Buying a home is not just about the money you spend up front. It's all about the rest of the money you need to spend beyond that. Before making an offer on a home, find out what the property taxes are, what the water bill might be, and what the standard electrical bill is in that home. Utilities differ from home to home, neighborhood to neighborhood, so it's crucial to factor in these costs ahead of time.
You also want to think about the kind of furnishing you plan on purchasing. You might need to purchase new appliances or furniture, depending on the house and the terms put down by the seller. These are things you need to investigate, as they'll contribute to the final cost of the home. If you would like guidance so you don't fall victim to the hidden costs often associated with the home buying process, please don't hesitate to give us a call or shoot us an email. We would love to hear from you!
Today's topic is simple but crucial. If you're a homebuyer, you need to prioritize your needs over your wants. Look at the space you're already living in. It will help you determine what you've been missing and what you need in your next home. Make a list of those needs and then ask your agent to start shopping based on those needs.
On average, Canadians live in a house for about nine years. Remember: You can always trade up a few times before you find that perfect home! Perhaps you would like a finished basement, new light fixtures, new hardwood floors, or a more open layout; note all of these things and put them in order of importance so that your agent can go out and look for a home that most closely aligns with what you want. It may take a few moves to get EVERYTHING, but experienced agents like ourselves will do everything in our power to help you find that perfect property. If you have any questions about the home buying process, or if you need real estate assistance of any kind, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!
The busy spring real estate season is almost upon us, so there's no better time to share some pointers about the home inspection process. If you are buying a home, even if it's brand new, we recommend and suggest getting a professional home inspection. If you plan on foregoing a home inspection, you may run into some problems.
There are many things a home inspection can reveal that aren't visible to the naked eye. Be sure to hire someone who comes with a good referral basis -- someone who has been in the business for a long time and knows what to look for. We always recommend that you look up the Canadian Society of Home Inspectors and get a list of qualified inspectors in your area. Once you find an inspector, insist that they compile a written report complete with photos. The photos are important because there are areas a home inspector may go that you may not look at. If you work with someone reputable, they will identify things that need to be addressed before you list your home. If you have any questions about the inspection process, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. We would love to hear from you!
