoy living in your investment as it grows in value.
2. Decide what you want to buy
Nowadays, there are many different types of homes to choose from. Without the help of a REALTOR®, you may end up in a neighborhood that doesn't suit your needs. Take a minute to reflect on your lifestyle, and based on that, decide what best fits you. To help, we've broken down the most popular housing options here.
First, decide where you want to live:
-Urban: If you're leaning towards the big city, a REALTOR® can help you consider each factor. Sure the prices are generally higher, but you can walk to a restaurant, maybe even to work. You'll also have the widest range of housing options.
-Suburban: Newer schools, modern shopping centres, bigger yards, and bigger homes are just a few of the reasons why so many people love the suburbs.
-Smaller Cities and TownsSmaller cities and towns in Canada are dotted with thousands of wonderful self-contained communities, and compared to the big city, you can save a bundle.
-Rural: Live rural if you're partial to the idea of owning land. How nice would it be to own a few acres all to yourself? Seclusion is not for everybody, but for some, it's heaven.Next, decide what type of home you want.
Next, decide what type of home you want.
By now, you probably have a good idea of what type of home is right for you. To familiarize yourself with the terminology, here's a quick overview:
-Single-family detached:As the name implies, the home is not attached to the home next door. Styles range from a single-story suburban bungalow, to a three-story Victorian.
-Semi-detached or linked:Two houses that share a common wall. Usually less money than a fully detached home.Duplex:A building zoned for two families.
-Town house:Also known as terrace or row housing. Several homes with a common style and joined in a row. They usually share walls on both sides.
The condo alternative:
How Condos are owned:
You'll own 100% of your unit, and a share of the common areas. Common areas include the necessary plumbing, electrical systems, hallways and elevators. They may also include lots of fun stuff like a private gym or party room.
Condo fees. Membership has privileges and costs:
On top of your mortgage and property taxes, condo owners also pay a monthly fee to operate and maintain the common areas. Be sure to look into condo fees, and how well they're managed, before signing anything.
Resale:
Previously-lovedNothing can match the charm and character of an older home. As a bonus, the previous owner may have made improvements and upgrades and you get them with the house, usually for less than the cost of putting them in yourself. However, some may have a little too much 'character', like a leaky roof. Know what you're getting into.
New:
If you're having a new home built from the bottom up, carefully examine the property, the blueprints and visit other homes built by the same company. Have your REALTOR® and/or lawyer review everything before you sign. While your home is being built, stay on top of the process. And remember, you have a legal right to make a full inspection of the house before you accept it as complete.
You know what you want, but let's talk needs
Are you getting out of a two-bedroom apartment because it's too small? Then your new home should have at least three bedrooms, and probably a second bathroom. REALTORS® call these must-have features "needs". Features you'd like to have are called "wants". Your strategy should be to find a home within your price range that fulfills all or most of your 'needs', and as many of your 'wants' as possible. To help you with this, we've supplied you with your very own Dream Home Checklist.
https://www.realtor.ca/Residential/Resource/en-CA/Dream_Home_Checklist.pdf
